In the first six months of 2007, global specialty chemicals company Cognis increased its net external sales by 6.2% to 1,821 million euros on a comparable currency basis.

Currency effects reduced the sales growth to 3.5%, reaching 1,775 million Euros. The operating result (Adjusted EBITDA) of 214 million Euros could match the high level of the first half year in 2006 in spite of a massive rise in raw material costs, especially for natural oils and fats.

Together with a successful cost management, the necessary selling price increases could be achieved in many areas, but will show effect with the usual time delay. Return on sales (Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of sales) stood at 12%. Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) fell slightly down 1.4% to 119 million Euros. Excluding exceptional items, Cognis recorded a net profit of 39 million Euros.