The gross margin on net sales before charges arising from the carve-out fell by 0.5 percentage points from 27.5% in the same period of 2006/2007 to 27.0% in the first six months of the current fiscal year.

Research and development expenses for the period under review were up €2 million to €48 million (previous year: €46 million), equivalent to a rise of 4%. The R&D ratio was 4.1% (previous year: 4.2%).

During the period under review, selling, general and administration expenses as a proportion of net sales were reduced by 0.4 percentage points to 14.5% (previous year: 14.9%). Selling, general and administration expenses including other operating income and expenses amounted to €171 million (previous year: €162 million).