euro adhoc: Calida Holding AG
quarterly or semiannual financial statement /
First half-year 2006: Calida on course
Disclosure announcement transmitted by euro adhoc. The issuer is responsible for the content of this announcement.
27.07.2006
In the first half of 2006, the SWX Swiss Exchange listed Calida Group continued its successful development within the strategic guidelines. Sales and earnings rose significantly in the reporting period. Integration of the French lingerie producer Aubade, now consolidated for the first time, is progressing as planned and is already at an advanced stage.
Following the successful acquisition of Aubade, the French producer of luxury lingerie, the first half of 2006 was a time of integration and consolidation for the Calida Group. Under inclusion of Aubade, sales rose in comparison with the same period of the previous year by 61% to CHF 98.8 million.
The operating profit (EBIT) of the Calida Group improved from CHF 1.2 million to CHF 5.7 million. Net profit for the period increased from CHF 1.4 million to CHF 3.6 million.
The demand for Calida products is very positive. The cornerstones of this development are the Calida stores and the Calida shops-in-shops. Their contribution to total sales has now reached 30%. In the reporting period, ten new Calida stores were opened in Lausanne, Berlin, Leipzig, Frankfurt, Bonn and Hamburg, among others.
For Aubade, the first half of the year, which is traditionally the one in which stronger sales are recorded, resulted in a decline in turnover, largely due to the cleaning up process as part of the consolidation and integration of the Aubade brand into the Calida Group. On Aubade's home market in France, stable sales to retail trade customers were counter-weighed by lower sales to lingerie chains and department stores. In the export markets, certain loss-making distribution channels were closed and distribution structures simplified.
On the whole, the Calida Group is well on course with two brands that are excellently positioned in the target markets. The distribution structures which are increasingly orientated to brand-exclusive retail channels are proving their value. The integration of Aubade is taking place consistently and rapidly with the aim of achieving synergies, improved efficiencies and stronger profitability.
On a consolidated basis for the full year, we can plan with an acquisition-related growth in sales of 20% and an improvement in the operating profitability.
The half-year report 2006 will be available on 27th July 2006, at 7 a.m. under www.calida.com / Investor Relations / Financial reports.
end of announcement euro adhoc 27.07.2006 07:00:00
Further inquiry note:
For further information:
Felix Sulzberger, CEO
CALIDA Holding AG
Telephone: 0041 (0)41 925 42 48
Branche: Textiles & Clothing
ISIN: CH0009018133
WKN: 9018133
Index: SPI, SPIEX
Börsen: SWX Swiss Exchange / official market