The biggest concern Swatch Group set a record for sales!

Gross sales of the Swatch Group exceeded the milestone of 7 million Swiss francs first in the history of concern. December 2011 was the most significant for the company since its inception.
In 2011, despite of economic difficulties, the Swatch Group has established its own record. The concern has reached and even managed to cross the milestone of seven millionths. At constant rate an increase is + 21.7% compared with 2010. The current increase in value of the Swiss Franc in particular against the U.S. dollar and the Euro had a negative impact on Group sales in the amount of CHF 696 million or - 10.8% of sales. However, despite the extremely negative effect of currency, sales rose to an impressive increase compared to the record in 2010 - at +10.9%.
Significant growth of the "strong" brands of the concern was not only in China but in all other regions and in all price segments. The segment of watches and jewelry has registered sales growth of +26.1% at constant rate to CHF 6, 312 million. Investments in retail activity, as well as numerous marketing campaigns around the world, no doubt, have made their contribution to this achievement of such a record.
In the production segment was the rapidly growing demand for all types of components. This high demand has increased gross sales by +32.6%, which was CHF 2, 015 million. Despite further increase of production capacity, the company has and will have several key places of production.
The segment of Electronic Systems was the most vulnerable to higher values of the Swiss franc against the U.S. dollar and the downward trend in certain key markets. Gross sales reached CHF 336 million which at a constant rate was down -16.3% compared with 2010.
Despite the strong negative impact of currency during the year and defensive strategy against rising prices, the management of Swatch Group expects good operating results and net income in the current year.
The concern will publish the key figures no later than February 23, 2012.