MUTTENZ, Switzerland - Clariant announced first-quarter sales of CHF 1.945 billion, compared to CHF 1.717 billion in the previous-year period. Sales grew 18 percent in local currencies and 13 percent in Swiss francs, mainly driven by the acquisition of Süd-Chemie. On a like-for-like basis, sales declined two percent in local currencies year-on-year.
The first quarter was a continuation of the trend seen in the fourth quarter of 2011. Sequentially, Catalysis & Energy weakened as it entered its low season, while the seasonally strong businesses like de-icing and refinery had a weak performance due to unfavorable weather conditions. This was compensated by a solid growth in the non-cyclical business units and a pick-up in demand, particularly in Masterbatches, towards the end of the quarter.