Essilor Posts Strong Growth In First Half

Essilor has announced consolidated revenue of an estimated E1.66 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2009, representing a 9.4% increase over the first half of 2008. Revenue was down 0.7% for the period, but was up 5.3% excluding the currency effect alone, said the company.

In Europe, the revenues were E665 million as compared to same period ending 2008. North America showed a gain of 16.2% to E718 million and Asia Pacific witnessed a gain of 15.9% to E170 million. However, the Latin America region showed a negative gain of 0.5% to E60.3 million.

Essilor primarily relied on new product launches to sustain its lens sales. Market share increased worldwide, led by the company’s extensive product portfolio, strong distribution networks and targeted acquisitions, said the company.

In light of these factors, Essilor is confident in its ability to maintain first-half 2009 operating margin at par with full-year 2008.