Clariant reports robust first half but says global economic growth was dampened compared to 2010

摘要

The second half of the year will be characterised by softening demand, according to Swiss speciality chemicals company Clariant which predicts that the business environment will become "more difficult" but still "solid".Pre-tax earnings at the company, whose businesses include pigments, textile chemicals and oil and mining services among others, rose 31% in the second quarter to CHF163 million and net income rose 60% to CHF40 million thanks to lower restructuring and impairment expenses. Chief executive, Hariolf Kottmann, said the beginning of 2011 represented a shift in focus at the company from restructuring to continuous improvement and profitable growth.