m interim report 1 st quarter 2001 merck group the business year began on a very encouraging basis compared to same last sales rose by 12 eur 778 million and operating result increases 17 212 return ros was all sectors within contributed growth in revenue results solid organic of 9 accounted for most increase currency effects added further 6 while consolidation 0 7 rise during period north america asia made strong impacts european also increased 3 kgaa 2 as with little effect from exchange rates or acquisitions indicators earnings strength before interest tax ebit profit 27 after 18 expectation full double digit excluding
