At the start of the second half of 2009, most of the world’s major economic regions are in recession. Economic research institutes are predicting a fall in global economic output of up to three percent for the year as a whole. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects GDP to decline by 1.4 percent. To some extent, the rate of decline has been slower than in previous months. However, many analysts have warned that this does not indicate a foreseeable end to the crisis but merely the building of a foundation without recovery – one that is likely to last into 2010 and beyond.

Against this overall economic background, Wincor Nixdorf’s regional performance was again uneven. Furthermore, we are currently experiencing a falling investment behavior of both retail banks and major retailers, especially when it comes to replacing existing systems. Therefore, the third quarter of fiscal 2008/2009 was, as expected, a difficult one for Wincor Nixdorf. On the other hand, the trend in both sectors towards greater efficiency and more user-friendly processes has continued, and large-volume requests for proposal are still placed on the market.

Given the current unpredictability of events, it is not possible to offer a firm outlook for the remaining of the fiscal year. Consequently, Wincor Nixdorf anticipates that net sales for fiscal 2008/2009 as a whole will be slightly below the level of the previous year. The operating result is expected to show a year-on-year decline as a result of pressure on margins.

Alongside the measures already introduced by Wincor Nixdorf to create more flexible cost structures and achieve a short-term reduction in its cost base, the company has now launched a program entitled “ProFuture” to realign its activities with a view to meeting the challenges that lie ahead. The aim of the program is to generate a sustained boost to performance in key areas.