Atlas Copco — Earnings Release 2008

Oct 23, 2008

Press Release from the Atlas Copco Group

For further information please contact: Daniel Frykholm, Media Relations Manager +46 (0)8 743 8060 or +46 (0)70 865 8060

Gunnar Brock comments on Atlas Copco's Q3 results

Stockholm, Sweden, October 23, 2008: Atlas Copco today reported third-quarter results with good order growth and record operating profit. Sales of mining equipment and aftermarket products were very strong, and all three business areas recorded sales and order growth.

Revenues during the quarter increased 12% to MSEK 18 440, with organic growth of 13%. The organic growth in orders received was 9%. Operating profit increased 16% to MSEK 3 640, corresponding to an operating margin of 19.7%, the Group's highest ever.

"We are proud to have achieved another record result, with increased profitability thanks to our good market positions and higher revenue volumes. We were also able to compensate for higher component costs with price increases," says Gunnar Brock, President and CEO. "It is especially pleasing to note the strength of the aftermarket, which increased by 15-20% in all business areas."

Sales were good in most geographical regions, with the largest growth in South America and Africa. In general, demand in emerging markets continued to be very favorable.

In the near term, the overall demand for Atlas Copco's products and services is expected to decrease somewhat compared to the most recent quarters. Demand from the mining industry is foreseen to decrease from the current high level, and construction in North America and Western Europe will remain weak. The recent strong growth in emerging markets is expected to moderate.

"It is evident that we are now also in the midst of a financial crisis, but the extent of the influence that this will have on our operations is very difficult to judge," Gunnar Brock says. "We are therefore implementing contingency measures aimed at reducing operating costs and increasing productivity."

Atlas Copco discloses the information provided herein pursuant to the Securities Markets Act and/or the Financial Instruments Trading Act.

Atlas Copco is a world leading provider of industrial productivity solutions. The products and services range from compressed air and gas equipment, generators, construction and mining equipment, industrial tools and assembly systems, to related aftermarket and rental. In close cooperation with customers and business partners, and with 135 years of experience, Atlas Copco innovates for superior productivity. Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, the Group's global reach spans more than 160 markets. In 2007, Atlas Copco had 33 000 employees and revenues of BSEK 63 (BEUR 6.7). Learn more at www.atlascopco.com.

Atlas Copco Group Center

Atlas Copco AB Visitors address: Telephone: +46 (0)8 743 8000 A Public Company (publ) SE-105 23 Stockholm Sickla Industriväg 3 Telefax: +46 (0)8 644 9045 Reg. No: 556014-2720 Sweden Nacka www.atlascopco.com Reg. Office Nacka