In Germany, net sales for the first quarter were up 12% to €155 million (previous year: €138 million). They accounted for 24% (previous year: 23%) of total net sales.

As in the first three months of the previous year, net sales in Europe (excluding Germany) amounted to €333 million. At 52% (previous year: 55%), Europe generated the largest share of total net sales for the Group.

Asia/Pacific/Africa proved to be the most significant growth driver in the first three months of the fiscal year, producing a 23% increase in net sales. Compared to the same period a year ago, net sales climbed to €100 million in the quarter under review (previous year: €81million). Calculated on the basis of U.S. dollars, net sales improved by 11%. In total, Asia/Pacific/Africa contributed a share of 15% (previous year: 14%).

Net sales in the Americas rose by 16% to €58 million (previous year: €50 million) in the period under review. Calculated on the basis of U.S. dollars, this corresponded to an increase of 5%. The proportion of total net sales for the Group generated in the Americas rose to 9% (previous year: 8%).