Picanol NV

Earnings Release • Apr 17, 2013

TRADING UPDATE Regulated information Ypres, 17 April 2013 (17h40 CET)

PICANOL GROUP REALIZES STRONG TURNOVER INCREASE IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2013

The Picanol Group (NYSE Euronext: PIC) realized a consolidated turnover of 146.09 million euros in the first quarter of 2013, which represents an increase of 36.5% compared to 107.03 million euros in the weaker first quarter of 2012.

As expected and as announced previously, the Weaving Machines Division had a strong start to 2013, based on the well-filled order book at the end of 2012. The group had to focus strongly on flexibility in order to handle production peaks. In the first quarter of 2013, the Industries division experienced a slight increase in activities compared to the same period last year, which was due to an increase in demand from Weaving Machines and projects for external customers.

In the first quarter of 2013, the Picanol Group also invested in the further expansion of its international network. In March, Picanol of America inaugurated its new U.S. headquarters in Greenville in the presence of more than 150 customers. The strong global sales and service network is a key asset for the group.

Outlook

Based on the current market situation, the Picanol Group expects to realize a growth in turnover for the first half of 2013, in line with the turnover increase of the first quarter. The order books for both divisions are also well-filled for the third quarter of 2013. The outlook for the fourth quarter is less clear, which is due to the limited visibility in the markets in which the group operates.

The Picanol Group remains cautious, as it is active as an export-oriented company in a volatile world economy with ever-changing exchange rates. Due to the cyclical nature of the textile market, strict cost-control remains of the essence.

The Picanol Group will announce its results for the first six months of 2013 on Tuesday 27 August 2013 (before opening of the stock exchange).

Annual General Meeting Picanol NV 2012

The General Meeting of Picanol NV for the financial year 2012 was held today. Out of a total of 17,700,000 shares, 15,653,611 (88.44%) were present or represented at the meeting. The General Meeting approved the annual accounts, the annual report and the proposed appropriation of the result. The General Meeting also granted discharge to the members of the Board of Directors and the statutory auditor.

The presentation and minutes of the General Meeting can be consulted on the website of the Picanol Group (www.picanolgroup.com).

About the Picanol Group

The Picanol Group is an international, customer-oriented group specialized in the development, production and sale of weaving machines and other high-technology products, systems and services.

Division Weaving Machines: Picanol develops, manufactures and sells high-tech weaving machines based on air (airjet) or rapier technology. Picanol supplies weaving machines to weaving mills worldwide, and also offers its customers such products and services as weaving accessories, training, upgrade kits and spare parts. For more than 75 years, Picanol has played a pioneering role in the industry worldwide, and is one of the current world leaders in weaving machine production.

Division Industries: Proferro comprises the foundry and the group's machining activities. It produces cast iron parts for e.g. compressors, agricultural machinery, and Picanol weaving machines. Through PsiControl Mechatronics, the group specializes in the design, development, manufacturing and support of a.o. controllers for various industries. Melotte develops and produces innovative product solutions using Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM) and Near-to-Net-Shape Manufacturing (NNSM) technologies.

In addition to the headquarters in Ypres (Belgium), the Picanol Group has production facilities in Asia and Europe, linked to its own worldwide sales and service network. In 2012, the Picanol Group realized a consolidated turnover of 461.75 million euros. The Picanol Group employs more than 1,950 employees worldwide and is listed on NYSE Euronext Brussels (PIC). The Picanol Group was founded in 1936 and celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2011.

For further information please contact: Frederic Dryhoel, Corporate Communication Manager, at +32 (0)57 22 23 64 or by e-mail: frederic.dryhoel@picanol.be

This press release is also available on the Picanol Group's corporate website: www.picanolgroup.com