Order intake: up 16 percent to 10.8 billion euros/ Sales: up 20 percent to 10.1 billion euros/ Earnings far more than doubled to 400 million euros/ Target for 2004/2005: Surpass the very good level achieved in 2003/2004.

ThyssenKrupp made a good start to the 2004/2005 fiscal year. In the first three months October to December 2004 order intake reached 10.8 billion euros (prior-year quarter 9.3 billion euros) and sales 10.1 billion euros (8.5 billion euros). This represents an increase of around 16 percent in order intake and roughly 20 percent in sales. Earnings far more than doubled from a year earlier and are expected to be well in excess of 400 million euros (168 million euros).

ThyssenKrupp expects the encouraging business performance to continue on the whole. The Company plans to achieve sales of 41 billion euros. This figure does not include portfolio changes. The Steel segment expects carbon steel sales to increase as a result of higher steel prices. Automotive likewise aims to increase sales. Elevator plans further business growth, with sales increasing mainly in Asia and Latin America and the other markets showing moderate expansion. At Technologies sales are expected to reach the prior-year level despite disposals. Services expects to achieve further growth in the Eastern European market and also in the industrial services business.

Executive Board Chairman Prof. Dr. Ekkehard Schulz: "Our aim is to surpass the very good level of pre-tax earnings achieved in 2003/2004, not including the effects of disposals and restructuring measures. We will continue to pay a dividend based on our earnings performance."

The interim report on the first quarter of fiscal year 2004/2005 will be published on February 14, 2005.

Contact:

Dr. Jürgen Claassen
Corporate Communications, Strategy, and Executive Affairs
Telephone +49 211 824-36002
Fax +49 211 824-36005
E-mail: press@thyssenkrupp.com
www.thyssenkrupp.com