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SAF-HOLLAND SE

Quarterly Report Nov 29, 2007

6218_10-q_2007-11-29_240a8315-e619-448d-915f-c5c34df9efeb.pdf

Quarterly Report

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SAF-HOLLAND S.A.

Quarterly Report

as of September 30, 2007

  • 3 Key Highlights
  • 4 Group Figures at a Glance

Group Interim Management Report

  • 5 MARKET ENVIRONMENT
  • 6 SALES AND EARNINGS PERFORMANCE
  • 10 FINANCIAL POSITION
  • 12 MANAGEMENT
  • 12 PERSONNEL
  • 13 ENVIRONMENT
  • 13 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
  • 14 THE SAF-HOLLAND SHARE
  • 15 POSITIVE OUTLOOK CONFIRMED
  • 15 OPPORTUNITIES AND RISKS
  • 16 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Group Interim Financial Report

  • 17 INTERIM CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
  • 18 INTERIM CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
  • 19 INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
  • 21 INTERIM CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
  • 23 NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
  • 33 Financial Calendar
  • 33 Contacts

Key Highlights

  • Group sales of €613.4 million in the first three quarters of 2007, representing an increase of 8% on the first three quarters of 2006
  • European sales growth of 28% over the period
  • Europe now represents 62% of total Group sales, in Q3 the share was 65%
  • Trailer system sales growth of 18%* over the period
  • High teen sales growth in 2008 expected on the basis of continued unprecedented levels of demand in the European market
  • Order book at historic highs
  • Long-term supply volumes agreed in framework contracts with major customers
  • New high-performance products expected further to cement leading market position
  • Ground-breaking "ALL-IN" axle-aggregate guaranteeing end-customer free maintenance for 48 or 60 months launched
  • Additional integration synergies from merger with Holland to yield further synergies and margin improvements in 2008
  • Significant reduction in net debt as a result of cash flow generation and repayment of shareholder loans
  • Attractive inaugural dividend payment expected for fiscal year 2007

Rudi Ludwig, Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"SAF-HOLLAND is benefiting from booming trailer demand in Europe. We are increasing capacity to try to stay ahead of an ever-rising order back-log, and we are raising our forecasts significantly from their previous levels on the basis of framework contracts agreed with our major customers. This unprecedented demand for our products is evidence of a business that is in a continuing period of high growth."

On a constant currency basis

Group Figures at a Glance

(€m) FY 2006
Pro
Forma1
Q1-3/2007 Q1-3/2006
Pro
Forma1
Change
in %
Q3/2007 Q3/2006
Pro
Forma1
Change
in %
Sales 777.8 613.4 588.6 4 201.8 189.5 7
∆% constant
currency
8 10
Adjusted EBITDA2 77.0 55.2 63.9 -14 19.0 21.5 -12
EBITDA margin 9.9% 9.0% 10.9% 9.4% 11.3%
Adjusted EBIT3 65.1 46.6 54.4 -14 16.3 17.4 -6
EBIT margin 8.4% 7.6% 9.2% 8.1% 9.2%
Operating profit 55.0 30.3 46.8 -35 14.4 15.6 -8
Profit/loss before
tax (EBT)
23.6 11.8 23.0 -49 6.3 7.3 -14
Profit/loss for the
period (EAT)
13.1 14.7 11.8 25 11.7 3.8 208
Earnings per share
(EPS) in €4
0.11 0.16 0.10 0.25 0.03
EBITDA 74.5 44.4 61.6 -28 18.9 21.5 -12
EBITDA margin 9.6% 7.2% 10.5% 9.4% 11.3%
EBIT 55.7 30.8 46.9 -34 14.5 15.6 -7
EBIT margin 7.2% 5.0% 8.0% 7.2% 8.2%
Cash Flow from
operating activities
n/a 33.7 n/a 11.4 n/a
Free Cash Flow n/a 2.6 n/a 6 n/a
Employees
(Number as of
September 30)
- 2,990 2,971 1

The following remarks apply to the complete financial report:

1SAF-HOLLAND S.A. acquired SAF-HOLLAND GmbH with effective date March 31, 2006 and SAF-HOLLAND Holdings (USA) Inc. with effective date December 18, 2006. Therefore the first nine months and the third quarter 2007 can only be compared with the third quarter 2006 on a pro forma basis. Pro forma represents figures for the year 2006 as if the two subgroups would have been acquired as of January 1, 2006.

2 Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA plus additional step up inventory costs from purchase price allocation (PPA) as well as transaction costs.

3 Adjusted EBIT is defined as EBIT plus any additional depreciation, amortization and step up inventory costs from PPA as well as transaction costs.

4 EPS is based on number of shares after the split up of shares into par-value of €0.01dated June 2007 (as well as for the previous periods). EPS calculation for the third quarter 2007 is only limited comparable with remaining EPS figures due to IPO related repayments of Preferred Shares in July 2007.

Group Interim Management Report

MARKET ENVIRONMENT

Trailer business continues growth based on strong European market

Trailer OEMs are experiencing very high levels of demand in Europe, which is resulting in a strong surge in the demand for axles and axle systems. Orders on hand for axles and axle systems increased steadily in the European market in the first nine months of the year 2007, and these levels of demand are expected to continue as the demand for trucks and trailers continues to rise on the basis of increasing trade flows between East and West Europe. As a consequence, the Group has not been able fully to satisfy market demand, despite having increased capacity in the current year. In order to boost the Group's production capacity in Europe, the Group has implemented a number of both short term initiatives, such as increasing working hours and installing new robot lines, and longer-term measures, including investments that will result in a doubling of production capacity in the Group's Slovakian facility from January 2008.

