IN BRIEF (Page 16)

Rigmaker rises

Keppel Corp, the world's largest maker of oil rigs, gained the most in more than two weeks in Singapore trading after winning a $512 million order to build a floating deep-water drilling unit.

The shares advanced 2.5 percent to S$10.76 as of 10:08 am in Singapore, becoming the third-biggest gainer on the island city's Straits Times Index. Sembcorp Marine Ltd, the world's second-biggest rig builder, climbed 1.8 percent to S$3.96.

Swisscom slumps

Swisscom AG, Switzerland's largest telephone company, said first-quarter profit fell 7.2 percent as it included results for the first time from FastWeb SpA, the unprofitable Italian company acquired last year.

Net income after minorities slipped to 428 million Swiss francs ($407 million) from 461 million francs a year earlier.

Loss narrows

Douglas Holding AG, Europe's largest cosmetics retailer, said its second-quarter loss narrowed after an earlier Easter holiday increased sales growth at the company's perfume outlets and Hussel confectionery stores.

The net loss after minorities declined to 5.7 million euros in the three months through March from 6.1 million euros a year earlier, the Hagen, Germany-based company said yesterday.

Henkel gains

Henkel AG & Co KGaA, the German maker of Persil detergent, said first-quarter profit gained 7 percent after the company offered more hair-care products and raised prices on adhesives.

Net income climbed to 219 million euros, or 51 cents per preferred share, from 205 million euros, or 48 cents, a year earlier, the Dusseldorf-based company said yesterday.

Skanska surges

Skanska AB, the Swedish builder renovating the United Nations headquarters, said first-quarter profit increased 46 percent on office construction projects and as the company turned away less profitable contracts.

Net income rose to 873 million kronor ($145 million) from 600 million kronor a year earlier, Stockholm-based Skanska said yesterday in a statement. Sales advanced 11 percent to 31.5 billion kronor.

Aegon falls

Aegon NV, the Dutch owner of US insurer Transamerica Corp, said first-quarter profit declined on investment losses and as the euro's rise eroded overseas earnings.

Net income dropped to 153 million euros from 707 million euros a year earlier, The Hague-based Aegon said yesterday.

Heidelberger's profit

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, the world's largest maker of printing machines, said operating profit this year will decline as a stronger euro hurts sales in the US and Asia.

Heidelberger Druck will probably report an operating loss and lower sales for the three months through June, the Heidelberg-based company said in a statement yesterday.

Boost for Total

Total SA, Europe's third-largest oil company, said first-quarter profit rose 18 percent, boosted by record crude and higher natural-gas prices.

Net income climbed to 3.6 billion euros, from 3.05 billion euros a year earlier, the Paris-based company said yesterday in a statement on its website.

Broadcaster's earnings

RTL Group, Europe's biggest broadcaster, said first-quarter operating profit rose 5.5 percent, helped by its German unit.

Profit before interest, taxes and amortization and other items reached 191 million euros after 181 million euros a year earlier, the Luxembourg-based company said in a statement yesterday.

Agencies

(China Daily 05/08/2008 page16)