In Europe (excl. Germany) net sales during the first half were 7% ahead at € 496 million (previous year: € 465 million), representing 53% of total Group net sales (previous year: 55%). Q2 net sales in Europe were up 13%.

After many years of stagnation, the German business has continued to perform well, with six-month net sales up 14% to € 253 million (previous year: € 221 million), making a major contribution to the Group’s overall growth and moving the German contribution to total net sales ahead slightly to 27% (previous year: 26%). German net sales in fiscal Q2 were 23% ahead at € 130 million, well up on last year’s figure.

In the Americas, net sales during the first six months of the fiscal year improved 22% to
€ 71 million (previous year: € 58 million), or 10% when expressed in US dollars, making up 7% of total net sales (previous year: 7%). Fiscal Q2 net sales in the Americas improved 11% when expressed in euros.

In Asia-Pacific & Africa, first-half net sales were up 27% to € 123 million (previous year:
€ 97 million) or 16% in US dollars, contributing 13% of total net sales (previous year: 12%). Fiscal Q2 net sales in Asia-Pacific & Africa grew 34%.