Group's financial performance

February–July

The Group’s February–July net sales rose to EUR 2,753 (2,687) million, an increase of 2.4% compared to the same period last year.

The Group’s operating profit in February–July was EUR 64 (60) million. The Group’s ordinary profit before taxes was EUR 60 (105) million and the profit margin was 2.2 (3.9)%. The net profit for the period February–July was EUR 45 (88) million. The decline in the figures is due to the divestment of the Tamro MedLab division, which was sold to private equity investor CapMan in June 2006. Excluding the MedLab effects our comparable profit margin last year was 2.1%.

May-July

The Group’s second quarter net sales amounted to EUR 1,401 (1,373) million, up 2% from last year’s figures.

The Group’s operating profit in May–July was EUR 33 (31) million, up 5% from 2Q in the previous year. The ordinary profit before taxes was EUR 31 (78) million, down 61% and the profit margin contracted to 2.2 (5.7)% due to the one-time effect of the MedLab divestment.

The net profit for the period May–July was EUR 23 (68) million.