2003 first quarter sales up 6.8%
Outlook for 2003 first half exceeds initial forecasts

For the 2003 first quarter, Générale Location had sales of €81 million compared with €75.9 million in 2002, up 6.8% (6% on a comparable structure and exchange rate basis).

Global Services for conventions, exhibitions and events: €45.2 million
-3.6% (-3.3% on a comparable structure basis)
This trend reflects a negative basis effect in relation to the high level of international sales in the 2002 first quarter from the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. Growth in the second quarter should return to the 5% level. Negociations are still in progress for major events taking place in 2003 and 2004.

Venue and Space Management: €6.3 million
+26.9% (+12.7% on a comparable structure basis)
The good performances of this business were assured by the growing contribution of existing venues under management plus the addition of the Floral Park Exhibition Center.
Boosted by signatures for three additional sites since the beginning of the year (Floral Park of Paris, Exhibition Center and Zénith Concert Hall of Clermont-Ferrand), this division will continue to register a strong growth.

Fittings, Museum Fittings, Systems: €29.5 million
+22.8% (on a comparable basis).
This business has a good level of activity and a major contract was signed to provide fittings for the Musée du Quai Branly (primitive art) under construction in Paris. This contract is programmed for delivery in late 2003-early 2004.

Outlook

Given the excellent first quarter performances and promising growth trends, the 2003 first half should outperform initial forecasts with sales of 10% compared with an original target 5%.