Update on Brazilian projects

4 February 2013

Hightex Group plc

("Hightex" or "the Group")

Update on Brazilian projects

Hightex Group, a leading systems engineering company, which designs, fabricates and installs large area, cable supported, lightweight membrane roofs and façades worldwide is pleased to announce that it has successfully completed on schedule the installation of the supporting cable system at the at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, that will host the final of the FIFA 2014 World Cup and the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Olympics. Hightex will now immediately start work on the installation of the membrane structure of the roof over the Maracanã Stadium. The stadium is set for completion during early 2013 ahead of it hosting the FIFA Confederations Cup in June 2013.

The Group's other Brazilian active projects, namely the installation of the membrane roof projects at the Beira-Rio Stadium in Porto Alegre and the Arena das Dunas in Natal, both of which will be used for FIFA 2014, remain on track. 

Hightex's contracted revenues for 2013, from contracts secured to date, are approximately €16.4 million.

Frank Molter, Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"We look forward to completing the membrane roof of the iconic Maracanã stadium that will be in the global spotlight over the next three years throughout the Confederations Cup, FIFA 2014 and the 2016 Olympics. Hightex is delighted once again to have been recognized for its unique technical excellence in designing, fabricating and installing large membrane and cable structure projects for signature stadiums. We look forward to building on the significant traction we have gained in Brazil both within the region and with our pipeline globally".  

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Notes to Editors

Hightex Group is a leading systems engineering company, which designs, fabricates and installslarge area, light weight membrane roofs and façades worldwide. The membranes are typically used in roofs and façades for sporting stadiums and arenas; airport terminals; train stations; shopping malls and other buildings. This type of structure is a competitive alternative to glass as it is cheaper, lighter in weight so that it can span larger areas., and safer as well as being flexible to create complex shapes. Hightex uses environmentally friendly materials and is focussed on innovative technology and coatings, which help to reduce a building's energy costs.

Hightex, one of only two international companies to design and install these structures worldwide, has been involved in the construction of a number of very high profile buildings including the Olympic Stadium in Kiev, venue for the final of Euro 2012, the first retractable membrane cushion roof at BC Place, the Cape Town Stadium and the roof of the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the Wimbledon Centre Court retractable roof, the Burj al Arab Hotel in Dubai and the roof of the Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok.

The global market for membrane structures is estimated by the Hightex directors to approach around €350 million a year, and is growing as a result of the demand for energy efficient buildings and the popularity and cyclical nature of sporting events, which give rise to a continuing need for upgraded and new buildings and stadiums.

Headquartered in Bernau, Germany the Group employs approximately 45 people and is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE: HTIG). Further information on Hightex Group plc can be found at www.hightexworld.com