- Difficult market conditions in Core Europe impact the first half-year: group revenues at EUR 139.9m (prior year: EUR 142.6m)

- EBIT at EUR 2.8m due to decline in revenues and cost increases (prior year: EUR 5.8m); positive contribution to earnings from North America

- For total year 2013 Revenue at prior year level with an EBIT margin of five to six percent targeted

Augsburg, 7 August 2013 - The business development of the WashTec Group - the leading supplier of innovative solutions for car wash worldwide - was affected by difficult market conditions in Core Europe in the first half of 2013. Group revenues declined, particularly due to lower revenues in Europe, by 1.9% to EUR 139.9m (H1-2012: EUR 142.6m). The other regions, North America, Asia-Pacific and Eastern Europe, were able to keep revenues stable or increase revenues during the first six months. EBIT was EUR 2.8m (H1-2012: EUR 5.8m after correction pursuant to IAS 8). Main reasons were the lower revenues and scaled wage increases. Thanks to the measures implemented, a significant increase in earnings was achieved in North America with a positive EBIT of EUR 0.1m (prior year: EUR -1.2m).

Sound balance sheet structures

The net financial debt (net bank debt plus long and short-term finance leasing) as of June 30 was EUR 12.4m (end of 2012: EUR 8.3m) mainly due to the dividend distribution of EUR 8.1m. The equity ratio compared to year end 2012 declined from 46.0% to 41.9%. The gearing ratio - defined as the quotient of net finance debt to equity - climbed relative to year-end 2012 from 0.10 to 0.16, a figure still considered low. Net cash flow in the first half-year was positive at EUR 7.7m (prior year EUR 11.1m).

Analysis and adjustment of the strategy

In the second quarter, the management continued its analysis of the mid-term strategy of WashTec . During the course of the strategic review, an in-depth analysis was conducted on the product portfolio, market and customer developments as well as on WashTec's current positioning. The fundamental strategic positioning of WashTec was largely validated. WashTec sees itself as the preferred global 'partner of choice' for automated car wash. The strategy will be published during the third quarter.

Dr. Jürgen Rautert, Management Board of WashTec AG: 'WashTec is solidly positioned and has the necessary resources for a longterm profitable development executing the strategic initiatives that have been developed.'

Outlook for 2013: Revenues at the prior year level with an EBIT margin of five to six percent

Business development in the second quarter of 2013 remained below expectations. However, order intake and order backlog developed positively and were above the prior year at the end of June 2013. Positive business development is therefore expected for the second half of the year. In light of this the Company is targeting a revenues at the prior level with an EBIT margin of five to six percent for the full year.

The Company is aiming for the following results for the individual segments:

- Core Europe: Revenue and earnings below last year;

- North America: Profitable with slightly increasing revenues;

- Emerging Europe: Revenues and earnings slightly higher than last year;

- Asia/Pacific: Significant revenue growth with disproportionately lower earnings development due to capital expenditures; greater share of revenue growth from the Chinese market.

The full Half Year Report, which PwC certified following its audit review, and additional information regarding the Company is published at: www.washtec.de.

Key Group figures for the first half of the year:

*Average number of shares as of 30 June 2013: 13,935,914 shares, as of 30 June 2012: 13,976,970.
** Net finance debt to equity
*** Current trade receivables + inventories - short-term trade payables

About WashTec:
The WashTec Group, with its registered office in Augsburg, Germany, is the leading provider of of innovative car wash solutions around the world. The company is represented with subsidiaries in the core markets of Europe, the
USA and Canada, as well as China and Australia. WashTec is also present in around 65 countries through its independent marketing partners.

Contact:
Corporate Communications
WashTec AG
Argonstraße 7
86153 Augsburg
Tel.: +49 (0)821 - 55 84 - 0