SEZ Group Positive 2002 First Quarter Exceeds Expectations

In the first quarter of 2002, the SEZ Group (SWX: SEZN) increased its consolidated net sales by 115.9 percent to CHF 49.0 million quarter on quarter (Q4/2001: CHF 22.7 million). In the same period, SEZ's order intake increased quarter on quarter by 35.6 percent to CHF 33.5 million (CHF 24.7 million), with an order backlog on March 31, 2002 of CHF 31.5 million (Dec. 31, 2001: CHF 47.1 million). For the first quarter of 2002, EBIT is expected to be CHF 4.5 million (loss of CHF 16.4 million) and net profit is expected to amount to CHF 3 million (loss of CHF 3.5 million).

New technologies add momentum to the first quarter
After the low in the fourth quarter of 2001, the SEZ Group achieved an increase in order intake in the first quarter of 2002, coming mainly from US and Asia-Pacific customers. Technological advances, such as the impending switch to 300-mm wafer diameter as well as the miniaturization of line widths and use of new materials (copper, low-k dielectrics), have added momentum to the Company's growth. Along with this development, single-wafer technology (SEZ Spin Processors) is gaining momentum in the logic ICs and foundry markets due to its advantages in process quality, repeatibility and flexibility, while batch technology (wet benches) will predominantly be used for the price-sensitive and high-volume memory markets.

Complete solution for wet chemical wafer surface treatment from one provider
Today, SEZ's unique Spin-Process technology forms the basis of a broad product portfolio for cleaning of wafer surfaces (single-wafer technology). With the acquisition of the German company HMReinraumtechnik (acquisition of 100 percent will be completed on April 10, 2002), a supplier of wet benches for batch processes, the SEZ Group achieved an important strategic step to become a leading supplier of a complete range of processes for wet chemical wafer surface treatment. With its broad solution portfolio for single wafer and batch technology, the SEZ Group now offers outstanding growth and yield potential.

Continuation of growth strategy
The Board of Directors of SEZ Holding Ltd. will recommend to its Shareholders at the Annual General Meeting to carry forward the retained earnings of CHF 36.7 million and to renounce a payment of dividends. Withholding the profits will form the basis for further above average growth, in linewith the Group's strategic objectives.

About SEZ
The SEZ Group is a leading supplier of wet wafer surface preparation equipment to the global semiconductor manufacturing industry. The company's proprietary Spin-Processor technology (single wafer technology) as well as its wet bench equipment for batch processing forms the basis of a broad equipment solution portfolio for wafer cleaning and decontamination. SEZ maintains development, manufacturing, sales, marketing and service operations in Europe, Asia and North America. Registered in Zurich, Switzerland, SEZ Holding AG is listed on the Swiss Exchange under the symbol SEZN since 1996.

Villach/Zurich, April 8, 2002