The winners of the first interactive Henkel Adhesive Packaging Design Contest have been named. From some 400 submitted proposals a jury of business and research experts chose the three most innovative packaging designs for adhesives. The winners of this interactive contest will receive a cash prize of 3,000, 1,500 and 500 euros, respectively. A special award will also be conferred on two contestants who stood out for their exceptional contributions and fairness. They can look forward to an iPad.

As a result of Henkel’s improved financial position and its continued solid business performance, the rating agency Moody’s today raised both the long-term and short-term corporate credit ratings of Henkel, from A3/P2 to A2/P1 respectively. The outlook is stable.

• Total net revenue growth of +15% (constant exchange) to £4,621m. LFL growth +5% (+4% ex- RBP).
• Gross margin -70bp to 59.3%: adjusted operating margin +20bp to 23.9%.
• SSL integration on track: cost synergies of £33m delivered in the half year.
• Adjusted net income +10% (actual exchange, +12% constant): adjusted diluted EPS of 109.0p (+10%).
• Net working capital of minus £932m, reflecting a further improvement versus 31 December 2010.
• Net debt of £2,195m (31 December 2010: £2,011m), with strong free cash flow generation being more than offset by the payment of the final 2010 dividend, the acquisition of Paras Pharmaceuticals Limited and cash restructuring payments.
• The Board declares a +10% increase in the interim dividend to 55.0p per share.