Brenntag, the chemical distribution company, has recorded growth in sales and gross profit in Q1 2013, compared with the same period in 2012. Sales increased by 2.1% to €2,419.1m, while gross profit grew by 1.3% year-on-year to total €4779m. Profit after tax amounted to €69.8m, resulting in earnings per share equalling €1.35. Steven Holland, CEO of Brenntag, said: “It is clear that this year will present very similar challenges to 2012. The global economic situation is even more demanding and economic development is still muted. Our sales performance should be understood in light of these factors and the fact that the first quarter had considerably fewer working days than the same period of the previous year. Our strategy and the resilience of our business model are elementary and effective pillars in an economic environment that remains challenging.”