2008 was a year of strong growth for Bureau Veritas, with results exceeding our initial forecasts. Revenue jumped 23% and adjusted operating profit rose 24%. Organic growth, of almost 13%, was the result of favorable trends on most of our markets, with the exception of the construction markets in the United States and Europe. The year notably saw the introduction of new regulations concerning environmental protection and the safety of consumer products. In addition, the Group’s robust performance can be explained by the successful integration of major acquisitions completed in late 2007 and 2008. Bureau Veritas has therefore significantly reinforced its position without any slowdown in its organic growth. Latin America, the Middle East, India, Africa and the Asia-Pacific zone recorded strong growth rates. All Bureau Veritas activities that were able to take advantage of the tightening of regulations regarding environmental protection, product quality and safety, energy efficiencies or workplace safety demonstrated solid progress in 2008.

2008 was a year of active external growth with 15 companies acquired for a total revenue of 150 million euros. We have thus reinforced our position in high-potential geographies and markets.

Since the IPO, the Bureau Veritas share was less affected than the financial market in general. Investors and analysts recognize the defensive and growth profile of Bureau Veritas.

We have every reason to be satisfied with the progress made since, at the end of 2008, we were already ahead of our initial roadmap. 2009 will be a year of slower growth but we are still on par with our 2006-2011 plan.

Our objective is to gradually become the best QHSE partner of major companies, to be a source of added value and offer them a greater number of services. QHSE regulations are being further developed worldwide. They are gradually converging and represent a major growth vector for Bureau Veritas.

Frank Piedelièvre, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer