Europe (excluding Germany) proved to be a significant growth driver in the first half of the fiscal year, producing a 17% increase in net sales. At €581 million (previous year: €496 million), net sales in this region accounted for 54% (previous year: 53%) and thus the largest share of total net sales. In the second quarter of fiscal 2006/2007 net sales generated in Europe (excluding Germany) rose by 26% to €290 million (previous year: €231 million).

In Germany, net sales grew by 13% to €286 million (previous year: €253 million). Thus, business in Germany contributed 26% (previous year: 27%) to total net sales. In the second quarter of fiscal 2006/2007 net sales generated in Germany increased by 8% to €141 million (previous year: €130 million).

In the Americas, net sales in U.S. dollar terms rose by 25% over the course of the first six months of fiscal 2006/2007. Translated into euros, net sales grew by 13% to €80 million (previous year: €71 million). As was the case in the same period a year ago, the Americas contributed 7% to total net sales within the Group. In the second quarter of the fiscal year under review net sales generated in the Americas rose by 23% to €38 million (previous year: €31 million).

Asia/Pacific/Africa, a region which also forms part of the U.S. dollar zone, increased its net sales by 23% year on year. Calculated on the basis of euros, this constitutes a year-on-year rise of 12% to €138 million (previous year: €123 million). The share contributed by Asia/Pacific/Africa to total net sales within the Group remained unchanged year on year at 13%. In the second quarter of fiscal 2006/2007 net sales generated in Asia/Pacific/Africa grew by 8% to €68 million (previous year: €63 million).