In the first half of 2010, Safilo realised sales of 580,3 million euro which is 3,2% more as in the same period last year. Growth increased in the second quarter to even 7,3%. This increase is completely due to an increasing sunglasses sales while sales of prescription frames in the first half of 2010 decreased. Worldwide Europe showed the weakest performance. The Americas did better with an increase of 8,4% in the first half and growth of even 15,3% in the second quarter. The stronger dollar compared to the euro contributed significantly to the better results. Asia performed excellent with an increase of 20,9% in the first half of the year. In this region as well sales increase accelerated in the second quarter. Despite al these positive results Safilo remains cautious with regards to the results for the full year 2010. Growth is pretty much based on sunglasses sales and the various markets still look instable. Nevertheless reorganisations and efficiency operations seem to be successful and kept the net loss for the first half year limited to 3,3 million euro. The new management team works hard to further increase efficiency and strongly focuses on sales opportunities in the various markets.
