Swiss specialty chemicals company Clariant has posted modest growth for the full year 2005, with sales totalling CHF 8.181 billion ($6.2 billion) on a like-for-like basis, up 3% in Swiss francs and 1% in local currency terms compared with a strong 2004. Selling prices were increased on average by 1%.

The operating margin before exceptional items and amortisation of goodwill declined to 6.3% from 7.6% a year earlier due to continued high costs of raw materials, energy and transportation.

The Transformation Programme initiatives achieved a total of CHF 310 million in savings in 2005. Raw material prices, however, rose on average by 8% during the period.

In the fourth quarter, sales on a like-for-like basis grew 8% in Swiss francs and 2% in local currency terms, to CHF 2.087 billion compared with the same period a year earlier.