May 16, 2008. /Lesprom.com/. Following the record year 2007, HOMAG Group AG maintained its growth course in 1Q 2008. The Company's sales revenue rose by 18 percent in the first three months vis-à-vis the comparable prior-year quarter, reaching Euro 227 million (prior year: Euro 193 million). Total operating performance rose 11 percent to Euro 240 million (prior year: Euro 216 million). Adjusted for the increase in merchandise of some Euro 5 million, sales revenue would have increased by 15 percent and total operating performance by 9 percent. CEO Joachim Brenk is also highly satisfied with the order intake of Euro 232 million (prior year: Euro 234 million). "The weak market situation in countries such as the US, Spain or Japan was offset by an above-budget order intake from Eastern Europe and Asia in particular. We have almost matched the record figures achieved in the prior year again and we are thus above target.” At Euro 312 million as of March 31, 2008, the order backlog of the HOMAG Group rose considerably, by 12 percent compared to the end of the 1Q 2007 (Euro 278 million) and by 22 percent compared to year-end 2007 (Euro 255 million). CEO Brenk expects continued growth in sales revenue and earnings in the 2Q 2008: "We are confident that we will achieve a substantial improvement on the prior-year quarter, which had more bank holidays and was burdened by the cost of participating in the LIGNA trade fair as well as a slight loss of productivity owing to preparations for the trade fair. In addition, efficiency improvements from "Project 2008” will impact the 2Q. Order intake in the second quarter will reflect the effects of Xylexpo, the major industry trade fair held in Italy, although this will not match the impact of the main trade fair, LIGNA, which is held every two years. Consequently, the order intake budgeted for the 2Q is lower than in the same quarter of the prior year, but remains at a high level.” Overall, the management board’s confidence has grown as regards its forecast for fiscal 2008, according to which sales revenue is expected to increase by at least 6 percent and EBITDA to at least match that rise. Indeed, the management board sees a good chance that sales revenue might surpass the Euro 900 million mark for the first time. In light of an improved interest result, the non-recurring nature of the IPO costs incurred and the effects of the business tax reform in Germany, the net profit for the year after minority interests is expected to swell by more than 30 percent. HOMAG Group AG is a global manufacturer of plant and machinery for the woodworking industry.