Viohalco has 2008 loss on lower metals prices

ATHENS, March 30 (Reuters) - Viohalco, Greece's biggest metals processing group, on Monday booked its first annual loss since at least 1995 as the global economic crisis slashed metal prices. The company, which is active in the steel, aluminium and copper business, had a net loss of 11.3 million euros in 2008 from a profit of 83.9 million euros the previous year. Viohalco reduced the valuation of its metal stocks by 157.2 million euros, the statement said. Sales rose 2 percent to 3.76 billion euros. Viohalco, listed in Athens since 1947, has production facilities in Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Macedonia and Britain. (Reporting by Harry Papachristou; Editing by David Cowell) Keywords: VIOHALCO/RESULTS (harry.papachristou@thomsonreuters.com; +30 210 3376455; Reuters Messaging: harry.papachristou.reuters.com@reuters.net)