Apr 08, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. M-real Corporation estimated that 1Q 2010 operating result excluding non-recurring items will improve from 4Q 2009, company said in a statement received by Lesprom Network. Due to stronger overall demand and higher than anticipated pulp price M-real's 1Q 2010 operating result, excluding non-recurring items, is expected to be approximately Euro 35 million. This is clearly better than the Euro 7 million achieved in 4Q 2009. Consequently, result before taxes, excluding non-recurring items, in 1Q 2010 is expected to be clearly positive. "Demand seems to continue on a good level. Availability of pulp has temporarily weakened mainly due to the unfortunate earthquake in Chile. This may cause board and paper production curtailments globally and further increase pulp prices. Board and paper prices must be increased to cover the increasing fibre costs. M-real has announced price increases for all its main products and the implementation is proceeding", says CEO Mikko Helander. M-real will announce the 1Q 2010 results on May 5, 2010. M-real is the leading primary fibre paperboard producer and a major paper supplier in Europe.