German company Kuehne+Nagel continued to maintain its above-average growth rates during the first nine months of 2006, with turnover up 31.8% to CHF 13.29 billion (2005: CHF 10.08bn). For the nine-month reporting period, EBITDA improved by 53.1% to CHF 611.3 million (2005: CHF 399.2m). Pre-tax income rose 40.7% to CHF 429.1 million (2005: CHF 304.9m). Business performance during the first nine months of 2006 was characterised by strong growth in sea- and airfreight, particularly in the third quarter. Other factors contributing to growth were the considerable business expansions in contract logistics and overland operations as a result of the rapid and effective integration of recent acquisitions, and company-wide high levels of operational efficiency. Seafreight activities performed above-average, recording a 19% increase in volumes compared with the market’s 9% - 10% growth. Container volumes increased on all trade lanes. Airfreight activities during the reporting period recorded an 11% increase in tonnage, compared to the market average of around 5%. Overland operations benefited from intensified cooperation between the company’s national organisations across Europe and the successful integration of acquired firms, which contributed to a 21% increase in turnover. In contract logistics, the integration of the ACR Group and organic growth of 12% enables this business unit to almost triple its turnover. “The successful implementation of our strategy to create added value for our customers worldwide through integrated logistics solutions is reflected in the consistent growth across all business fields and regions,” said CEO Klaus Herms, adding that the company is confident that it will exceed previous full-year results again in 2006.