Turnover and profit up at Clariant

Swiss specialty chemicals group Clariant has posted net profit of SFr251 million ($274 million) for 2011, an increase of 31.4 per cent on the previous year.

Clariant, based at Muttenz near Basel, saw an increase in turnover of four per cent to SFr7.37 billion; the increase was 16 per cent in local currencies.

The group, which snapped up its German rival Süd-Chemie last year, reported that the two new Süd-Chemie business units had  performed above target in the first eight months of consolidation.

Since December 1 2011 Süd-Chemie has been 100 per cent owned by Clariant and organised according to the Clariant operating model.

“Due to the acquisition of Süd-Chemie and the strength of the [Süd-Chemie] business unit catalysis & energy in the third and fourth quarters, sales were higher in the second half-year than in the first six months, despite a significant slowdown in some businesses towards year-end,” Clariant said.

Looking ahead to this year, Clariant said an accurate forecast was difficult given the current level of economic uncertainty. “Raw material costs are expected to rise in the mid-single-digit range while exchange rates should remain stable compared to the beginning of the year.”