Lacroix post 13.4% increase on<br>a year to year basis

At the same time, the operating income increased by 6.9% to 10.6 ME and net income for the group was unchanged at 6.9 ME. Profitability is decreasing as a consequence of the management decision to implement a pricing policy adapted to market share gains. Group Lacroix confirms to target a net operating profit of 18.5 ME on the full year (a level equivalent to that of the previous financial year; not including the Italian business unit).