Compared to September 30, 2008, the balance sheet total rose by €32 million or 2.5% to €1,306 million.

As regards total assets, current assets saw an increase in cash and cash equivalents by €54 million to €70 million (Sept. 30, 2008: €16 million) as a result of cash inflows toward the end of the 2008 calendar year. By contrast, trade receivables declined by €14 million to €349 million (Sept. 30, 2008: €363 million).

The increase in total equity and liabilities was attributable mainly to the rise in equity by €36 million to €312 million (Sept. 30, 2008: €276 million). This was due almost entirely to first-quarter profit of €35 million (previous year: €32 million).