Ronnie Leten comments on Atlas Copco's Q3 results

Ronnie Leten comments on Atlas Copco's Q3 results

Stockholm, Sweden, October 21, 2011: Atlas Copco today reported
third-quarter results with revenues and operating profit margin at new
record levels. Demand remained on a high level, with strong growth in
the aftermarket business. In the near term, the overall demand is
expected to weaken somewhat from the current high level.

“Our performance in the third quarter was very strong and we achieved
good growth figures, especially in the United States and China,” says
Ronnie Leten, President and CEO of the Atlas Copco Group. “Since July we
have been operating with four business areas and have already started
adapting the structure of some customer centers, which will help us
drive organic growth.”

Revenues in the third quarter increased 21% organically to MSEK 20 739
(17 743) and the operating profit was MSEK 4 800 (3 782), corresponding
to an operating profit margin of 23.1% (21.3). The organic order growth
was 14% to MSEK 21 151 (19 316).

“Considering the softening we have seen in the construction industry and
the generally uncertain market situation, we have reviewed our
contingency plans. We are confident that our operations are fit and well
prepared, however the market develops,” Ronnie Leten says.

Atlas Copco has recently announced four company acquisitions, including
that of SCA Schucker, a Germany-based manufacturer of adhesive
equipment. This acquisition presents new growth opportunities as many
car manufacturers and aerospace companies increasingly use light-weight
materials.

“We will continuously review potential acquisitions to add new
technologies, but it is even more important that we remain focused on
product development and innovation,” says Ronnie Leten.

Atlas Copco was in August named one of the world's 100 most innovative
companies on a list published by Forbes magazine. Notably, a conceptual
battery-powered asphalt roller has recently been tested, the first such
machine in the world. In the United States, the Group began a research
project to develop technology for high-speed drilling of geothermal
wells.

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