Truck business performs less strongly than trailer business as a result of expected change in regulatory emission standards in the US

In North America, the truck business has softened as a result of the expected pre-buy of new trucks in 2005 and 2006 ahead of the new emission standards in the US in 2007. Based on the economic situation the truck business will remain flat in 2008. In addition, trailer manufacturing in the US has been affected by the economic downturn in the housing market, as a consequence of lower freight-related demand. North American truck and trailer manufacturers have therefore experienced weak levels of demand in the first nine months of 2007.

SALES AND EARNINGS PERFORMANCE

SAF-HOLLAND S.A. acquired SAF-HOLLAND GmbH based in Germany on March 31, 2006 and SAF-HOLLAND Holdings (USA) Inc., USA, on December 18, 2006. Due to these transactions, figures for the first three quarters of 2006 do not represent an accurate comparable basis for the current reporting period. As a consequence, the following financial information for the year 2006 is being presented on a pro forma (PF) basis as if the two subgroups would have been acquired as of January 1, 2006.

Group sales driven by sustained growth dynamics in Europe

In the first nine months of 2007, SAF-HOLLAND Group sales grew 4% to €613.4 million (Q1-3/2006PF: €588.6 million), or 8% on a constant currency basis.

Sales in Europe rose from €298.6 million in the first three quarters of 2006 to €383.3 million in the same period in 2007, representing an increase of 28%, or 32% when comparing the third quarter 2007 with the third quarter 2006. This development underlines the continued strong growth momentum in European markets. As a result, Europe is representing an everincreasing portion of Group sales. In the first three quarters of 2007, Europe represented 62% of group sales. Conversely, North America has become less significant on a Group basis, with sales of €231.7 million, a decline of 14% on a constant currency basis.

(€m) Q1-3/2007 Q1-3/2006
Pro Forma1
Change
in %
Change in
% constant
currency
Europe 383.3 298.6 28 28
North America 231.7 290.0 -20 -14
Elimination
due to inter-segment sales
-1.6 0 - -
Total 613.4 588.6 4 8

Sales break down by region Q1-3/2007:

Sales break down by region Q3/2007:

Q3/2007 Q3/2006 Change Change in
(€m) Pro Forma1 in % % constant
currency
Europe 130.9 99.0 32 32
North America 71.0 90.5 -22 -16
Elimination
due to inter-segment sales -0.1 0 - -
Total 201.8 189.5 7 10

Trailer Systems sales increased by 16% from €351.9 million in the first three quarters of 2006 to €407.0 million in the comparable period in 2007. On a constant currency basis, the trailer business grew by 18% over the period, or 25% when comparing the third quarter 2007 with the third quarter 2006. The exceptionally strong demand for axle systems in the European market on the basis of increasing trade flows and, consequently, increased trailer demand, underpinned these positive results for the Trailer Systems Unit.

Sales in the Powered Vehicle Systems Unit decreased by 23% on a constant currency basis to €64.1 million (Q1-3/2006PF: €90.1 million) as a result of the economic environment and the pre-buy of trucks in 2005 and 2006 related to new emissions regulations in the North American market.

Overall, Aftermarket sales grew slightly by 2% on a constant currency basis, with Aftermarket sales in Europe increasing by 12%. The total Aftermarket sales volume amounted to €142.3 million in the first nine months of 2007.

(€m) Q1-3/2007 Q1-3/2006
Pro Forma1
Change
in %
Change in %
constant
currency
Trailer Systems 407.0 351.9 16 18
Powered Vehicle Systems 64.1 90.1 -29 -23
Aftermarket 142.3 146.6 -3 2
Total 613.4 588.6 4 8

Sales development by Business Unit Q1-3/2007:

Sales development by Business Unit Q3/2007:

(€m) Q3/2007 Q3/2006
Pro Forma1
Change in
%
Change in
% constant
currency
Trailer Systems 133.7 109.4 22 25
Powered Vehicle Systems 19.0 28.9 -34 -29
Aftermarket 49.1 51.2 -4 0
Total 201.8 189.5 7 10

Earnings development

Gross profit for the first nine months was €109.1 million, resulting in a gross profit margin of 17.8% of total sales, compared to 19.6% of total pro forma sales in the prior year. The gross margin was impacted by an increase in raw material prices of around 1% on average during the reporting period. In addition, facilities in North America were not fully utilized, an effect which could not be fully compensated by European production operating at full capacity. An improvement of the gross margin is expected in the fourth quarter of the year as a result of sales price increases and cost cutting programs.

Gross profit development by Business Unit Q1-3/2007:

(€m) Trailer
Systems
Powered
Vehicle
Systems
After
market
Total
Total sales 407.0 64.1 142.3 613.4
Cost of sales 358.2 54.9 91.2 504.3
Total gross profit 48.8 9.2 51.1 109.1
Gross profit margin% 12.0 14.4 35.9 17.8

Gross profit development by Business Unit Q1-3/2006:

(€m) Trailer
Systems
Powered
Vehicle
Systems
After
market
Total
Total sales 351.9 90.1 146.6 588.6
Cost of sales 302.0 78.8 92.5 473.3
Total gross profit 49.9 11.3 54.1 115.3
Gross profit margin % 14.2 12.5 36.9 19.6

The integration of the SAF and HOLLAND subgroups and the listing (IPO) of the Company at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange on July 26, 2007, have caused additional costs and one-off effects. The cost for the integration and the IPO (transaction costs) amounted to €9.6 million in the period under review.

