Interim report

INTERIM REPORT JANUARY - SEPTEMBER 1999 Market investments contributed to a significantly higher sales growth, 19%, in the third quarter. Sales in the last nine months up 8%. Strengthening of the marketing organization, especially in Japan, affected operating margin. Earnings per share decreased by 14%. For the full-year 1999, a sales increase in line with the earlier forecast is expected, i.e. in the range of 10%. Continued strong sales recovery in Asia-Pacific and substantial improvement in the Americas in the third quarter. Increased focus on drug discovery through own R&D investments and strategic alliances, e.g. with Bioreason Inc. Co-operation with Boehringer Ingelheim yields sales of DEM 1 million in 1999 and opens future market in quality control of pharmaceuticals. ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/10/21/19991021BIT00480/bit0001.doc The full report http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/10/21/19991021BIT00480/bit0002.pdf The full report