HBG announces preliminary unaudited results 2001

Revenues per sector

HBG's activities are well spread in 2001. HBG realised 29% of the revenues in the United Kingdom [2000: 27%], 7% in Ireland [5%], 23% in the Netherlands [28%], 3% in Belgium [4%], 18% in Germany [17%], 9% in the United States [10%] and 11% in other markets [9%].

Operating result and EBIT per sector and net result

At the moment of publication of HBG's half year figures for 2001, the Group forecasted a net result for the whole of 2001 of €90 million. This amount was including a positive after tax extraordinary result of €14 million, mainly as a result of the sale of HBG's interest in NEM during the first half year.

The currently estimated negative exceptional result for 2001 of €21 million includes a non-recurring supplement of €17 million to HBG's Pensionfund to compensate for the reduced value of its assets due to stock market developments in 2001. The positive extraordinary net result of € 46 million includes the results of the sale of HBG's interest in NEM and of the book profit of the Ballast Ham Dredging transaction minus intended restructuring costs.

As earlier stated by HBG the 2000 operating result for dredging was exceptionally high. The 2001 operating result is influenced by conservative profit recognition due to the start of several large projects. Based on the percentage of completion method of accounting, profits on these projects in a financial year are not recognised before 35% completion.

HBG's pre-exceptional EBITDA for 2001 is estimated at €223 million [2000: €178 million].

The unaudited net cash position at year end amounts to €208 million [2000: €200 million].

HBG confirms its expectation that the Group will achieve EBIT of at least €200 million in 2003. HBG's EBIT forecast for 2002 is around €160 million.

For further information:

Arno C. Pronk, HBG Public Relations, +31 70 3722121.