· Positive trend accentuated in the first quarter.
· Net turnover increased by 31 per cent to SEK 220.3 m (168.4).
· Operating profit rose by 45 per cent to SEK 22.9 m (15.8).
· Profit after tax grew to SEK 16.7 m (10.7).
· Earnings per share were SEK 2.55 (1.73).
· Operations started in Denmark.
· Acquisition of Danish automation enterprise Brodersen Automation.
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COMMENTS FROMÂ GÖRAN SIGFRIDSSON, OURÂ CEO
"Our strategy of deeper collaboration with Mitsubishi Electric in 2006 is now paying off. The group's operations in Finland expanded, while we also started up in Denmark. Overall, this helped positive consolidated sales and profit performance in the first quarter. The acquisition of Danish enterprise Brodersen Automation in March completed another part of Beijer Electronics' structure.
The Automation business area was convincing in the quarter with good growth and increased profit. This expansion was broad based, with sales across all product areas increasing. After aggressive initiatives in the past year, Automation has laid a secure foundation for continued profitable expansion.
The HMI Products business area continued to advance its positioning, although the good growth slowed somewhat in the quarter. Our sales gains in Germany and China are pleasing. The new terminal series EXTER continued its excellent sales success. Operations were started up in Shanghai in the period, part of our Asian market initiatives."