Buhrmann has posted an improvement in figures for its Q3, thanks to strong private brand sales, increased productivity and improving sales in North America, the company said.
Net profit for the quarter stood at 129.4 million ($38 million), up from 16.2 million in Q3 of 2003.
Net sales (excluding paper merchanting) declined slightly to 11.348 billion from last year’s Q3 of 11.404 billion.
Buhrmann president/CEO Frans Koffrie said: "We are pleased with the results we have delivered in our Q3. Our sustained and strong competitive position has allowed us to expand our business. We expect continued available positive cash flow in Q4 of 2004 and we accordingly reiterate our forecast that full year available cash flow will be positive." (see ‘stock-ing filler’, page 35)
Amsterdam (NL)
