Operating result of € 32-37 million and net result of € 17-22 million expected
in H1 2009 (both excluding non-recurring items)

Strong focus on cash and debt reduction

Additional cost savings implemented

Headlines:

Volume down 23% in first four months of 2009, mainly due to automotive sector, lower construction volumes in Europe and reduced demand for copper communication cable.
EBITDA, excluding non-recurring items[1], of € 60-65 million expected for H1 2009 (H1 2008: € 102.9 million).
Operating result, excluding non-recurring items[1], of € 32-37 million expected for H1 2009 (H1 2008: € 75.7 million).
Net income for the period, excluding non-recurring items[1], of € 17-22 million expected for H1 2009 (H1 2008: € 49.3 million).
Exceptionally difficult market conditions in Q4 2008 continued into Q1 2009, with consequences for all market segments in which Draka is active. The signs so far in Q2 2009 point to a stabilisation in market conditions.
Cost-saving programmes that have already been implemented are on track. New measures have been announced, targeted mainly on the Communications Group. Total cost savings now estimated at € 50 million from 2010 onwards, with about € 30 million already being realised in 2009 of which approximately € 20 million in H2 2009.
Operating working capital as a percentage of revenue expected within target bandwidth of 16-18% (H1 2008: 17.8%).
Net debt at least € 25 million lower compared with year-end 2008, due to positive cash flow trend and sale of Draka's OPGW operations.

Amsterdam, 19 May 2009 - This trading update for the first half of 2009 is issued by Draka Holding N.V., one of the world's leading producers of low-voltage cable, cable for OEMs and communication cable, in advance of the publication of the first-half figures on Thursday, 13 August 2009 (before start of trading).

Commenting on the projected results for the first half of 2009, Sandy Lyons, Chairman and CEO of Draka Holding N.V, said: 'Given the significant fall in demand in many of Draka's end-user markets, we are pleased that the forecasts indicate positive net income in the first half of 2009. This is due in part to the comprehensive cost-saving measures we have implemented since the summer of 2008.

Although there are signs of market conditions starting to stabilise on a low level in the second quarter of this year, Draka will continue to focus on further streamlining its production capacity and tailoring it to the market's needs. We are therefore taking additional steps to reduce costs further and speed up the cost-saving programmes already in progress. Further action is also being taken to optimise Draka's organisation, maintain capital discipline and reduce the debt position. These actions will ensure we maintain our focus on our customers and provide them with the products they require and the service they deserve.'

[1] Gross non-recurring items in H1 2009 estimated at approximately € 15 million negative. Non-recurring items in H1 2008 amounted to € 5 million negative.


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