SECHE ENVIRONNEMENT (EPA:SCHP) Resilient activity in Q1 2009 - outlook for 2009 confirmed

Transparency directive : regulatory news

28/04/2009 17:40

Press Release

Changé, April 28, 2009

Resilient activity in Q1 2009

Outlook for 2009 confirmed

France (95% of consolidated revenue): solid activities

* Hazardous Waste: resilient performance in regulated markets

* Non-Hazardous Waste: sensitivity limited by energy sales

International: activity impacted by the economic decline in Spain

At March 31, 2009, Séché Environnement's consolidated revenue totalled
EUR 87.8 million, vs. EUR 91.3 million in Q1 2008.

This slight contraction can be attributed to the weaker start to the quarter,
which was partially offset towards the end of the quarter by a more satisfactory
level of activity in light of the current climate.

Consolidated data in EUR m (under IFRS)

At March 31                          2008        2009        % change
                                                            2009/2008

Hazardous Waste                      63.7        61.9          -2.8%
Non-Hazardous Waste                  27.6        25.9          -6.3%
Consolidated net revenue             91.3        87.8          -3.9%

Q1 activity saw varying trends between HW and NHW on the one hand, and between
France and International Activities on the other hand:

    > Hazardous Waste Division (70% of revenue): activity was robust in France;
      the division's revenue was primarily impacted by a poor International
      showing.

      * In France, the division's activity was driven by a strong performance
        in markets subject to restrictive regulations (PCB, de-watering, etc.)
        and by solid contracts signed with local authorities (hazardous waste
        storage).
        At -1.7%, it was mainly impacted by the decline in activities with a
        direct link to industrial output, such as solvent regeneration and
        physical-chemical treatment;

      * Concerning International subsidiaries (5% of consolidated revenue),
        activity was hurt by the poor performance of solvent regeneration
        activities (Valls Quimica in Spain).
        Revenue at constant exchange rates amounted to EUR 4.8 million versus
        EUR 5.6 million in Q1 2008, i.e. a drop of 14.2% (at constant exchange
        rates, the revenue generated by International subsidiaries would have
        been EUR 5.5 million at March 31, 2008).

    > Non Hazardous Waste Division (30% of revenue): the division benefited
      from its main positioning in treatment activities, less sensitive to more
      cyclical activities such as recycling and recovery of materials.
      The division's development reflects a reduction in volumes that failed to
      be offset by the initial sales of electricity generated from biogas
      recovery. At March 31. 2009, sales of green electricity accounted for
      EUR 1.3 million.
      Consequently, revenue dipped by 6.3% on Q1 2008 to EUR 25.9 million.

Outlook

Séché Environnement boasts a number of key strengths capable of maintaining
its level of activity in a harsher economic environment.

The diversity of industrial clients, the Group's solid presence in regulated
markets, and the substantial business generated with local authorities all
combine to reduce Séché Environnement's sensitivity to the economic cycle.

In today's economic climate, and in light of the first quarter's activity,
Séché Environnement is maintaining its scenario of stable financial items and
stable balance sheet ratios for the financial year in progress.

Hime-Saur's consolidated revenue at March 31, 2009

At March 31, 2009, Hime-Saur's consolidated revenue totalled EUR 354.9 million,
vs. EUR 369.1 million in Q1 2008 (at constant exchange rates, revenue at March
31, 2008 would have been EUR 367.7 million).

This decline can be primarily attributed to:
    > Water: strong performance in operations in France (+1.9% -excluding
      Stereau-), hampered by sluggish activity in Spain and the devaluation of
      the Polish zloty;
    > Sanitation: deteriorating environment in the sorting and recycling
      businesses, which were affected by the decline in non hazardous
      industrial waste volumes and the drop in secondary commodities prices.

Consolidated data in EUR m (under IFRS)

At March 31                     2008      2009     Change
                                                  2009/2008
Water                           293.2    285.2      -2.7%
Cleanliness                      75.9     69.8      -8.1%
Consolidated revenue            369.1    355.0      -3.8%

  A conference call will be held today (in French) at 6.00 p.m. (Paris time)
                         at the following number:
                              +331 7200 1361
                     where a hostess will welcome you.

                The revenue presentation is also available at:

      http://www.groupe-seche.com/majic/pageServer/1e0101000m/en/
      Presentations-SFAF.html

Calendar:
Release of consolidated revenue figures at June 30, 2009 on July 28, 2009 (after
market)

About Séché Environnement

Séché Environnement is one of the leading players in the treatment and
storage of all types of non-radioactive industrial and household waste in
France. Its facilities enable it to offer high-quality global solutions that
incorporate all environmental requirements.

It is the leading independent operator in the country with a unique positioning
at the hub of the high value-added waste recovery, treatment and storage
markets.

The Group offers integrated specialized services:

    > treatment (by incineration, physical-chemical treatment and solvent
      regeneration) and processing for energy recovery of hazardous and
      non-hazardous industrial waste (HIW and NHIW);

    > storage of final residue comprised of hazardous or non-hazardous
      industrial waste (HIW and NHIW).

In April 2007, Séché Environnement acquired a 33% stake in Saur Group, the
No. 3 player in the Water and Environmental Services sector in France. Since May
2008, Séché Environnement has held an option to purchase an 18% stake in Hime,
the parent holding company of Saur Group, allowing Séché Environnement to
assume ownership of Saur Group by May 2012.

Séché Environnement has been listed on Eurolist by Euronext since November
27, 1997.

Eurolist - Compartment B - ISIN: FR 0000039109 - Bloomberg: SCHP.FP -
Reuters: CCHE.PA)

Contacts

Séché Environnement

Manuel Andersen
Head of Investor Relations
+33(0)1 53 21 53 60
m.andersen@groupe-seche.com

                          Important notice

This press release may contain information of a provisional nature. This
information represents either trends or targets at the date of the press
release's publication and may not be considered as results fore casts or as any
other type of performance indicators. This information is by nature subject to
risks and uncertainties which are difficult to foresee and are usually beyond
the Company's control, which may imply that expected results and developments
differ significantly from announced trends and targets. These risks notably
include those described in the Company's Registration Document, which is
available on its website at www.groupe-seche.com. This information there fore
does not reflect the Company's future performances, which may differ
significantly therefrom, and no guarantees can be given regarding the
achievement of any pro visional figures. The Company makes no commitment on the
updating of this information. More comprehensive information on the Company may
be obtained in the Documentation section of its website at www.groupe.seche.com.
This press release represents neither an offer of shares nor a solicitation in
view of an offer of shares in any country whatsoever, including the United
States. Distribution of this press release may be subject to the laws and
regulations in force in France or abroad. Persons in possession of this press
release must be aware of these restrictions and observe them.

Registered office: Les Hêtres - BP 20 - 53811 Changé Cedex, France

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SECHE ENVIRONNEMENT (EPA:SCHP) Resilient activity in Q1 2009 - outlook for 2009 confirmed

Transparency directive : regulatory news

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