For a better understanding of the operating results, SAF-HOLLAND Group reports adjusted EBITDA and EBIT figures, which remove the non-operating accounting effects of the merger of the SAF and HOLLAND groups (which took place at the end of 2006). These effects are to remove the additional depreciation and amortization as well as the inventory step-up resulting from the purchase price allocation (PPA) related to the transaction. In the first nine months of 2007, these effects amounted to a total of €6.2 million in addition to the transaction costs of €9.6 million.

Q1-3/2007 Q1-3/2006 Change Q3/2007 Q3/2006 Change
Pro in % Pro in %
(€m) Forma1 Forma1
EBITDA 44.4 61.6 -28 18.9 21.5 -12
EBITDA margin (in %) 7.2 10.5 9.4 11.3
Additional Cost of Sales PPA 1.2 2.3 -48 0 0 -
Transaction Costs 9.6 0 - 0.1 0 -
Adjusted EBITDA 55.2 63.9 -14 19.0 21.5 -12
Adjusted EBITDA margin
(in %)
9.0 10.9 9.4 11.3
Q1-3/2007 Q1-3/2006 Change Q3/2007 Q3/2006 Change
Pro in % Pro in %
(€m) Forma1 Forma1
EBIT 30.8 46.9 -34 14.5 15.6 -7
EBIT margin (in %) 5.0 8.0 7.2 8.2
Additonal Depreciation PPA 5.0 5.3 -6 1.7 1.8 -6
Additional Cost of sales PPA 1.2 2.3 -48 0 0 -
Transaction Costs 9.6 0 - 0.1 0 -
Adjusted EBIT 46.6 54.4 -14 16.3 17.4 -6
Adjusted EBIT margin (in %) 7.6 9.2 8.1 9.2

FINANCIAL POSITION

Continued significant investments to expand capacity

In order for SAF-HOLLAND to continue to benefit from the significant growth in its endmarkets, the Company has invested €12.3 million in the first nine months of the year. Investments have focused on rationalization measures and the expansion of existing capacities, especially at the production site in Slovakia. By way of illustration, these investments have increased the SAF-HOLLAND's axle production capacity per year from 220,000 axles to 320,000 axles.

Liquidity and Cash Flow

The Company's strong results over the period are also reflected in the cash flow from operating activities of €33.7 million in the first nine months in 2007.

New long-term financing arrangements were put in place in conjunction with the acquisition of the HOLLAND subgroup in the US. Existing facilities were repaid in part through own funds and replaced by new long-term loan facilities of €286.7 million in total as of December 18, 2006. The new loans are separated into two tranches, which have a tenor of eight and nine years respectively, and are drawn in both US Dollar and in Euro. In order to mitigate the risks from movements in interest rates, the Company purchased two interest rate hedges in March 2007 to fix the EURIBOR and LIBOR rates on its long term facilities. In total, approximately 85% and 70%, respectively, of the interest exposure has been fixed.

German Corporate Tax Reform Bill 2008

On July 6, 2007, the German Bundesrat, the Upper House of the German Parliament, approved the German Corporation Tax Reform Bill 2008. As a result of the new overall tax rate in Germany, the tax burden of the SAF-HOLLAND Group will decrease. Beginning with the third quarter and based on IFRS, the new effective tax rate of 27.1% for the German entities of the Group has been applied when determining the calculation of deferred tax liabilities in Germany. This implies a positive impact on the net assets and net income of the Group totalling to €7.5 million as of September 30, 2007.

Solid Balance Sheet Structure

SAF-HOLLAND Group reported total assets of €567.6 million as of September 30, 2007, up from €544.1 million as at December 31, 2006. This increase is related to higher inventories, which have risen from €84.5 million to €94.9 million as a result of the significant increase in sales. In addition, trade receivables have risen by €15.4 million to €106.0 million, also as a result of the positive development in the Company's operating business.

As a result of the share capital that was issued in the Company's IPO on July 26, 2007, equity increased by €97.3 million over the period. The equity ratio increased to 19.9% as of September 30, 2007 (Dec. 31, 2006: 1.7%) due to the IPO and the profit in the first nine months of the year. Financial net debt amounts to €237.4 million as of September 30, 2007, compared to €320.9 million on December 31, 2006.

ASSETS EQUITY & LIABILITIES
(€m) 09/30/07 % 12/31/06 09/30/07 % 12/31/06
Non-current assets 330.6 58.2 337.9 Equity 112.7 19.9 9.4
Current assets 237.0 41.8 206.2 Accruals &
Liabilities
179.2 31.6 176.1
Pension
Accruals
13.8 2.4 15.7
Financial
debt
261.9 46.1 342.9
Total 567.6 100.0 544.1 Total 567.6 100.0 544.1

MANAGEMENT

Management Team

On June 20, 2007 the following Management Team members were appointed: Rudi Ludwig, Chief Executive Officer Samuel Martin, Chief Operating and Chief Administrative Officer Wilfried Trepels, Chief Financial Officer Detlef Borghardt, Head of Trailer Systems Business Unit Tim Hemingway, Head of Aftermarket Business Unit Jack Gisinger, Head of Powered Vehicle Systems Business Unit and Head of Group Engineering Steffen Schewerda, Head of Group Operations

Board of Directors

On June 18, 2007 the following members of the Board of Directors were appointed: Dr. Rolf Bartke*, Chairman Ulrich Otto Sauer, Vice Chairman Siegfried Goll*, Board Member Rudi Ludwig, Board Member Richard Muzzy, Board Member Gerhard Rieck*, Board Member Bernhard Schneider*, Board Member Martin Schwab, Board Member

* Indicates an independent director

PERSONNEL

The number of employees has decreased slightly in comparison to December 31, 2006. As of September 30, 2007, SAF-HOLLAND Group had a global workforce of 2,990, including temporary personnel (December 31, 2006: 3,050). The average length of service of SAF-HOLLAND Group employees is 13 years.

