Unilever boss Paul Polman unveils better than expected first half sales figures but says there are challenges aheadUnilever has unveiled stronger than expected first half sales figures, but warned that key markets in Europe and North America continue to be challenging. Paul Polman, chief executive of the group, is “moderately” more optimistic about the world economy than a year ago and predicted further sales growth at Unilever in the second half of the year.Core operating profits rose by 16% and underlying sales growth worldwide was up by 2.9%, although pre-tax profits fell by 14% to £3.6bn over the six-month period, due mainly to gains from disposals last year. The market tanked in Greece due to the economic crisis, but prices also fell across Europe, which offset a growth in the company’s sales. Polman said his programme of cost-cutting and increased innovation would keep the company ahead. Continue reading...
 |
| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.theguardian.com |
