Rome, 18 January 2013

Press Release

Today S&P lowered Finmeccanica SpA long-term corporate credit rating from BBB- with Negative Outlook to BB+ with Stable Outlook, mainly due to the longer than expected timing in the execution of the disposal plan.

Both Moody's (Baa3/Stable Outlook) and Fitch (BBB-/Negative Outlook) recently confirmed Finmeccanica investment grade credit rating.

The S&P decision does not change the terms of the outstanding Finmeccanica loans and bond issues. The Group is on track to deliver the financial targets provided to the market. Today Finmeccanica reaffirms the financial guidance for 2012: Revenues of 16.9-17.3 billion, EBITA of approximately 1,100 million and positive Free Operating Cash Flow.

Finmeccanica is committed to further deliver on its restructuring program and to timely execute its disposal plan, which will continue to strengthen the Group's financial position, reduce the level of the debt, enhance its competitiveness in the markets and support future performance in the core businesses.

Finmeccanica's business plan is supported by a solid financial structure, with an average debt life of over 10 years, a strong liquidity position and no significant refinancing needs in the bond market until the end of 2017.

Finmeccanica plays a leading role in the global aerospace, defence and security industry. It participates in some of the sector's biggest international programmes through its operating companies and thanks to partnerships in Europe and the USA. A leader in the design and manufacture of helicopters, defence and security electronics, civil and military aircraft, aerostructures, satellites, space infrastructure and defence systems, Finmeccanica is Italy's leading high-tech company with significant manufacturing assets and expertise in the transport and energy sectors. Listed on the Milan Stock Exchange, as of 31 December 2011, Finmeccanica had around 70,474 employees, including 40,224 in Italy, some 10,450 in the US, over 9,300 in the UK, some 3,700 in France, around 3,250 in Poland, and 964 in Germany. Over 85% of the Group's employees are based in three "domestic" markets (Italy, the UK and the USA). As part of its drive to maintain and build on its technological excellence, Finmeccanica spends around 12% of its revenues on research and development.