Barry Callebaut: Outperforming the market in a challenging environment. Barry Callebaut AG, the world's leading manufacturer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate products, outperformed the global chocolate market[3] with sales volume growth of 2.6% in the first three months of fiscal year 2011/12, ended November 30, 2011. Region Americas grew by double-digits whereas Region Asia-Pacific recorded slower growth and Region Europe slightly decreased. Link: Click Here

SGS: revenue growth of 13.7% over prior year. The SGS Group delivered a strong performance in 2011 with revenue growth of 13.7% over prior year (constant currency basis) to CHF 4.8 billion. Organic revenue growth reached 10.5% supported by all regions and by particularly strong activity levels in Minerals, Consumer Testing, Industrial and Environmental services. Link: Click Here

Galenica confirms 2011 profit target: at least on par with previous year. Despite the currency crisis and a difficult economic environment, the Galenica Group contin-ued to grow in 2011 and generated sales of CHF 3,186.2 million (+2.6%). Significant progress was made in a number of key areas: In January 2011 Vifor Fresenius Medical Care Renal Pharma began operations in the USA and in October received approval from European competition authorities to expand its op-erations in Europe and other countries. Link: Click Here

Komax achieves further strong sales growth. The Komax Group achieved pleasing growth once more in fiscal 2011. New orders totalled CHF 380.4 million (+7%), while revenues rose 9% to around CHF 370 million (2010: CHF 340.2 million). The Group's annual financial statements and Annual Report will be published at the media conference and analysts' presentation to be held on 20 March 2012 in Zurich. Link: Click Here

Implenia awarded total contractor mandate for Zug’s tallest building – By 2014, Park-Tower will provide tailor-made residential and commercial space on 25 storeys | Project follows principles of high-density, sustainable city-centre construction. Link: Click Here



Economy
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China: Soft landing on track, we do not expect aggressive easing. Today's better-than-expected GDP report for Q4 confirmed that the economy has not slowed as much as the market expected. This should provide further support to the case for a "soft landing" of the Chinese economy in the coming quarters. Link: Click Here