Due to stronger overall demand and higher than anticipated pulp price M-real's operating result is expected to be approximately 35 million Euros, excluding non-recurring items. This is clearly better than the seven million achieved in the fourth quarter of 2009. Consequently, result before taxes, excluding non-recurring items, in the first quarter of 2010 is expected to be clearly positive."Demand seems to continue on a good level. Availability of pulp has temporarily weakened mainly due to the unfortunate earthquake in Chile. This may cause board and paper production curtailments globally and further increase pulp prices. Board and paper prices must be increased to cover the increasing fiber costs. M-real has announced price increases for all its main products, and the implementation is proceeding", says Mikko Helander, CEO of M-real.M-real will announce the first quarter results on May 5.