interparfums 2010 sales up 18% to €305.7 million; 2011 sale

Philippe Benacin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer commented: “In light of this important worldwide launch, the integration of existing fragrance lines under the Boucheron brand in the second half, the already enthusiastic response to Jimmy Choo fragrances and finally, a good performance by Montblanc fragrances in the 2010 second half, the company has raised its guidance for 2011 sales to approximately €350 million or growth of more than 15% over 2010”.

Highlights by brand

• Burberry fragrances had another year of growth driven by the good performances of top-selling lines (Burberry Brit and Burberry London), the launch of Burberry Sport and Burberry Beauty, the make-up line introduced in summer 2010, in addition to significant gains by ist well-established lines (Burberry, Burberry Weekend and Burberry Touch);
• Lanvin fragrances’ strong growth (+31%) considerably exceeded expectations at the start of the year based on its now solidly-established lines (Éclat d’Arpège and Jeanne Lanvin) and the launch of the Marry Me ! line (€7 million). For the year, the brand had total sales of more than €50 million;
• The renewal of the range (Féerie in fall 2008, Collection Extraordinaire in fall 2009, Oriens in spring 2010 and Midnight in Paris in fall 2010) and its successful repositioning in the exclusive high-end segment has translated into significant growth for Van Cleef & Arpels fragrances with sales of nearly €26 million in the period (+29%);
• Montblanc fragrances’ integration in the portfolio as of 1 July 2010 generated additional sales of €7 million.

Philippe Santi, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, added: “Because of the particular structure of our business model with its focus on sustained and targeted marketing and advertising expenses, consolidated operating profit in 2010 is expected to reach €41 million, an increase of nearly 22% over 2009, reflecting an operating margin of 13.5%”.

Highlights by region

The new markets have confirmed their role as growth drivers on strong gains in Asia (+27%) and the Middle East (+16%) while in Eastern Europe (+61%) and South America (+42%) market conditions are progressively returning to normal. At the same time, momentum for sales remained positive in Western Europe (+14%) and North America (+9% excluding transfer of the US inventory).

Launch of a major perfume line under the Burberry brand in the fall

To further strengthen the Burberry brand’s potential for sustained growth in the years ahead, following the creative and development phases initiated in early 2010, a major new women’s line will be launched in fall 2011.