In Europe (excl. Germany) net sales increased by 10% during the first three quarters of the fiscal year to € 751 million (previous year: € 682 million). At 52% (previous year: 54%), Europe made the largest contribution to total Group net sales. During the third fiscal quarter, net sales in Europe (excl. Germany) were up 18% to € 255 million (previous year: € 217 million).

In Germany, business was up 16% in the first three quarters, making a sizeable contribution to overall growth within the Group. Net sales moved ahead to € 392 million (previous year: € 337 million). As in the previous year, this is equivalent to 27% of total net sales. Fiscal Q3 net sales in Germany were up 19% to € 138 million (previous year: € 116 million).

In the Americas, net sales during the period under review added 11% to € 112 million (previous year: € 101 million). In US dollar terms this represented a rise of 5%. Excellent growth in Latin America was balanced by a restrained performance in the US. As in the previous year, the Americas accounted for 8% of total Group net sales. In fiscal Q3, net sales in the Americas remained at last year’s level of € 42 million.

In Asia-Pacific & Africa, net sales moved 24% ahead to € 180 million (previous year: € 145 million), a rise of 17% in US dollar terms. Asia-Pacific & Africa accounted for 13% of total Group net sales (previous year: 11%). In fiscal Q3, net sales in Asia-Pacific & Africa improved 16% to reach € 57 million (previous year: € 49 million).