Empresas y finanzas

Provisional Sales for the First 9 Months of 2006



    Groupe SEB(Paris:SK)(ISIN:FR0000121709):

    -0-
    *T
    IFRS
    %
    9 months 9 months change
    (in EUR millions) 2005 2006 ===================
    Current Constant
    exchange exchange
    rates rates
    ======== ======== ========= =========
    France 365.4 367.0 + 0.5% + 0.5%
    ================================ ======== ======== ========= =========
    Other EU countries 435.2 445.2 + 2.3% + 2.3%
    ================================ ======== ======== ========= =========
    North America 232.7 259.7 + 11.6% + 9.0%
    ================================ ======== ======== ========= =========
    South America 131.5 169.7 + 29.1% + 20.7%
    ================================ ======== ======== ========= =========
    Central Europe, CIS, Asia &
    other countries 431.2 487.6 + 13.1% + 14.1%
    ================================ ======== ======== ========= =========
    TOTAL 1 596.0 1 729.2 + 8.4% + 7.5%
    ================================ ======== ======== ========= =========
    Rounded figures Percentages based on
    exact figures
    *T

    Sales remained solid for the nine months that ended 30 September
    2006, rising 8.4% at current exchange rates and 7.5% at constant
    exchange rates. The EUR 1,729.2 million in revenue reported for the
    period includes the aggregate EUR 44 million additional contribution
    from Lagostina and Panex, acquired last year and consolidated,
    respectively, for four months and five months longer than in the first
    nine months of 2005, and from Mirro WearEver, consolidated in 2006 for
    one and a half months. In addition, the positive currency effect,
    which amounted to EUR 23 million in the first half, decreased sharply
    to EUR 13 million, as the unfavourable second-quarter trend carried
    over into the third quarter. At constant scope of consolidation and
    exchange rates, revenue was up an organic 4.8% for the nine months.

    This performance, which is almost in line with the first half,
    reflects the expected and previously announced modest slowdown in
    third-quarter growth, in the light of high prior-year comparatives.
    Third-quarter sales continued to trend upwards, however, increasing by
    an organic 3%. Growth was led by an upswing in France, firm demand in
    South America and continued strong momentum in international markets.
    In the 15-nation EU market, business remained difficult and varied,
    while sales slowed somewhat in North America.

    In France, sales were up slightly compared to the first nine
    months of 2005. Following a lacklustre second quarter, the Group
    turned the situation around during the summer in a better and more
    buoyant market context. Sales still differed significantly from one
    product family to another. Business was brisk in cookware but more
    varied for small electrical appliances: competitive in irons and
    vacuum cleaners and difficult in food preparation appliances but still
    fast-growing in espresso coffee machines, blenders and personal care
    appliances while up sharply in fryers.

    Elsewhere in the 15-country European Union, sales growth was led
    by Lagostina's contribution, as in the first half. At constant scope
    of consolidation, revenue growth slowed slightly, reflecting a
    situation that remained challenging and varied from one country to
    another. After a positive second quarter, business declined in the
    third quarter in Germany, Austria and the Netherlands, where the
    impact of the Beertender draught beer system subsided following the
    FIFA World Cup. Sales however rose in Southern Europe, notably in
    Spain, Portugal and Greece.

    In North America, third-quarter sales included a EUR 7-million
    contribution from newly acquired Mirro WearEver, consolidated as from
    16 August. At constant scope of consolidation and exchange rates,
    sales growth in the US remained strong, although lower than in the
    first half. The slowdown was due mainly to All-Clad, whose growth was
    slower than in the first six months of the year. On the other hand,
    Rowenta's performance improved, thanks to its successful new irons,
    T-Fal reported stable sales and Krup continued to make up its
    early-year shortfall. Business was held firm in Mexico, while a sharp
    downturn in Canada completely wiped out the second quarter's gains.

    In South America, sales were again satisfactory. In Brazil, Arno
    adjusted its marketing strategy to the new currency context and
    maintained its market share, with strong sales of semi-automatic
    washing machines, fans, blenders and coffeemakers. Panex's performance
    was boosted by the successful launch of new product ranges. Sales came
    under some pressure in Argentina and Chile, but continued to grow
    significantly in Colombia and make solid advances in Venezuela.

    In the other countries, Groupe SEB pursued its rapid development,
    with results very close to those reported in the first half, despite a
    continued slowdown in South Korea due to changes in the retailing
    industry and heightened competition. The growth dynamic covered nearly
    all markets, with a sharp acceleration in the CIS and Ukraine, strong
    momentum in Central Europe, and continued robust sales in Australia
    and in Turkey, despite the significant decline of the Turkish lira
    against the euro. In Japan, where kettles are still very successful,
    third-quarter sales growth was slowed by the weakening of the yen. In
    China, Groupe SEB continued to make significant advances, validating
    its projects in a market that enjoys exceptional growth potential.