ENVIRONMENT

All legal and environmental safeguards relating to the use and handling of environmentally dangerous substances were reviewed in the first three quarters of 2007. In North America the Group has adopted and adhered to ISO-14001 environmental standards, with 10 of its 16 manufacturing and warehouse facilities having been certified as at September 30, 2007, and the remainder of its facilities expected to be certified in the near term.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The Company's focus on developing new and innovative products is reflected in its continued investment into research and development (R&D). Total R&D expenses amounted to €8.9 million in the first nine months of 2007, representing 1.4% of Group sales. The new "ALL-IN" axle-aggregate was launched as scheduled in the first half of 2007, to name one example. This axle guarantees the end-customer free maintenance for 48 or 60 months. A key priority in the near future in the area of R&D activities will be the development of products from the former HOLLAND subgroup such that they meet the requirements of the European market, and equally, the adaptation of European axles and axle systems to the standards of the North American market, thereby allowing the Company to take advantage of significant cross-selling sales synergies.

THE SAF-HOLLAND SHARE

The SAF-HOLLAND S.A. began trading on the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange on July 26, 2007. The Company's shares are now listed under the symbol 'SFQ' (ISIN is LU0307018795). In preparation of the IPO, a shareholder resolution from June 18, 2007 decided to split the 109,739 ordinary shares of the Company with a par-value of €1.25 each into 13,717,375 ordinary shares with a par-value of €0.01 each. Furthermore the Company issued 5,120,000 ordinary shares with a par-value of €0.01 as determined in the shareholders' resolution from July 25, 2007. On the stock exchange the shares were initially issued at an offering price of €19.00. The shares are floated on the Prime Standard. The major share of the emission amounting to €97.3 million went to SAF-HOLLAND S.A. in order to repay Preferred Shares (€1.0 million), Convertible Preferred Equity Certificates (€7.2 million), shareholder loans (€64.0 million) and bank loans (€9.9 million). The surplus of €15.2 million has mainly been used to pay the expenses relating to the IPO.

The overall share price development does not reflect the profit situation, the potential and the outlook of SAF-HOLLAND. The reason for the decline is the general uncertainty in the markets in the third quarter based on the crisis of the credit markets.

Shareholder Structure

As of Sept. 30, 2007 the shareholder structure of SAF-HOLLAND was composed as follows:

Shareholder Holding
Pamplona Capital Partners I, LP 34.5%
Management 12.3%
Former Owners 13.4%
Freefloat 39.8%

POSITIVE OUTLOOK CONFIRMED

The unprecedented levels of demand in the European market are expected to continue for the foreseeable future. The Company's order book is at historic highs, and very significant volume levels have been agreed with major customers in framework supply contracts.

In North America, the truck and trailer markets are expected to remain flat in 2008, but the Company is expected to begin axle production in North America in the fourth quarter of 2008, and this will add another layer of growth from 2009. In addition, the Company is benefiting meaningfully from the growth of its recently established Brazilian subsidiary, which started operations in March 2007.

Overall, sales for the Group are expected to increase to approximately €800 million in 2007, with adjusted EBIT of €60 million. In 2008 and 2009, based on continuing strong demand for the Group's products and services, especially from Eastern European markets and Russia, high double-digit sales growth is expected. The adjusted EBIT margin is expected to be back in line with the 2006 margin of 8.4% for the fiscal year 2008. On a mid-term perspective, the Company targets a total sales volume of €1 billion in 2009 and an adjusted EBIT margin of 10% by 2010.

OPPORTUNITIES AND RISKS

SAF-HOLLAND has concluded multiple-year purchase agreements with most of its key accounts, so as to mitigate the risk related to the fact that its ten largest customers account for approximately 50% of the Company's sales.

Besides risks on the sales side the Company, like other manufacturing companies, is exposed to risks on the procurement side. These include both the risk of fluctuations in commodities prices and the risk of supply bottlenecks due to the unprecedented levels of demand the Company is benefiting from. SAF-HOLLAND has sought to mitigate this risk by negotiating long term supply contracts with key suppliers.

As a manufacturing company, the Group is exposed to the risk of quality defects and resulting recall campaigns and guarantee claims. To deal with expenses arising in this regard, the Company has put in place an insurance policy covering product recall costs, as well as establishing an appropriate level of reserves within the Company.

As a globally operating company, SAF-HOLLAND Group generated 38% of its sales in the first nine months of 2007 in currencies other than Euro, which is the Company's reporting currency. The Company seeks to match its expenses with the currency of its sales, so as to ensure that it is exposed only to translation risk and not to transaction risk.

By systematically identifying and actively managing risks, SAF-HOLLAND Group reduces the probability of these risks. Business risks are analyzed in particular at regular Management meetings where measures are defined to eliminate and mitigate risks. The Management did not identify any risks, which could endanger the continued existence of the Company.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

There have been no significant events for the Group between the end of the reporting period as at September 30, 2007 and the publication of the Group interim financial statements.

