Essanelle Hair Group acquires nine hair salons

Number of new salons in first six months rises to 30

Düsseldorf, June 19, 2006 – Essanelle Hair Group AG will acquire nine hair salons with effect from July 1, 2006. All nine salons are located in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia and live up to the quality standards of Essanelle Hair Group AG. Situated in large hypermarkets and shopping centres, the new salons will be integrated into the company’s “essanelle Ihr Friseur” and “HairExpress” concepts. This latest takeover brings the number of new salons in the first half of the year to 30. The company plans to open at least 50 new salons in the full year 2006.

The Essanelle Hair Group expects the new salons to generate annual sales of approx. EUR 2 million, which means that they would contribute roughly EUR 1 million to total sales in the second half of 2006. At the same time, there is no need for major spending on renovation work or furnishings and fittings; the existing salon equipment can largely remain in use.

“We are pleased to take over the new salons as it means that we continue our growth strategy as planned. We have taken the opportunity to acquire well-established salons operating at a high sales and earnings level,” said Achim Mansen, Board member of the Essanelle Hair Group.

In the context of the expansion strategy, the company will continue to focus on new salons in prime locations but also take over small chains whenever attractive opportunities arise. The relevant criterion is that the new salons can easily be integrated into one of the company’s five brand concepts.

Kontakt:
Haubrok Investor Relations
Michael Müller
+49-21 56-49 65 195
M.Mueller@haubrok.de