PARIS, April 15, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Consolidated sales for the first three months of 2002 were shaped by two important factors:
- A 6.5% year-on-year increase in sales at constant scope of consolidation.
- The gradual increase in business at Krups-Moulinex, for the taken over product families.
Business was generally favorable in the European Union, with an excellent performance in France compared with a weak prior-year quarter and varied results in the other countries. The Krups-Moulinex operations had a significant impact despite a certain hesitation on the part of retailers in countries covered by the European Commission's decision regarding licensing of the Moulinex brand.
The greater availability of Krups and Moulinex products has led to a gradual decline in the carry-over effect on brands of the former Groupe SEB scope of consolidation.
In North America, where business was already sustained, the contribution from Krups-Moulinex is further strengthening sales.
In Latin America, Brazilian demand is still feeling the impact of the energy savings program, which was rescinded in late March after a rainy winter season.
In the rest of the world, business remained firm in the CIS and South Korea and stabilized in Turkey, while benefiting from the consolidation of Krups-Moulinex, in particular in the Near and Middle East where the latter's powerful networks have been maintained.
***
As planned, the organization is being put into place and the restart of Krup-Moulinex's manufacturing operations is improving both product availability and customer service.
***
SEB S.A. invites shareholders to attend the Annual and Extraordinary General Meeting, to be held: May 14, at 2:30 pm Salons Hoche, 9 avenue Hoche - 75008 Paris
For information concerning the Meeting, please contact the Shareholders' Relations Department Phone: +33 (0) 4.72.18.16.41 - fax: +33 (0) 4.72.18.18.50
The full text of this release including the financial tables is available at the following link: