Strong performance for Chr Hansen

19 April 2012 – With organic growth of 11% in the first half of financial year 2011/12 Chr Hansen continues to show solid performance. Initiating a share buy-back program, Chr Hansen distributes excess capital to its shareholders.

"We are pleased to have continued the solid sales and earnings growth during Q2 2011/12, delivering 11% organic growth for the first half of 2011/12 (excluding carmine price effect) and a 19% increase in EBIT," comments CEO Lars Frederiksen.

"All our divisions contributed positively and especially the Cultures & Enzymes Division has proved our resilient business model with strong growth despite the continued uncertainty around probiotic health claims in EU. Based on the solid performance in the first half we have narrowed our organic growth target from 7-10% to 8-10% (excluding carmine price effect).

As a result of Chr Hansen’s strong cash generation the board of directors has decided to initiate a share buy-back program of up to €80 million with the purpose to adjust our capital structure by distributing excess capital to the shareholders," says Frederiksen.