Ronnie Leten comments on Atlas Copco's Q1 results

Ronnie Leten comments on Atlas Copco's Q1 results

Stockholm, Sweden, April 28, 2010: Atlas Copco achieved significant order growth
and a good operating margin in the first quarter of 2010, as demand increased
from most customer segments and in all regions. Orders received reached new
record levels in Asia and South America.

“We have seen a clear recovery in orders, both sequentially and compared to the
low level 12 months ago, much as a result of our broad geographical exposure,”
says Ronnie Leten, President and CEO of the Atlas Copco Group “It is also
pleasing that our efficiency measures have worked so well, and we achieved a
solid profit for the period.”

Orders received increased 22% organically to MSEK 17 267 (14 331), while
revenues declined 3% organically to MSEK 15 301. Operating profit increased to
MSEK 2 627 (2 172), corresponding to an operating margin of 17.2% (14.5% the
previous year, adjusted for restructuring costs). 

“The upturn was most pronounced for mining equipment, but demand for industrial
and construction equipment also improved and we recorded double-digit order
growth in all business areas,” Ronnie Leten says. “The general demand
development was encouraging in North America and especially good in markets such
as India, China, and Brazil, while Europe remains weak.”

The overall demand for the Group's products and services is expected to improve
somewhat from current levels. Demand in most emerging markets is foreseen to
develop favorably in all business areas. Demand in North America is expected to
increase gradually, whereas Europe is expected to remain largely unchanged.

Two acquisitions were finalized during the quarter; a compressor distributor in
Louisiana, USA, and Quincy Compressor. The beginning of the year also saw the
roll-out of Atlas Copco's upgraded brand promise: Committed to sustainable
productivity. 

“We are very happy to now have these companies on board. They strongly
complement our existing business,” Ronnie Leten says. “Our brand promise,
sustainable productivity, highlights that we take a long-term perspective in all
our business activities. We will build on this fact to make Atlas Copco an even
more attractive supplier, partner, employer and investment case.”

For further information please contact:
Daniel Frykholm, Media Relations Manager
+46 (0)8 743 8060 or +46 (0)70 865 8060

Atlas Copco discloses the information provided herein pursuant to the Securities
Markets Act and/or the Financial Instruments Trading Act.

Atlas Copco is an industrial group with world-leading positions in compressors,
construction and mining equipment, power tools and assembly systems. The Group
delivers sustainable solutions for increased customer productivity through
innovative products and services. Founded 1873, the company is based in
Stockholm, Sweden, and has a global reach spanning more than 170 countries. In
2009, Atlas Copco had about 30 000 employees and revenues of BSEK 64 (BEUR 6.0).
Learn more at www.atlascopco.com.