Essilor: six-month data and new acquisitions

Essilor published its results for the first six months of the year and concluded the acquisition of another three laboratories: one American and two Canadian.

As at June 30, 2003 Essilor's total sales amounted to 1,031.2 million euros, a drop of 7.6%, but at constant exchange rates, an increase of 2.3% compared to the 1,116.5 million of the first six months of 2002.

During the period, sales increased by 5.1% in Europe and by 6.9% in Asia, but North America registered a downturn of 1.2%. Net profits during the first six months were 102.8 million euros, an increase of 3.1% compared to the 99.7 million euros of the same period last year.

Essilor has also announced the acquisition of three laboratories. The first, OmniOptical Lab, is based in Texas, employs 80 people and in 2002 its turnover was 11 million dollars; the laboratory will distribute Varilux progressive lenses and Crizal A-R lenses.

The other two, Optique de l'Estrie and Opsg, are based in Sherbrooke (Quebec) and London (Ontario), respectively, and their aggregate turnover totals 2.5 million Canadian dollars.