Bekaert is a global leader in steel wire transformation and coating technologies. In 2008, the company achieved record sales of €4.01 billion, a 17.3% increase over the previous year, driven by 17.7% organic growth and 5.8% from acquisitions. Advanced wire products contributed most to sales, growing 19.2% to €3.69 billion, while advanced materials and coatings declined slightly. The company aims to continue growth through presence in emerging markets and continuous product innovation.

1. BEKAERT Better together

4. CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED SALES BY BUSINESS SEGEMENT Consolidated Combined Advanced materials Advanced Coatings

5. CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED SALES BY BUSINESS SEGEMENT Colidated sales In millions (€) Variance Combined sales In millions (€) Variance Advanced wire products 2331 +26.4% 3690 +19.2% Advanced materials 199 -2.0% 199 -2.0% Advanced coatings 121 -3.1% 121 -3.1% Intersegment sales and others 11 - - - Total 2662 +22.5% 4010 +17.3%

9. INVESTMENTS + 21%

10. DIVIDEND

12. FINANCIAL RESULTS 2007 2008 Variance Earnings/share € 7.63 € 8.83 + 16%

13. BALANCE SHEET In thousands of € 2 667 164 2 667 164 1 408 708 1 258 456 1 172 332 513 684 981 148 1 172 332 2 667 164 X 100 = 44% Equity – total assets: 31 december 2008 Assets Equity and liabilities Non current assets Current assets TOTAL ASSETS Equity Non-current liabilities Current liabilities TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

14. DEBT RATIO (in thousands of €) 627 000 1 172 332 X 100 = 53.5% Net debt Equity X 100 = debt ratio

15. CASH FLOW In millions of € 2007 2008 The net cash flow from operating activities 221 222 Working capital 491 653 The cash flow from investing activities 156 243 Acquisitions / 44 Share buy-back / 20