Net sales in Germany for the first half-year were 7% below the figure posted for the same period a year ago. Net sales stood at €267 million (previous year: €286 million) and accounted for 23% (previous year: 26%) of total net sales for the Group. In the second quarter, net sales in Germany were down 9% year on year at €129 million (previous year: €141 million).

By contrast, net sales in Europe (excluding Germany) for the first six months of the current fiscal year were up 9% at €631 million compared to €581 million for the same period in 2006/2007. At 53% (previous year: 54%), this region generated the largest share of total net sales for the Group. Net sales in Europe (excluding Germany) during the second quarter rose 3% to €298 million (previous year: €290 million).

Net sales in the Asia/Pacific/Africa region grew by 48% in U.S. dollar terms. When converted into euros, this is equivalent to a 32% increase on the previous year to €182 million (previous year: €138 million) and a contribution of 15% (previous year: 13%) to total net sales for the Group. Sales growth in the second quarter was a very encouraging 49%, with net sales up from €68 million in Q2 2006/2007 to €101 million.

Net sales in the Americas region during the period under review climbed 46% in U.S. dollar terms. In euro terms, this represents an increase of 29% to €103 million (previous year: €80 million), bringing the region’s contribution to total net sales for the Group from 7% in the previous year to 9%. This rise is also reflected in net sales for the second quarter of the current fiscal year, which stood at €53 million (previous year: €38 million), equivalent to an increase of 39%.