The balance sheet total fell slightly compared to September 30, 2008, and was down €11 million to €1,263 million.

As regards total assets, current assets saw an increase in cash and cash equivalents of €71 million to €87 million (Sept. 30, 2008: €16 million). By contrast, inventories reduced by €22 million to €256 million (Sept. 30, 2008: €278 million) and trade receivables by €54 million to €309 million (Sept. 30, 2008: €363 million).

The increase in non-current liabilities of €55 million to €295 million (Sept. 30, 2008: €240 million) was largely attributable to a more extensive use of the revolving facility and the associated rise in non-current financial liabilities of €40 million to €226 million (Sept. 30, 2008: €186 million). In parallel, current liabilities decreased by €90 million to €668 million (Sept. 30, 2008: €758 million).