Metsäliitto Group's first quarter 2010 operating result will be clearly better than the result for previous quarter

Metsäliitto Group's first quarter 2010 operating result will be clearly better than the result for previous quarter Metsäliitto Group Stock Exchange Release 8 April 2010 at 1.15 pm In connection with the financial statements for the year 2009 announced on 4 February 2010, Metsäliitto Group estimated that the favourable development started in the last quarter of 2009, will continue in the first quarter of 2010 and that the operating result excluding non-recurring items will be better than the previous quarter. Metsäliitto Group's operating result excluding non-recurring items for the first quarter of 2010 is expected to be clearly better than the result for previous quarter and amount to approximately EUR 100 million. The operating result excluding non-recurring items for the last quarter of 2009 was EUR 44 million. The positive development is due to increase in pulp prices and stronger than anticipated demand situation. "The positive effects of Metsäliitto Group's restructuring work are now starting to show in our result. A more focused Metsäliitto Group is able to effectively utilise the positive market development," says Kari Jordan, President and CEO of Metsäliitto Group. Metsäliitto Group will announce the result for the first quarter of 2010 on 5 May 2010. Further information: Hannu Anttila, acting Group CFO, tel. +358 10 465 5111 Anne-Mari Achrén, Group CCO, tel. +358 10 465 4541 [HUG#1401400]