BASF 2008: business development BASF Group. [2 tables, 2 figures in original article].

In 1H 2008, the BASF group continued to grow strongly as in previous years but in 2H, the business environment was significantly impacted by the worldwide economic crisis. Although BASF exceeded the record level of sales posted in 2007, income from operations decreased compared with 2007. Sales in 2008 rose by 7.5% to EUR 62,304 M. In 1H2008, sales volumes increased in almost all areas of BASF's portfolio by later in the year demand in many sales markets declined significantly. Nevertheless, on average the group increased prices in all divisions in 2008 compared with 2007. However, it was unable to pass on fully the rise in raw material costs. Acquisitions contributed EUR 278 …