Group Interim Financial Report

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

For the period January 1, respectively July 1, 2007 to September 30, 2007

01/01/07 12/21/05 07/01/07 07/01/06
(k€)
09/30/07

09/30/06

09/30/07

09/30/06
Notes
Sales (3) 613,411 200,277 201,766 98,983
Cost of sales -504,284 -164,959 -166,637 -81,355
Gross profit 109,127 35,318 35,129 17,628
Other income 1,489 1,277 1,286 655
Selling expenses -34,391 -14,035 -10,836 -7,212
Administrative expenses -37,047 -7,794 -8,182 -3,334
Research and development costs
Other expenses
-8,863
0
-2,412
0
-2,952
0
-1,208
0
Operating profit (3) 30,315 12,354 14,445 6,529
Finance income 2,174 -173 -542 -416
Finance expenses -21,109 -7,903 -7,672 -4,058
Share of profit of associates 465 113 56 27
Profit/loss before tax 11,845 4,391 6,287 2,082
Income tax expense (5) 2,890 -3,581 5,367 -1,701
Profit/loss for the period 14,735 810 11,654 381
Attributable to equity holders of 14,735 810 11,654 381
the parent
Basic earnings per share (EPS)1 (8) 0.16 0.01
Diluted earnings per share (8) 0.02 0.003

1 EPS is based on number of shares after the split up of shares into par-value of €0.01dated June 2007 (as well as for the previous periods). EPS calculation for the third quarter 2007 is only limited comparable with remaining EPS figures due to IPO related repayments of Preferred Shares in July 2007.

(k€)
Notes
09/30/07 12/31/06
ASSETS
Non-current assets 330,577 337,866
Goodwill 69,942 72,113
Intangible assets 120,698 127,051
Property, plant and equipment 106,153 106,497
Investments in associates 13,351 13,139
Financial assets 1,890 3,952
Other non-current assets 2,520 2,429
Deferred tax assets 16,023 12,685
Current assets 237,037 206,259
Inventories 94,911 84,452
Trade receivables 106,041 90,597
Other current assets 5,266 4,322
Income tax assets 6,298 4,950
Cash and cash equivalents
(7)
24,521 21,938
Total assets 567,614 544,125
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent 112,729 9,369
Subscribed share capital 188 1,184
Share premium 93,476 109
Retained earnings 15,884 811
Convertible preferred equity certificates 0 7,193
Accumulated other comprehensive income 3,181 72
Non-current liabilities 325,855 417,928
Interest bearing loans and other financial liabilities 0 60,664
from shareholders
Pensions and other post-employment benefit 11,362 12,903
plans
Other provisions 4,230 4,244
Financial liabilities 259,425 279,947
Finance lease liabilities 890 898
Other liabilities 218 227
Deferred tax liabilities 49,730 59,045
Current liabilities 129,030 116.828
Pensions and other post-employment 2,468 2,795
benefit plans
Other provisions 8,781 9,332
Income tax liabilities 6,221 5,199
Financial liabilities 2,432 2,323
Finance lease liabilities 435 466
Current tax payable
Trade and other payables
963 0
Other liabilities 98,111 89,517
Total liabilities and equity 9,619
567,614
7,196
544,125

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (as of September 30, 2007)

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the period January 1, 2007 to September 30, 2007

Attributable to equity holders of the parent
(k€) Subscribed
share
capital
Share
premium
Retained
Earnings
Convertible
preferred
equity
certificates
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
Total
Equity
Jan. 1, 2007 1,184 109 811 7,193 72 9,369
Foreign currency
Translation
- - - - 3,109 3,109
Total income and
expense for the
period
recognised directly
in equity
- - - - 3,109 3,109
Profit for the period - - 14,735 - - 14,735
Total income and
expense for the
period
- - 14,735 - 3,109 17.844
Issue of share
capital
51 97,229 - - - 97,280
Redemption of
preferred shares
-1,047 - - - - -1,047
Share-based
payment
compensation
- - 338 - - 338
Expenses relating
to the IPO
- -3,862 - - - -3,862
Issue of convertible
preferred equity
certificates
- - - 40 - 40
Redemption of
convertible
preferred equity
certificates
- - - -7,233 - -7,233
Sept. 30, 2007 188 93,476 15,884 0 3,181 112,729

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the period December 21, 2005 to September 30, 2006

Attributable to equity holders of the parent
(k€) Subscribed
share
capital
Share
premium
Retained
Earnings
Convertible
preferred
equity
certificates
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
Total
Equity
Dec. 21, 2005 125 0 0 0 0 125
Foreign currency
Translation
- - - - -144 -144
Total income and
expense for the
period
recognised directly
in equity
- - - - -144 -144
Profit for the period - - 810 - - 810
Total income and
expense for the
period
- - 810 - -144 666
Share-based
payment
compensation
- - 76 - - 76
Issue of share
capital
1,451 - - - - 1,451
Reclassification
due to contractual
arrangements
-404 - - - - -404
Issue of convertible
preferred equity
certificates
- - - 2,948 - 2,948
Sept. 30, 2006 1,172 - 886 2,948 -144 4,862

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

For the period January 1, 2007 to September 30, 2007

(k€) 01/01/07 12/21/05
Notes
09/30/07

09/30/06
Cash flow from operating activities
Profit/loss before tax 11,845 4,391
+ Expenses relating to the IPO 7,648 0
- Finance income -2,174 173
+ Finance expenses 21,109 7,903
-/+ Share of profit of associates -465 -113
+ Amortisation and depreciation of intangible
and tangible assets
13,647 4,562
- Allowance and write-up of current assets -172 0
-/+ Loss on disposal of property, plant and
equipment
-123 3
+ Expense for share based payments 338 38
51,653 16,957
+/- Change in other provisions and pensions -2,434 -852
+/- Change in inventories -10,075 -6,276
+/- Change in trade receivables -14,506 -2,506
+/- Change in income tax assets and other
current and non-current assets
-3,622 263
+/- Change in trade other payables 6,004 13,393
+/- Change in other current and non-current
liabilities
13,021 -3,734
Net cash flow from operations 40,041 17,245
- Income tax paid -6,341 -4,055
Net cash flow from operating activities 33,700 13,190
(k€) 01/01/07 12/21/05

