The group Mersen (ex-Carbone Lorraine), specializing in graphite solutions and electrical components, confirms its growth targets for 2010 after the publication of an increase in its half-year profits of 25.4%. Net income for the first half was $ 17.3 million, for an operating margin of 9.9% against 9.5% a year ago, and sales, already published, 348.1 million (+14.8%).
"The event was very well directed, welcomed Thomas Baumgartner, the chief financial officer, during a conference call.However, despite this improvement, the activity has still not regained its 2008 level, before the start of the economic crisis.
While saying "pay attention to macroeconomic uncertainty," confirmed Mersen wait for all of 2010 a "return to organic growth" and increased its operating margin (about 9% in 2009. "We confirm our objectives even more confidence "that the end of July," said Thomas Baumgartner, ensuring not see at present any adverse effect of the macroeconomic environment on the recovery. And to indicate that the group would give more details of its 2010 targets September 15 at a meeting on the strategy Mersen.
In late June, the group's net debt, which has acquired companies such Boostec and M. Schneider, widened to 255.8 million euros against 214.9 million at end December.