PARIS (dpa-AFX) - French industrial gas maker Air Liquide (AIQUY.PK) posted a slight decline in first-quarter 2013 Group revenue to 3.70 billion euros, from 3.78 billion euros last year, but was stable excluding currency and natural gas impacts.
Quarterly Gas & Services sales reached 3.41 billion euros. In a contrasted economic environment, the underlying activity was up 4.9%, helped by the pursuit of development initiatives in growing markets. According to the company, Large Industries benefited from higher hydrogen demand for chemical plants and refineries in the U.S. and in China, and from start-ups and ramp-ups of new plants in Eastern Europe.
Boosted by the impact of acquisitions, Healthcare reported strong growth in all zones, reaching 12% at the global level and 13% in Europe, including the LVLMédical and Gasmedi acquisitions.
Barring a degradation of the environment, the company remains confident in its ability to deliver another year of net profit growth in 2013.
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