Jan 21, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. Based on preliminary information, M-real Corporation's sales in 4Q 2009 were approximately Euro 620 million and the operating result, excluding non-recurring items approximately Euro 6 million - clearly better than expected, the company said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. In connection with the announcement of its 3Q results on October 22, 2009, M-real expected the 4Q operating result, excluding non-recurring items, to be clearly better than the results of the two first quarters of the year. Mainly due to improved operating rates and own profit improvement measures and despite the seasonally lower delivery volumes in December, the 4Q operating result, excluding non-recurring items, was clearly better than also the third quarter 2009. M-real's annual sales in 2009 were approximately Euro 2,440 million, and the operating result, excluding non-recurring items, was approximately Euro -150 million. M-real's equity was positively impacted by approximately Euro 58 million due to the divestment of Metsä Botnia's Uruguayn operations and Pohjolan Voima Oy shares, as well as the change in Metsä Botnia's ownership structure. M-real will announce the full year 2009 results on February 4, 2010.