Schneider Electric Reports Excellent Results in First-Half 2006

Schneider Electric’s reported sales amounted to €6,586 million in first-half 2006: on a current structure and exchange rate basis, it rose a strong 22.0% compared to the same period in 2005.

Acquisitions – primarily ABS EMEA, Juno Lighting, BEI Technologies and Clipsal Asia — contributed a significant €433 million, or 8% of sales growth. The currency effect was positive, increasing sales by €131 million or + 2.7%, due to the euro’s relatively high exchange rate in first-half 2005 in relation to the rest of the year.

On a constant structure and exchange rate basis, sales rose a record 11.3% in first-half 2006 compared to first-half 2005, thanks to a sustained pace of growth in all regions.

In the second quarter 2006, sales increased by a strong 9.4% on a constant structure and exchange rate basis, to €3,406 million. Adjusted for seasonal variations, growth was on a par with the first quarter, with sales continuing to benefit from a very favorable trend in all markets.

The Group recorded strong sales growth in both Asia-Pacific and the Rest of the World. Thanks to its extensive geographic coverage and high-quality local operations, Schneider Electric is well positioned to take advantage of any growth opportunities offered by a promising environment in these regions.

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