09/30/07

09/30/06
Cash flow from investing activities Notes
- Acquisition of subsidiaries net of cash
acquired (10) -7,220 -146,666
- Purchase of property, plant and equipment (6) -12,342 -1,888
- Purchase of intangible assets -787 -211
- Purchase of financial assets -42 0
+ Proceeds from sales of property, plant and
equipment
272 78
+ Interest received 1,155 -132
Net cash flow from investing activities -18,964 -148,819
Net cash flow from financing activities
+ Proceeds from capital increase net of IPO 93,418 4,195
costs
-
+/-
Repayments of preferred shares
Repayments of CPEC's
-1,047 0
+/- Proceeds from shareholders' loans -7,193
-64,038
60
45,002
- Payments for expenses relating to the IPO -5,470 0
- Payments for finance lease -333 -253
+/- Changes in short-term liabilities 0 71
- Interest paid -14,737 -5,257
- Repayments of current and non-current
financial liabilities -15,165 -2,193
+ Proceeds from current and non-current 1,698 101,861
financial liabilities
Net cash flow from financing activities -12,867 143,486
Net increase/decrease in cash and cash 1,869 7,857
Equivalents
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash
and cash equivalents 714 0
period Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of 21,938 0
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period 24,521 7,857
Net increase/decrease in cash and cash 2,583 7,857
Equivalents

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the period January 1, 2007 to September 30, 2007

1 Corporate information

SAF-HOLLAND S.A. (formerly PAMPLONA PE HOLDCO 3 S.A.) (the "Company" or "SAF-HOLLAND") is a commercial company incorporated in Luxembourg on December 21, 2005, under the legal form of a "Société Anonyme". The registered office of the Company is at 68- 70, Boulevard de la Pétrusse, L-2320 Luxembourg. The Company is registered with the Register of Commerce of Luxembourg under the section B number 113.090.

On April 19, 2007 an extraordinary general meeting resolved unanimously to change the name from PAMPLONA PE HOLDCO 3 S.A. in SAF-HOLLAND S.A.

SAF-HOLLAND S.A., together with its subsidiaries, is a global producer and supplier of key systems and components for the trailer, truck, bus, and recreational vehicle industries. Its product range includes premium trailer axle systems, truck and trailer suspensions, fifth wheels, kingpins, couplers, and landing legs. The Company sells its products on six continents to original equipment manufacturers, as well as to original equipment suppliers and through other aftermarket channels. The Company operates 20 manufacturing facilities on five continents.

SAF-HOLLAND S.A. acquired SAF-HOLLAND GmbH with effective date March 31, 2006 and SAF-HOLLAND Holdings (USA) Inc. with effective date December 18, 2006. Therefore the third quarter 2007 cannot be compared with the third quarter 2006.

The shares of SAF-HOLLAND S.A. were floated on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange on July 26, 2007. The major share of the emission amounting to €97.3 million went to SAF-HOLLAND in order to reduce its indebtedness and to pay expenses relating to the IPO.

2 Accounting and valuation principles

2.1 Basis of preparation

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting", as adopted by the European Union.

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all the information and disclosures required in the annual financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the Group's annual financial statements as of December 31, 2006.

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements are presented in Euro and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand (k€) except where otherwise indicated.

The interim Group financial statements have neither been audited nor reviewed by the Group auditors, Ernst & Young S.A.

2.2 Significant accounting policies

The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements are consistent with those followed in the preparation of the Group's annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006, except for the adoption of new Standards and Interpretations, noted below. Adoption of these Standards and Interpretations did not have any material effect on the financial position or performance of the Group.

  • IFRIC 8 "Scope of IFRS 2"
  • IFRIC 9 "Reassessment of embedded derivatives"
  • IFRIC 10 "Interim Financial Reporting and Impairment"
  • IFRIC 11 "IFRS 2 Group and Treasury Share Transactions"
  • IFRIC 12 "Service Concession Arrangements"
  • IFRIC 13 "Customer Loyalty Programmes"
  • IFRIC 14 "The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their Interaction"

As of January 1, 2007, it is necessary to apply IFRS 7 "Financial Instruments: Disclosures", additions to IAS 1 "Presentation of Financial Statements" as well as the revised interpretation of IFRS 4 "Insurance Contracts". These standards do not impact the financial position, the net assets, or the profit of the company. However, these standards require changed respectively extended disclosure in the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2007.

3 Segment information

The Company was incorporated on December 21, 2005 for the purpose of acquiring the entire share capital of SAF-HOLLAND GmbH ("SAF"), a transaction completed on March 31, 2006. Subsequently the Group acquired the entire share capital of SAF-HOLLAND Holdings (USA) Inc. ("HOLLAND") on December 18, 2006. Prior to the acquisition transactions, SAF and HOLLAND were each independent leading developers and suppliers of premium heavy duty vehicle systems and products in their core markets – Europe for SAF, and North America for HOLLAND – with both also being active in other key markets.

As a result of the above transactions the Group now controls the two former subgroups – SAF and HOLLAND. Therefore the geographical units "Europe" and "North America" had been determined as primary segments, which correspond to the former sub groups. The Company is currently developing a new reporting system that will be in place by January 1, 2008.

In Europe, SAF-HOLLAND manufactures and sells axles and axle systems for trailers and semi-trailers. The Company also provides replacement components to the aftermarket for all trailer systems and powered vehicle systems.

In North America, SAF-HOLLAND manufactures and sells key components for the trailer, truck, bus, and recreational vehicle industries. In particular, it is the leading supplier of fifth wheels, kingpins and landing legs. In addition, the Company is the second largest supplier of trailer suspensions in North America.

