Elite World News

 During the first half-year of 2007, the French group Hermès International recorded a turnover of 721.1 million euros, an increase of 8.2% at constant exchange rates, thanks to an upturn in second quarter sales (+10%). In view of the impact of exchange rates, growth on a like for like basis was however only 2.9%. Net profit meanwhile rose to 128.1 million, compared to 117.5 million during the first six months of 2006 (+9%). While all group activities registered increases in turnover at constant exchange rates, the watch sector recorded a relatively modest progression (+5%) considering the euphoria in the industry at the present time.