Helsinki, Finland, 15 October 2008 -- According to preliminary information, Ahlstrom’s net sales for July-September 2008 were approximately EUR 451.2 million and operating profit EUR 11.4 million, excluding nonrecurring items.

Ahlstrom has revised its full-year outlook for 2008, because of to the weakening demand for some of its products. Operating profit, excluding nonrecurring items, is expected to be lower than in 2007, which was EUR 67.8 million.

Ahlstrom earlier estimated its full-year operating profit to be almost at the level of last year. The estimate was based on a weaker demand, especially in the USA for a variety of products (e.g., wipes) and products for the building, automotive, and marine industries. It has now become evident that the demand is weakening in these product segments in other countries, also. The company has taken actions to adjust its production to the lower demand.

The demand for Ahlstrom’s other products has still been growing and the company anticipates its full-year net sales to increase from that of 2007.

Ahlstrom will publish its January-September interim report on 28 October 2008.

Ahlstrom is a global leader in the development, manufacture, and marketing of high performance fiber-based materials. Nonwovens and specialty papers made by Ahlstrom are used in a large variety of everyday products, such as filters, wipes, flooring, labels, and tapes. Based upon its unique fiber expertise and innovative approach, the company has a strong market position in several business areas in which it operates. Ahlstrom's 6500 employees serve customers via sales offices and production facilities in more than 20 countries on six continents. In 2007, Ahlstrom's net sales amounted to EUR 1.8 billion. Ahlstrom's share is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. The company Web site is www.ahlstrom.com.