In a market environment characterized by a sluggish economy worldwide and declining demand for lubricants, FUCHS PETROLUB AG in Mannheim, Germany, a globally operating producer of lubricants, succeeded in upping its sales by 4.2 % to reach EUR 940 m and its operating profits by 9.7 % to EUR 61 m in 2001. Due to exceptional items and an increased financing outlay, the group's net income for the year, at EUR 16.2 m, did not repeat the all-time best result of 2000 (18.5 m). Capital expenditures on tangible and intangible assets were EUR 28.7 m, down from the preceding year's figure of 32.5. The worldwide workforce showed a slight shrinkage, at 3,871 on 31 December 2001. An unchanged cash dividend of EUR 3.87 per ordinary share and EUR 4.38 per preference share will be proposed to the Annual General Meeting. For the ongoing year, the group anticipates sales in excess of EUR 1 bn and rising profits.


Mannheim, 26 April 2002

FUCHS PETROLUB AG
Public Relations
Friesenheimer Str. 17
D-68169 Mannheim
Tel.: +49 621 3802-104