Essilor reveals first-half rise

Essilor has posted an 8.3 per cent rise in first half profit at €1,475.6m, having had a strong 8.7 per cent like for like rise in the second quarter, compared with 8.1 per cent in the first three months of 2007.

The company said the first six months of 2007 saw an increase in unit sales, especially in medium and high-index, progressive and photochromic lenses. It also benefited from the roll-out of new products including BBGR's Anateo lens in Europe and Crizal Alize.

After a like-for-like revenue growth of 8.6 per cent in Europe in the first quarter, Essilor increased its market share with 8.2 per cent organic growth in the second quarter. European revenue for the first half was €675.2m.