centrotherm photovoltaics acquires solar silicon specialist SolMic

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Blaubeuren (euro adhoc) - centrotherm photovoltaics acquires solar silicon
specialist SolMic:
Expertise for fully integrated factories entirely under one roof

- Expansion of the high-growth solar silicon division
- Consistent implementation of Group strategy
- Plan to integrate centrotherm Thermal Solutions by increasing non-cash capital

Blaubeuren, August 22, 2008 - centrotherm photovoltaics AG, Blaubeuren, is
consistently pursuing its strategy of integrating key equipment and technology
into the Group. The aim is to further expand technology leadership along the
solar value-creation chain. The Management Board, with the agreement of the
Supervisory Board, has today signed an agreement relating to the complete
takeover of SolMic GmbH, Burghausen. SolMic is a specialist for technology and
engineering services revolving around design and process-optimization for the
production of polysilicon, ingot and wafers. The complete acquisition of this
important company for its solar silicon division allows centrotherm
photovoltaics to combine technology and plant engineering. It allows the company
to completely combine its expertise for fully integrated factories under one
roof.

centrotherm photovoltaics has so far held 50 percent of SolMic via its
subsidiary GP Solar GmbH. Managing director Dr. Albrecht Mozer held the
remaining shares. SolMic, with a workforce of 30 employees, generated total
output of EUR 10 million in the first half of 2008. The company achieved
total output of EUR 13.1 million in 2007 financial year. Confidentiality was
agreed concerning the purchase price, which consists of equity and cash
components. The complete acquisition of SolMic also allows centrotherm
photovoltaics to raise its direct stake in the former centrotherm SiQ GmbH
joint-venture from 80.5 percent to 100 percent. centrotherm photovoltaics
procures key equipment for the manufacturing of solar silicon, particularly
Siemens reactors and converters, as well as vent gas recovery plants, via
centrotherm SiQ. Centrotherm SiQ, with a workforce of around 30 employees,
generated total output of EUR 5.9 million as of June 30, 2008. Total output
was EUR 0.8 million in 2007. The next step envisages merging both subsidiaries
in order to simplify structures. Albrecht Mozer will manage the merged company,
and will be responsible for all centrotherm photovoltaics' activities in the
solar silicon area in the future.

"This strategic acquisition expands our share of this important step in the
solar value-creation chain," commented Robert Hartung, CEO of centrotherm
photovoltaics. Albrecht Mozer (56) is an experienced polysilicon manufacturing
specialist. A holder of a degree in physics, Albrecht Mozer was for many years
CTO of a renowned, German manufacturer of polysilicon, ingot and wafers, before
founding SolMic in 2005. He holds over 20 patents in the semiconductor
technology and modules area, and has published over 50 specialist publications
as both an author and a co-author. "We have planned a number of things in the
research and development area," commented Albrecht Mozer. "For instance, we
intend to engage intensively with the optimization of polysilicon production. In
the case of crystallization processes, among other things, we are working
particularly on the option of mixing metallurgical silicon with pure silicon."
Robert M. Hartung commented: "We are extremely pleased to have such a well-known
expert as Dr Albrecht Mozer on board. This means that, along with Chief
Technology Officer Dr. Peter Fath, we have now also secured the engagement of
the second company founder of SolMic, and an expert in the solar silicon area.
This allows us to safeguard valuable knowhow for the entire Group."

In only April of this year, centrotherm photovoltaics acquired the remaining
shares in GP Solar, and appointed Peter Fath to the Management Board, as
part of its strategy of integrating key equipment and technology into the
company. The company is now pursuing this path further with the acquisition
of SolMic, and is simultaneously simplifying its Group structure as a result.
Robert Hartung went on to comment: "As part of our consistent pursuit of our
strategy, we, together with the Supervisory Board, are currently examining the
option of integrating sister company Thermal Solutions GmbH & Co. KG into the
Group by way of an increase in non-cash capital. centrotherm Thermal Solutions
is a leading producer of manufacturing plant for the photovoltaics and
semiconductor industries, and the largest supplier of centrotherm photovoltaics.
centrotherm photovoltaics procures key equipment from the company as part of an
exclusive supply agreement.

Further inquiry note:
Company contact:
Saskia Schultz-Ebert
Senior Manager Investor Relations
Tel: +49 7344 918-8890
E-mail: [email protected]

Press contact:
Christina Siebels, Grit Pauli
HOSCHKE & CONSORTEN Public Relations GmbH
Tel: +49 40 3690 50-58 /-31
E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]

end of announcement euro adhoc
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emitter: centrotherm photovoltaics AG
Johannes-Schmid-Str. 8
D-89143 Blaubeuren
phone: +49 (0) 7344 91860
mail: [email protected]
WWW: http://www.centrotherm-pv.de
sector: Energy
ISIN: DE000A0JMMN2
indexes:
stockmarkets: regulated dealing/prime standard: Börse Frankfurt
language: English

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