The Linde Group recently announced that it has achieved double-digit growth in sales and operating profit in the first six months of 2007, in a seamless continuation of the positive trend from the first quarter.
The Group sales in the six months ending 30 June 2007 increased by 12.7 percent to 5.888 billion euro (2006: 5.223 billion euro).
It also achieved significant growth in earnings. Operating profit (EBITDA) in the first six months of the year rose to 1.158 billion euro (2006: 1.010 billion euro). This represents an increase of 14.7 percent.
"Our dynamic business performance goes from strength to strength," said Professor Dr Wolfgang Reitzle, Chief Executive Officer of Linde AG.
"The message we can take from the half-year figures is clear. We have created an efficient organisation with a new group structure, which means that we are extremely well-placed to take full advantage of the opportunities for growth in the international industrial gases and plant construction industries."
The Linde Group confirms its previous forecast for the full year 2007: Group sales and earnings are once again expected to exceed prior year figures. Linde has set itself a medium-term target of achieving a Group operating profit for the 2010 financial year of more than 3 billion euro.
