Modest sales growth for Clariant

Clariant increased sales in local currencies by 1% in the first nine months of 2003. Operating profit for the first nine months of the year 2003 improved by 2% to CHF482 million. The year-to-date net loss fell to CHF11 million due to a net profit of CHF38 million posted in the third quarter of the year 2003. The company expects a net profit for the fiscal year 2003, with full-year sales at about the same level as the year 2002 in local currencies.