In Germany, net sales rose by 8% to €425 million (previous year: €392 million). As was the case in the previous year, business in Germany contributed 27% to total net sales. At €138 million, net sales for Germany remained unchanged year on year in the third quarter of fiscal 2006/2007.

Europe (excluding Germany) proved to be an important growth driver in the first three quarters of the fiscal year, producing a 15% increase in net sales. Net sales rose to €864 million (previous year: €751 million); at 54% (previous year: 52%) this region again accounted for the largest share of total net sales. In the third quarter of fiscal 2006/2007 net sales generated in Europe (excluding Germany) increased by 11% to €284 million (previous year: €255 million).

Calculated on the basis of U.S. dollars, Asia/Pacific/Africa increased its net sales by 20% compared with the same period a year ago. Translated into euros, this corresponds to an increase of 11%, taking the total to €199 million (previous year: €180 million). Thus, Asia/Pacific/Africa contributed a share of 12% to total net sales for the Group (previous year: 13%). In the third quarter of the fiscal year, net sales generated in Asia/Pacific/Africa rose by 7% to €61 million (previous year: €57 million).

On the whole, business developed well in the Americas compared with the same period a year ago. However, with some projects having been postponed to the fourth quarter, growth was restricted to 10% – calculated in U.S. dollar terms. Translated into euros, net sales rose by 2% to €114 million (previous year: €112 million). Overall, the Americas accounted for 7% of total net sales within the Group (previous year: 8%). In the third quarter of the fiscal year, net sales in the Americas amounted to €34 million, i.e. 19% lower than in the same period a year ago (€42 million).