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EBIT affected by special charges

Eglisau / Zurich, March 8, 2005

AFB Investment S.A., a company controlled by CVC Capital Partners, has published its tender offer for the shares of Forbo at an offer price of CHF 260 per share today. In connection with the fairness opinion published also today, Forbo announces that the EBIT 2004 amounts to some CHF –44 million (first half-year 2004: CHF 29.6 million).

The operating profit (EBIT, Earnings before Interest and Taxes) for the year 2004 was influenced by restructuring charges and considerable special charges. The operating profit announced in the context of the fairness opinion has not been approved by the Board of Directors yet nor reviewed by the auditors.

The Board of Directors will announce the final results on March 22, 2005 in connection with the publication of the business results for the year 2004 at the occasion of the media and financial analysts conference.

Forbo is a leading producer of floor coverings, adhesives, and beltings. The company with head office in Eglisau, Switzerland, employs some 5,600 people. The holding company – Forbo Holding AG – is listed at the SWX Swiss Exchange (securities number 354'151, Bloomberg FORN SW, Reuters FORZn S). Further information can be found at www.forbo.com.

Corina Atzli
Head of Corporate Communications
Tel: + 41 1 868 25 69
Fax: + 41 1 868 35 69