Growth drivers

The net sales for the Group’s continuing operations in January-June 2018 totalled €5,086 million, which is 4.4% down on the corresponding period of the previous year (€5,321 million). The net sales were significantly impacted by the divestments carried out in the first half of 2017. In comparable terms, net sales grew by 3.7% in local currencies, excluding the impact of acquisitions and divestments. International operations accounted for 19.7% (19.5%) of the Group's net sales.