The Company sells through a broad network of distributors, OESs (the aftermarket supplier of OEMs) and dealers, to provide after-sales support and service to purchasers of powered vehicle and trailer systems.

Segment information by geographical markets as at September 30, 2007 is as follows:

Europe North America Elimination Group
Sales
(k€)
- Sales to external
customers
381,864 231,547 - 613,411
- Inter-segment sales 1,466 146 - 1,612 0
Operating profit 19,716 10,599 30,315

Segment information by geographical markets as at September 30, 2006:

Europe North America Elimination Group
Sales
(k€)
- Sales to external 200,277 - - 200,277
customers
- Inter-segment sales - - - -
Operating profit 12,354 12,354

4 Dividends paid and proposed

No dividends have been paid or proposed.

5 Income tax expense

The major components of the income tax expense in the interim consolidated income statement are:

(k€) 01/01/07

09/30/07
12/21/05

09/30/06
Current income taxes -6,882 -4,577
Deferred income taxes relating to origination
and reversal of temporary differences
9,772 996
Total 2,890 -3,581

Deferred income taxes mainly arise from the changes in German tax rate in the amount of k€ 7,527 and income tax assets on loss carried-forward in Luxembourg in the amount of k€ 2,960.

6 Assets

The Group acquired tangible assets amounting to k€ 12,342 for the period from January 1 to September 30, 2007, of which k€ 4,814 was acquired in the third quarter.

In the first nine months of 2007 significant disposals amounted to approximately k€ 300.

7 Cash and cash equivalents

For the purpose of the interim consolidated cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents are comprised of the following:

(k€) 09/30/07 09/30/06
Cash at banks and on hand 9,100 5,353
Short-term deposits 15,421 2,504
Total 24,521 7,857

8 Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing the profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the parent by the average number of shares outstanding. Moreover, on June 18, 2007 a share split into a par-value of €0.01 took place and has been taken into consideration since the beginning of the period / previous period in accordance with IAS 33. This figure may become diluted by potential shares (primarily CPECs). When determining diluted earnings per share, CPECs are taken into account if they have a diluting effect.

Earnings per share 09/30/07 09/30/06
Profit/loss for the period (k€) 14,735 810
Number of shares outstanding (weighted
average)
Thousands 94,418 84,582
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
(diluted)
Thousands 672,937 310,036
Earnings per share
Basic
Diluted

0.16
0.02
0.01
0.003

9 Related party disclosures

The financial statements include the financial statements of SAF-HOLLAND S.A., together with its subsidiaries and associates as listed in the following tables:

Subsidiaries Country of % Equity interest
incorporation
SAF-HOLLAND GROUP GmbH Germany 100.0
SAF-HOLLAND TECHNOLOGIES Germany 100.0
GmbH
SAF-HOLLAND GmbH Germany 100.0
SAF-HOLLAND Polska SP Z.O.O. Poland 100.0
SAF-HOLLAND France S.A.S. France 100.0
SAF-HOLLAND Austria GmbH Austria 100.0
SAF–HOLLAND Czechia spol.s.r.o. Czech Republic 100.0
SAF-HOLLAND Espana S.L.U. Espana 100.0
SAF-HOLLAND Slovakia s.r.o. Slovakia 100.0
SAF-HOLLAND Italia s.r.l. unipersonale Italia 100.0
SAF-HOLLAND Romania SRL Romania 100.0
SAF-HOLLAND Holdings (USA) Inc. USA 100.0
SAF-HOLLAND Inc. USA 100.0
Holland USA Inc. USA 100.0
Holland Hitch of Canada Ltd. Canada 100.0
Holland Equipment Ltd. Canada 100.0
Holland International Inc. USA 100.0
Holland Pacific Inv. Inc. USA 100.0
Holland Hitch (Aust.) Pty. Ltd. Australia 100.0
Holland Transtrade Malaysia Malaysia 100.0
Holland Transtrade Thailand Thailand 100.0
Holland Europe GmbH Germany 100.0
Holland Eurohitch Ltd. UK 100.0
Holland Int. De Mexico SDE R.L. Mexico 100.0
Holland Int. Services DE Mexico 100.0
MEXICO
Holland Int. Inv. Hong Kong Hong Kong 100.0
QSI Air Ltd. USA 100.0
Associates Country of
incorporation
% Equity interest
SAF AL-KO Vehicle Technology Yantai China 49.0
Co., Ltd.
Jinan SAF AL-KO Axle Co., Ltd. China 48.5
Nippon Holland Ltd. Japan 50.0
Lakeshore Air LLP USA 50.0
FWI SA France 34.1

Currently, the key management is comprised of nine members. The table below represents names and positions of the current members of the key management:

Name Position
Rudi Ludwig Chief Executive Officer
Wilfried Trepels Chief Finance Officer
Samuel Albert Martin Chief Operating Officer and
Chief Administrative Officer
Detlef Borghardt Head of Trailer Systems Business Unit
Steffen Schewerda Head of Group Operations
Tim Hemingway Head of Aftermarket Business Unit
Jack Gisinger Head of Powered Vehicle Systems Business Unit
and Head of Group Engineering
Richard W. Muzzy Member of the Board of Directors
Ulrich Otto Sauer Member of the Board of Directors, Vice Chairman

As of September 30, 2007 ordinary shares amounting to k€ 39 were held by the key management, respectively by the company controlled by the key management. Furthermore as of June 30, 2007 preferred shares amounting to k€ 1,451 and Preferred Equity Shares (PECs) amounting to k€ 11,007 were also held by the management. However, due to the proceeded IPO, preferred shares and Preferred Equity certificates were reimbursed to the management as determined in the shareholders' resolution in July 2007.

