In the first 9 months of 2009, Bekaert achieved consolidated sales of EUR 1,819 million and combined sales of EUR 2,472 million, down by 11.2% and 20.8% respectively.
Bekaert's consolidated sales were 11.2% down in comparison with the first nine months of an exceptional 2008, with strong differences between regions. Weak market demand in EMEA and North America drove an organic sales decline of 21.7%. This was partly offset by strong demand in Asia Pacific, and by the integration of Prodac and Ideal Alambrec in Latin America which added 5.7%. The positive impact of currency movements contributed 4.9%.
Combined sales decreased 20.8% in comparison with the first nine months of last year. This was a result of lower market demand that was reflected in an organic decline of 22.4%, slightly tempered by favourable exchange rate differences of 1.7%.
Consolidated sales by segment:
| First nine months | 2008 | 2009 | Change | Share |
| EMEA | 915 | 608 | -33.5% | 33% |
| North America | 461 | 370 | -19.9% | 20% |
| Latin America | 133 | 247 | 86.0% | 14% |
| Asia Pacific | 539 | 594 | 10.3% | 33% |
| Total | 2,047 | 1,819 | -11.2% | 100% |
In EUR millions
2009 quarter on quarter progress:
| Quarterly sales 2009 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Change |
| EMEA | 210 | 200 | 198 | -1% |
| North America | 142 | 122 | 106 | -13% |
| Latin America | 81 | 79 | 87 | 10% |
| Asia Pacific | 159 | 207 | 228 | 10% |
| Total | 592 | 608 | 619 | 2% |
In EUR millions
In June 2008, Bekaert and Sulzer announced their intention to sign a take over agreement of the Bekaert Diamond like Carbon coating activities. After lengthy discussions on terms and conditions and legal clearance, the take over talks have reached a point at which Bekaert decided to end discussions with Sulzer. The DLC business accounts for less than 1% of Bekaert's consolidated sales.
