Against a less-than-easy macro-economic background, the globally active lubricant producer FUCHS PETROLUB AG in Mannheim, Germany, continued to operate successfully in the third quarter of 2001. Nine-month consolidated sales rose by 5.6 % over the preceding year's equivalent figure, to reach Euro 10.6 m
(672.7). Operating profits and earnings before interest and tax (EBIT), at Euro 45.0 m and Euro 44.3 m respectively, were almost fully up to the previous year's level, the group's best year ever (Euro 45.3 m and Euro 45.0 m respectively).
The nine-month net income of Euro 12.5 m (14.9) was down on the preceding year's figure by 16.1 %, due to increased exceptional items and financing cost. This produces, after goodwill amortization of Euro 0.8 (0.7) per share, nine-month earnings per share of Euro 4.9 (5.8). The cash flow from current operating activities was significantly increased during the year's first nine months, to Euro 24.6 m (8.0). Capital expenditures in the first nine months of the year totaled Euro 20.9 m (20.8). The workforce on September 30, 2001 had risen to
3,917 people (3,856).

The almost worldwide economic uncertainties render it particularly difficult at present to make business and profit forecasts. But consolidated sales in October 2001, at Euro 5,4 m (81.8), were significantly up on September's disappointing business volume of Euro 76.0 m (80.2). This gives the group confidence that it
will finish the full year 2001 with an overall record better than the average for the lubricant sector and many other industries as well.

Mannheim, November 30, 2001

FUCHS PETROLUB AG
Public Relations
Friesenheimer Str. 17
D-68169 Mannheim
Tel.: +49(0)621/3802 104
The press release is also available on the Internet under http://www.fuchs-oil.de.