DUSSELDORF, GERMANY – Henkel’s 2008 adhesive technologies sales rose 17.3% to 6.7 billion euros, boosted by the company’s acquisition of the National Starch businesses. The sector grew 1.3% organically. 
 
The company's overall fourth-quarter sales rose 11.1% to 3.54 billion euros, 10.8% after adjusting for foreign exchange. Organic sales were down 1.2%. Net earnings for the quarter after minority interests increased 254% to 863 million euros.
 
In 2008, sales increased 8.1% to 14.13 billion euros, mainly on the company’s National Starch acquisition. Profits increased 31% to 1.23 billion euros. The 2008 results include a gain of 1.04 billion euros from the sale of the company’s stake in Ecolab Inc.
 
Adjusted for foreign currency exchanges, sales rose 11.6%. Organic sales growth was 3%, falling within the range of the company’s forecast for the year.
 
The integration of National Starch boosted restructuring charges and expenses to 663 million euros, compared to 34 million euros the previous year.
 
“Despite the difficult economic environment, we sustained our very good position. Once again, all our business sectors were able to outperform their respective markets, with our businesses in the emerging markets making a particularly strong contribution,” said Henkel CEO Kasper Rorsted.
 
Henkel expects the difficult market conditions will continue during the remainder of 2009.
 
$1 = 0.7953 euros
 

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