In Europe (excluding Germany) net sales increased by 9% to €290 million in the first three months of fiscal 2006/2007, compared with €265 million in the first quarter of the previous fiscal year. At 53% (previous year: 55%), Europe yet again made the largest contribution to total net sales within the Group.

Germany recorded net sales growth of 17% in the period under review, thus establishing itself as a major growth driver. Net sales climbed to €145 million (previous year: €124 million), contributing 26% (previous year: 25%) to total net sales.

In the Americas, net sales in U.S. dollar terms grew by 19% in Q1 2006/2007. Translated into euros, this corresponds to an increase of 10% to €43 million (previous year: €39 million). Thus, as was the case in the same period a year ago, the Americas contributed 8% to total net sales within the Group.

Asia/Pacific/Africa, a region which also forms part of the U.S. dollar zone, increased its net sales by 29% (in U.S. dollars). Calculated on the basis of euros, this constitutes a year-on-year rise of 18%, taking the region‘s total to €71 million (previous year: €60 million). Asia/Pacific/Africa contributed a share of 13% to total net sales for the Group (previous year: 12%).