Linotype-Hell AG, the Eschborn, Germany printing systems supplier where Siemans AG is a major shareholder, has returned to modest profits following its huge losses in 1993. Chairman Erwin Koenigs is predicting a return to substantial profits in 1995, he told Reuters after an expected first half loss of around $7m. In 1994 the group made consolidated net profits the equivalent of $3.7m against a $108.9m loss the previous year, when Germany’s onerous employment laws were labelled as the culprits. Turnover edged up 5% to $703.8m. Koenigs said that following the restructuring programme and a new range of products, the group has a firm foundation for profits this year. Finance director Karl-Heinz Midunski said we are looking for a double-digit million mark figure for the year, but warned it will likely be below DM50m, around $35m at current rates. Koenigs also noted the group’s susceptibility to turbulence in the currency markets. The UK was a star performer, with profits of ú1.4m, up from ú200,000 on sales up 20% at ú33.4m.
