Jan 19, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. Based on preliminary information, Metsäliitto Group's sales in 2009 were approximately Euro 1,200 million (July-September 2009: Euro 1 155 million). The estimated operating result excluding non-recurring items amounted to Euro 35 million (July-September 2009: Euro 9 million), the company said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. In connection with the announcement of its 3Q results of 2009 on 22 October 2009, Metsäliitto expected that for seasonal reasons, the operating result excluding non-recurring items for the final quarter of the year to fall below third quarter levels. The improvement of the estimated operating result was affected by the pulp price developing more favourably than forecasted, improved mill utilisation rates, and the internal profit improvement measures. Annual sales in 2009 were approximately Euro 4,850 million (January-December 2008: Euro 6,434 million). The estimated operating result excluding non-recurring items amounted to Euro -84 million (45). For the final quarter of 2009, Metsäliitto Group will book an estimated total of Euro -27 million of non-recurring items affecting the operating result: - Euro 195 million profit related to Metsä-Botnia's ownership arrangements. - Euro 113 million impairment loss in M-real. - Euro 73 million cost provisions and write offs related to M-real's action plans announced in December 2009. - Euro 21 million expense item incurred by a cartel fine imposed by the Finnish Market Court. - Euro 7 million of other cost provisions of M-real. - Euro 8 million of other cost provisions and write offs.