After the end of the quarter, an agreement was signed regarding the sale of Orkla Media to Mecom for NOK 7.6 billion. Final completion of the agreement is expected to take place in September/October.

 

Group operating profit before amortisation totalled NOK 1,044 million (NOK 1,047 million)[1] in the second quarter. At the end of the first six months of 2006, operating profit before amortisation amounted to NOK 2,212 million (NOK 2,172 million)1. In the second quarter, a good performance in the Nordic countries contributed to 9 per cent underlying profit growth for Orkla Foods. In Russia, SladCo posted lower profit than last year, due to changes in the company's sales and distribution system and marketing investments. Despite challenging market conditions in Sweden, both Procordia Food and Abba Seafood reported improved results. Orkla Brands' performance was generally stable and satisfactory in the second quarter.

 

Volume-driven profit growth at Sapa was partially offset by non-recurring costs of over NOK 40 million related to restructuring projects in several parts of the company. In April, leaks concerning CO2 quotas resulted in a sudden, sharp fall in energy prices. As previously announced, this meant that Elkem had to realise a loss on its energy contracts. So far this year, however, the aggregate profit from Elkem's and Borregaard's energy operations is higher than at the same time last year.

 

Elkem's aluminium business reported good profit growth due to high market prices and stable operations at its plants. Costs incurred in the second quarter in connection with Elkem's solar project totalled NOK 47 million, of which NOK 32 million has been capitalised. The development project is nearing completion and this autumn the Board of Directors is expected to discuss a formal decision regarding investment in the construction of a 5,000-tonne plant. As communicated earlier, the plant could be completed in the course of 2007/2008. Borregaard achieved higher profit in the second quarter, but low production and high costs at its plant in Switzerland had a negative impact on results.