EANS-Adhoc: BENE AG / In consequence of challenging environment Bene implements work-time model.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ad-hoc disclosure transmitted by euro adhoc with the aim of a Europe-wide
distribution. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this
announcement.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

03.08.2009

- Broad approval by employees

Vienna / Waidhofen/Ybbs, August 3rd, 2009. As of August 1st, the Bene AG
implements a work-time model, which provides for a reduction in working time to
80 % and a corresponding reduction in salary for all salaried employees in
Austria. The model forms part of the extensive cost cutting and efficiency
increase program and will lead to a further significant relief in personnel
costs in the second half-year of 2009/10.

The new work-time model applies to the salaried employees of the Bene AG in
Austria. It was accepted by 99.5 % of the affected salaried employees. Instead
of a working time of previously 38.5 hours, as of August 1st, 2009, the model
includes a part-time agreement with a reduced working time of 80 % - hence 30.8
hours - limited until July 31, 2010. In return, 423 of the in total 425 affected
salaried employees and the Management Board of the Bene AG waive 20 % of their
gross salary for one year. 50 % of the lost net-salary difference may be
received in form of an advance on salary. After expiry of the part-time
arrangement, this advance will be returned as of August 1st, 2010.

In total, with the implementation of the part-time model, Bene has identified a
cost-cutting potential in the amount of about EUR 4.5 million. "The broad
approval of our employees for the model is extremely pleasing and reflects the
solidarity and our culture within the Company. Especially in these economically
challenging times it is of particular importance, to jointly find solutions for
sustainably securing the Company´s future on a healthy basis to emerge
strengthened from the crisis," says Frank Wiegmann, Chairman of the Management
Board of the Bene AG.

Overall, in line with the economic conditions and the cyclicality of the
business, in the year 2009/10 Bene assumes a decline in sales. In the medium to
long-term the Company expects a clearly positive economic outlook.

About Bene.
Bene is convinced that there is a clear connection between the design of office
and working environments, company culture and the success of a company. Bene´s
concepts, products and services put this philosophy into reality. Development,
design and production as well as consulting and sales are covered under one
roof. With 82 sites in 33 countries and 1.525 employees worldwide, Bene offers
its customers regional access to all of its services. In the business year
2008/09, consolidated sales of the Bene Group amounted to EUR 265.3 million.
Bene is market leader in Austria and number six in Europe. The Annual Report
2008/09 as well as the First Quarter Report 2009/10 are available under
http://bene.com.

Further inquiry note:
Investor Relations:
Frank Wiegmann
Chairman of the Management Board
Schwarzwiesenstraße 3, A-3340 Waidhofen/Ybbs
IR Hotline: +43-7442-500-3100
[email protected]

Public Relations:
Ursula Grabher
Head of Public Relations
Renngasse 6, A-1010 Wien
Tel. +43-1-534 26-1265

end of announcement euro adhoc
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

emitter: BENE AG
Schwarzwiesenstrasse 3
A-3340 Waidhofen/Ybbs
phone: +43/7442/500-0
FAX: +43/7442/500-3380
mail: [email protected]
WWW: www.bene.com
sector: Furnishings & Furniture
ISIN: AT00000BENE6
indexes: ATX Prime
stockmarkets: official market: Wien
language: English

OTS-ORIGINALTEXT PRESSEAUSSENDUNG UNTER AUSSCHLIESSLICHER INHALTLICHER VERANTWORTUNG DES AUSSENDERS - WWW.OTS.AT | OTB

print