Essilor boost

Essilor International said full year net profit for the year ended December 2006 rose 14.3 per cent from a year earlier to €328.3m amid strong sales of new products and an improved product mix.

The company attributed its sustained growth to success in Europe and acquisitions activity, particularly in the US where it made 22 acquisitions during the assessed period. Essilor said the new product successes were led by the Varilux Physio progressive lens.

The trading statement also included restructuring costs of €2.7m, corresponding mainly to the cost of closing its glass lens plant in Ireland.