CHARENTON, France, April 25, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Essilor, the world leader in ophthalmic optical products, today announced consolidated sales for the three months ended March 31, 2002:
March 31, 2002 March 31, 2001 % Change
Euro 567.8 million Euro 517.7 million 9.7%
On a comparable basis, sales were up 6.7% on firm global demand for ophthalmic lenses. Sales were also lifted by the early year launch of new Essilor products, in particular the Transitions(r) Next Generation photochromic lens.
The currency effect was a positive 2.3%, due to the strength of the U.S. dollar, while changes in the scope of consolidation added a slight 0.6% to growth.
Based on first quarter business levels, which were on a par with year-end 2001 figures, Essilor is confident in its forecast for organic growth in sales of around 5-6% in 2002.
Essilor International is the world leader in ophthalmic optical products, offering a wide range of lenses under the flagship Varilux(r), Crizal(r), Airwear(r) and Essilor brands to correct myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia and astigmatism. Essilor operates worldwide through 18 production sites, 160 lens finishing laboratories and local distribution networks. The Essilor share trades on the Euronext Paris market under Euroclear code 12166 (Reuters: ESSI.PA).