Swiss luxury goods group Richemont has announced its unaudited results for the six-month period ended 30 September 2005. Sales increased 16%, operating profit rose 68%, and net profit grew 133%.

In its leather goods divisions, Montblanc experienced very good growth in its watch and leather goods ranges during the six months. Alfred Dunhill’s sales increased by 4% overall with excellent growth in the Asia Pacific region and in the smaller North American market, offset by disappointing sales figures in Europe and Japan. The company stated that to some extent, these were due to supply difficulties in particular product areas. However, in leather products, the new product lines introduced over the last year have generated good demand. Lancel reported an 11% growth in sales for the half year.