In Germany, net sales rose by 26% to €336 million in the first half of the fiscal year (previous year: €267 million), thus accounting for 27% (previous year: 23%) of total net sales. For the second quarter of the fiscal year, net sales in Germany amounted to €181 million (previous year: €129 million), which translates into year-on-year growth of 40%.

At €577 million (previous year: €631 million), net sales in Europe (excluding Germany) for the first half were 9% down on the figure posted in the same period a year ago. At 47% (previous year: 53%), Europe generated the largest share of total net sales for the Group. In the second quarter of the fiscal year, net sales in Europe (excluding Germany) declined by 18% to €245 million (previous year: €298 million).

Asia/Pacific/Africa proved to be a significant growth driver during the first six months of the fiscal year. Net sales rose by 20% to €219 million year on year (previous year: €182 million). In the first half of the fiscal year, Asia/Pacific/Africa contributed a higher share of 18% (previous year: 15%) to total net sales for the Group. In the second quarter of the fiscal year, net sales generated in Asia/Pacific/Africa improved by 17% to €118 million (previous year: €101 million). Calculated on the basis of U.S. dollars, net sales rose by 5% in the first six months of fiscal 2008/2009.

Net sales in the Americas dropped slightly by 1% to €102 million in the first half of the fiscal year (previous year: €103 million). Thus, the proportion of Group net sales generated in the Americas declined to 8% (previous year: 9%). In the second quarter of the fiscal year, net sales decreased to €44 million (previous year: €53 million), down 17% on the second quarter of fiscal 2007/2008. Expressed in U.S. dollars, net sales generated in the Americas fell by 14% during the period under review.