Good business development: The worldwide operations of the Evonik Degussa Group developed very satisfactorily as a result of positive global economic conditions.
We generated organic growth of 9 percent. Thanks to strong global demand, we were able to recoup at least some of the rise in raw material costs by raising prices to customers.
Overall, sales improved by just 1 percent as a result of currency and consolidation effects and the transfer of the service functions.
The operating result (EBIT before non-operating result) improved 28 percent to €1,125 million.This mainly reflects higher demand, improved selling prices and successful restructuring.
Besides, the year-back figure contained expenses for the administrative and service functions that were transferred at the start of 2007.