Positive first half for Essilor

The Board of Directors of Essilor International yesterday announced the financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2004.

Sales amounted to €1,134.5 million, up 13.8%, excluding the currency effect, led by strong 7.8% organic growth and supported by an assertive acquisitions strategy. First-half highlights included:
- an excellent performance in all regions. On a like-for-like basis, sales increased by 5.5% in Europe, 8.9% in North America, 13.7% in the Asia/Pacific region and 19.2% in Latin America;
- the successful introduction of new products, in particular the Crizal® Alizé™ antireflective treatment and the Varilux® Ellipse™ small-frame progressive lenses;
- changes in the scope of consolidation added 6% to sales growth. They mainly concerned the first-time consolidation of companies acquired in 2003.

Net income after minority interests increased 11% to € 114.2 million.