Ahlstrom - Company Announcement

Ahlstrom announces further restructurings and gives preliminary information on 2008 results

Ahlstrom Corporation STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 7.1.2009


Ahlstrom Corporation announces that it will take further
restructuring measures in order to adjust its operations to the
weakening demand. The company is planning plant closures in Italy and
temporary and permanent layoffs worldwide.

In Italy, Ahlstrom has started negotiations with the representatives
of the personnel on a permanent closure of its Gallarate and
Carbonate sites, as well as on a closure of one production line in
Cressa. The measures will be implemented gradually starting from the
first quarter of 2009, with an estimated reduction impact of
approximately 60 employees. All three sites produce nonwoven wiping
fabrics.

In Finland, Ahlstrom has issued a proposal to start negotiations with
the personnel representatives in Karhula, Mikkeli and Tampere. In
Karhula and Mikkeli the negotiations may lead to temporary layoffs
for approximately 250 persons and the possibility of permanent
layoffs cannot be excluded. In Tampere the negotiations may lead to
temporary layoffs for approximately 60 persons. Ahlstrom's plants in
Karhula and Mikkeli produce glass nonwovens products, and they employ
altogether 560 people. Tampere plant produces filtration materials,
and employs 60 people.

In addition, Ahlstrom has started the process of reducing personnel
at several plants globally. The adjustments concern personnel both in
the Specialty Papers and the Fiber Composites segments. It is
anticipated that the measures will result in a reduction of
approximately 150 employees.

Despite these restructuring actions Ahlstrom will continue serving
its customers as usual.

Restructuring charges and non-cash write-downs of EUR 23 million

Related to the actions, Ahlstrom books a non-recurring restructuring
charge of EUR 7 million in its fourth quarter of 2008.

In addition, Ahlstrom will book a non-cash write-down on goodwill and
tangible assets of EUR 16 million, mostly related to nonwoven wiping
fabrics.

The distribution of above mentioned restructuring charges and
write-downs of EUR 23 million by reporting segment is the following:
Specialty Papers EUR 2 million and Fiber Composites EUR 21 million.

Full-year operating profit approximately EUR 40 million excluding
non-recurring items

According to preliminary information, Ahlstrom's full year operating
profit for 2008 will be approximately EUR 40 million (EUR 68 million
in 2007) excluding non-recurring items. Including the above mentioned
restructuring measures and write-downs, the operating profit will be
approximately EUR 17 million.

Net sales in 2008 are estimated to be approximately EUR 1,800 million
(EUR 1,761 million in 2007).

Ahlstrom issues the financial statements bulletin 2008 on February 5,
2009.

Ahlstrom Corporation
Jan Lång
President & CEO

Further information:
Ahlstrom Corporation
Deputy CEO Risto Anttonen, Tel. +358 10 888 4166
CFO Jari Mäntylä, Tel. +358 10 888 4768


Distribution:
NASDAQ OMX Helsinki
Main media
www.ahlstrom.com


Ahlstrom in brief

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 6,500 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 quoted on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. The
company website is www.ahlstrom.com.