Henkel saw robust organic sales growth for the first quarter of 2008, despite a weak US market. Henkel increased sales (adjusted for foreign exchange) by 1.7 percent with all business sectors contributing to this performance. Overall, sales fell slightly to 3,162 million euros in the first quarter of 2008, mainly as a result of unfavorable movements in foreign exchange.

 

At 320 million euros, operating profit (EBIT) was roughly at the high level of the previous year. Sales increases were most impressive in Europe (4.2%) and Asia (3.8%) while North America saw a decline of 3.1%. Organic sales in the Adhesives Technologies business sector increased by 2.4%.

 

“We made a good start to the fiscal year within a challenging economic environment. Our robust organic sales growth, achieved despite a sluggish US market and a strong prior-year quarter, is encouraging. All our business sectors have contributed to this,” said Kasper Rorsted, Chief Executive Officer of Henkel. “Development in our growth regions was again dynamic. I am very confident that we will meet the targets we have set ourselves for fiscal 2008. We expect the acquisition and integration of the National Starch businesses to further boost growth. In addition, the implementation of our ‘Global Excellence’ efficiency enhancement program is proceeding on schedule.”