Ahlstrom Corporation, a leading manufacturer of nonwovens and specialty papers, anticipated in its financial statements bulletin on 3 February 2010, that the Group net sales will increase compared to 2009, but remain lower than in 2008. EBIT excluding non-recurring items was estimated to increase from 2009.

The recovery of demand that started toward the end of 2009, continued in January-March 2010. Since sales prices in most business areas are being increased to cover the rising raw material costs and sales volumes seem to develop slightly more favourably than anticipated, the net sales estimate has been revised.

 Demand and net sales in 2010 are expected to increase to approximately the same levels they were in 2008. The company will continue to increase sales prices to cover for the increased raw material costs. It will also be ready to increase sales prices further to cover for possible future raw material price increases.

 The EBIT estimate given in the financial statements bulleting remains unchanged. EBIT excluding non-recurring items is expected to increase from 2009.  The company's first quarter financial results will be published on Thursday, April 29, 2010.

Ahlstrom is a global leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of high performance nonwovens and specialty papers. Its products are used in a large variety of everyday applications, such as filters, wipes, flooring, labels, and tapes. In 2009, Ahlstrom's net sales amounted to EUR 1.6 billion.