In the period from January 1, 2007 to September 30, 2007 expenses arising from equity-settled share-based payments granted to key management personnel amounted to k€ 338.

(k€) 01/01/07

09/30/07
01/01/06

09/30/06
Interest on PECs for the management 682 563

The interest on PECs for the management was accrued as liability in the previous period and already paid in the current reporting period.

Shareholders with a significant influence over the group: Pamplona Capital Partner I, LP

Ulrich Otto Sauer

Ulrich Otto Sauer, member of the Board of Directors, provides certain business consultancy services to SAF-HOLLAND GmbH. For services rendered in the third quarter 2007 Ulrich Otto Sauer received k€ 37, in total k€ 112 as of September 30, 2007. Additionally, SAF-HOLLAND GmbH paid k€ 18 for rental fees to Ulrich Otto Sauer.

Richard Muzzy, member of the Board of Directors, provides certain business consultancy services to SAF-HOLLAND Inc. For services rendered in the third quarter 2007 Richard Muzzy received kUS\$ 35, totaling to kUS\$ 105 as of September 30, 2007.

(in k€) Sales to
related
parties
Purchases
from related
parties
Amounts
owed by
related
parties
Amounts
owed to
related
parties
Jinan SAF AL-KO Axle Co.,
Ltd.
339 - 207 -
SAF AL-KO Vehicle
Technology Yantai Co., Ltd.
24 - 364
Nippon Holland Ltd. 41 - 38 -
Lakeshore Air LLP - 197 - 27
FWI SA - 18.557 - 436
Irwin Seating Company 1.330 - 149 -
1.734 18.754 758 463

Sales to and purchases from related parties as of September 30, 2007:

Sales to and purchases from related parties as of September 30, 2006:

(in k€) Sales to
related
parties
Purchases
from related
parties
Amounts
owed by
related
parties
Amounts
owed to
related
parties
Jinan SAF AL-KO Axle
Co., Ltd.
119 - 265 -
SAF AL-KO Vehicle
Technology Yantai Co., Ltd.
- - 279 -
119 - 544 -

Due to the fact that the SAF-HOLLAND S.A. acquired SAF on March 31, 2006 and HOLLAND on December 18, 2006 related parties as of September 30, 2006 were only Jinan SAF AL-KO Axle Co., Ltd. and SAF AL-KO Vehicle Technology Yantai Co., Ltd.

Sales to and purchases from related parties are made at normal market prices. Outstanding balances ending September 30, 2007 are unsecured, interest free and settlement occurs in cash. There have been no guarantees provided or received for any related party receivables or payables. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the Group has not recorded any impairment of receivables relating to amounts owed by related parties. This assessment is undertaken each financial year through examining the financial position of the related party and the market in which the related party operates.

10 Cash flow statement

The cash flow statement was prepared in accordance with the provisions of IAS 7 and is broken down by cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities.

Cash flows from operating activities are disclosed using the indirect method; cash flows from investing activities are disclosed using the direct method. Cash flows are used to generate income in the long term, generally for more than one year. Cash flows from financing activities are also disclosed using the direct method. These cash flows comprise cash flows from transactions with shareholders and from the raising or redemption of financial liabilities.

Acquisitions of subsidiaries net of cash acquired amounting to k€ 7,220 results from incidental expenses for the acquisition of HOLLAND at December 18, 2006 which were paid in the first quarter 2007.

11 Financial instruments

The Group has a significant amount of long-term floating rate debt outstanding under the senior secured credit facility and is exposed to interest rate fluctuations from these debt instruments. To mitigate the effect of interest rate changes on interest paid on our floating rate debt, the Group entered into two interest rate swap agreements and one option for an interest rate swap dated March 8, 2007. As of September 30, 2007 these swaps and the option had a fair value of € 347,057, which is recorded in other current assets.

The following table shows the contractual maturities of the interest rate swaps:

Start End Nominal volume Reference rate
March 8, 2007 March 9, 2010 € 107.3 million EURIBOR
March 8, 2007 March 9, 2010 US\$ 139.4 million LIBOR

The following table shows the contractual maturities of the option:

Start End Nominal volume Reference rate
March 8, 2007 March 9, 2010 € 68.3 million EURIBOR

12 Events after the balance sheet date

After the reporting period dated September 30, 2007 and the publishing date no significant events for SAF-HOLLAND Group have taken place.

FINANCIAL CALENDAR

Report on Fiscal Year 2007: March 31, 2008 Shareholders' meeting: April 29, 2008 Report on Q1 2008 Results: May 31, 2008

CONTACTS

Should you have any questions or require further information on the SAF-HOLLAND Group, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Headquarters of operating activities:

SAF-HOLLAND GmbH Hauptstraße 26 63856 Bessenbach Germany www.safholland.com

Investor Relations

Tel. +49 (0)6095 301 865 Fax +49 (0)6095 301 200 [email protected]

Media Relations

Tel. +49 (0)69 5060 375 63 Fax +49 (0)69 5060 375 66 [email protected]

Date of publication: November 29, 2007 This interim report is also available in German.

This publication as well as further information can also be obtained from the Company website at www.safholland.com

Imprint:

SAF-HOLLAND S.A. 68-70, Boulevard de la Pétrusse L-2320 Luxembourg Luxembourg

Legal Disclaimer:

This report contains certain statements that are neither reported financial results nor other historical information. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Many of these risks and uncertainties relate to factors that are beyond the Group's ability to control or estimate precisely, such as future market and economic conditions, the behavior of other market participants, the ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and achieve anticipated synergies and the actions of government regulators. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forwardlooking statements, which apply only as of the date of this presentation. SAF-HOLLAND Group does not undertake any obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forwardlooking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of these materials.

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