Buhrmann has posted a 17.7 per cent rise in Q4 profit.
EPS for the quarter increased to €0.23 from €0.17 in 2004. Earnings before tax and exceptionals (EBITE) for the year increased to €73 million from €63 million a year ago. Net profit for 2005 was up 44 per cent to €118 million ($141 million).
Buhrmann CEO Frans Koffrie said: "We are positive about prospects for sales growth in 2006, based on our expectations of continued favourable macroeconomic trends in North America and Australia and gradually recovering markets in Europe."
Sales for the quarter rose to €1.6 billion. Organic sales grew 8 per cent with all businesses contributing, including a 9 per cent rise at Corporate Express North America, and a 6 per cent lift in Europe.
