Group's financial performance

February–October

The Group’s February–October net sales rose to EUR 4,167 (4,042) million, an increase of 3.1% compared to the same period last year.

The Group’s operating profit in February–October was EUR 94 (92) million. The Group’s ordinary profit before taxes was EUR 93 (87) million and the profit margin was 2.2 (3.4)%. The net profit for the period February–October was EUR 70 (110) million. The apparent decline in the net profit figures is fully explained by the divestment of the Tamro MedLab division, which was sold to private equity investor CapMan in July 2006. Excluding extraordinary items our comparable profit margin last year was 2.2%.

3Q August–October

The Group’s third quarter net sales amounted to EUR 1,414 (1,355) million, up 4.3% from last year’s figures.

The Group’s operating profit in August–October was EUR 30 (32) million, down 4% from 3Q in the previous year, mostly due to one-off capital gains last year. The ordinary profit before taxes was EUR 33 (31) million, up 7%, and the profit margin increased to 2.4 (2.3)%. The net profit for the period August–October was EUR 25 (22) million.