Bechstein Piano Results Buck Global Piano Trend as it Emerges Stronger From the Financial Crisis

BERLIN, June 9, 2010 - The Bechstein Group, manufacturer of C. Bechstein, Bechstein Academy and
W. Hoffmann upright and grand pianos, reports positive business development
for 2009. Unlike our competition, we have been able to slightly increase
sales.

The operative annual profit of EUR 3,122,000 EBITDA (earnings before
interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) corresponds to a return of
10.65 %, based on annual sales.

Following the restructuring carried out in 2008 (EUR 711,000 loss),
company profits of EUR 326,000 were achieved in 2009. 4,063 instruments were
sold in 2009 at a higher average price (in 2008, 4,353 instruments were
sold).

The equity ratio is now 51%

As planned, C. Bechstein Pianofortefabrik Aktiengesellschaft, Berlin,
transferred turnover to its subsidiary, C. Bechstein Europe s.r.o., Hradec
Králové / Czech Republic. The 2009 fall in turnover of EUR 4,700,000 compared
to the 2008 business year had no negative effect on profit. Annual profits
amounted to EUR 502,000 (previous year EUR 535,000). The equity ratio is now
63% due to an increase in capital, an increase in retained earnings (profit
2008) and the profit in 2009.

Outlook for 2010

The first five months of this year showed an increase in turnover of over
20% (compared to the same period last year). A significantly stronger export
market and good domestic sales, which remain almost constant, illustrate the
popularity of the instruments.

From our current knowledge about the results for the first half of 2010,
the companies as a group will successfully reach its target figures with
clear growth in terms of turnover and earnings.

Note to editors

1. A short article on the current state of the global piano industry is
available on request.

For more information and to arrange a telephone interview please contact:

1. Emmy Smith, ESC Consulting, Tel +44(0)7810-425484

2. Richard Webb, Chairman of Internusic UK, sole distributor of
C.Bechstein pianos in the UK, Tel +44(0)1202-696963

3. Karl Schulze, Chief Executive Officer, The Bechstein Group, Tel
+49(0)172-300-84-53

For more information and to arrange a telephone interview please contact: 1. Emmy Smith, ESC Consulting, Tel +44(0)7810-425484. 2. Richard Webb, Chairman of Internusic UK, sole distributor of C.Bechstein pianos in the UK, Tel +44(0)1202-696963. 3. Karl Schulze, Chief Executive Officer, The Bechstein Group, Tel +49(0)172-300-84-53