SCA highlights positive trends in 2011 business year

SCA has published its financial report for the 2011 business year, highlighting a number of important strategic objectives accomplished during the 12 months.

The medical firm's net sales total for the year came to 105.75 billion Swedish kronor (9.91 billion pounds), which represented a four percent annual increase when excluding exchange rate effects and divestments.

It came after a year in which the company announced plans to acquire Georgia-Pacific's European tissue operations and sell off its packaging operations, moves which are expected to improve SCA's strategic focus and business foundation.

Sales of hygiene products continued to be brisk in emerging markets, while various new products and efficiency improvement measures were successfully rolled out in 2011.

Jan Johansson, president and chief executive officer of SCA, also noted: "Compared with the third quarter, operating profit for the fourth quarter excluding items affecting comparability rose four percent, while net sales were largely unchanged."

The sale of SCA's packaging operations was announced earlier this month, with DS Smith to purchase the divested business unit for 1.7 billion euros (1.41 billion pounds).