Positive results from Bilfinger Berger

Bilfinger Berger has seen its third quarter pre-tax profits increase by +33% to € 88 million compared to € 66 million recorded during the same period in 2007.

Net sales for the company during the third quarter also improved from € 2,3 billion in 2007 to €2,6 billion - an increase of +15%.

In a statement the company said, "During the first nine months of 2008 Bilfinger Berger continued along its successful path, irrespective of financial market upheavals and the general global economic downturn."

Net sales for the first nine months totalled € 7 billion, up +13 % on the € 6 billion recorded during the same period last year, while pre-tax profits were up + 2,2% from €137 million in 2007 to €140 million.

A spokesman for the company said the main pillar of the business development was ongoing strong growth in the services businesses. Earnings rose despite a one-time charge of € 65 million in the civil business segment in the second quarter.

The charge was related to ‘difficulties' in the construction of the E18 highway project in Norway, a spokesman for the company said.

The statement said it expected full-year earnings to be well above the previous year's figure.