Swiss telecommunications concern Ascom Holding AG, Berne said its results in the first half were satisfactory, but a decline was expected in the second half and profits for the full year could be down from 1991: the company said continuing heavy investment in new products and expansion of sales channels were putting additional strain on earnings; the company reported sales for the first half of 1992 up 18% at the equivalent of $1,358m and orders rose 25% to $1,4560m, entirely as a result of higher orders from abroad as domestic orders showed a sharp fall; financial restraints in the Swiss public sector led to lower investment in telecommunications, while the recession made the private sector reluctant to invest, Ascom said; no profit figure was given.
