Vicat reports H1 growth

France-based 684 Vicat has reported that growth in the second quarter has helped to boost its first half result to give gains in both. Sales in the period from April to June were up 9.2% on the same period last year, taking sales for the first half to €985million – up 2.4% from 2009 levels – and EBITDA was up 0.9% to €232million.

In a statement, the company said, “The Vicat Group reports solid first half results, marked by resilient margins which stem from the strategic developments of the Performance 2010 plan.

“Performances were mixed by geographic region and by quarter. Indeed the US and Italy are still particularly affected by the economic crisis, while activity levels remain strong in Switzerland, Egypt, West Africa and Turkey. Lastly, in France, after a first quarter characterised by unfavourable weather and a still difficult economic climate, the second quarter was helped by a more favourable trend, sustained by the stimulus plan.

“This solid performance confirms the resilience of the Group's economic model and gives us confidence in our ability to emerge stronger from the current economic crisis."