Earlier today Ekstra Bladet published an article, where accounting figures for the first four months of the year for some of DFDS Seaways’ passenger routes were stated. The figures are in accordance with the quarterly report for Q1 2008, where it is informed, that the operating profit (EBIT) for the business area Passenger Shipping, which includes DFDS Seaways, was DKK -135 million.
Like previous years the profit development for DFDS’ passenger routes are influenced by seasonal changes with the low season being the first quarter of the year and this effect was included in the profit expectation of the Q1 report.
Moreover, a company announcement was released on 27 May 2008 concerning a project, which aims to improve the profitability of Passenger Shipping, including the closure of a route later this year. It is assumed that the confidential accounting figures regrettably have been released in connection with this project.
The work on improving the profitability of Passenger Shipping is underway.
Yours sincerely
DFDS A/S
Copenhagen, 1 July 2008
Further information: CEO Niels Smedegaard, tel + 45 33 42 34 00
or CFO Christian Merrild, tel + 45 33 42 32 01.