Arkema's 2012 results boosted by strong fourth quarter.

French chemicals major Arkema posted annual net sales of E6.4 billion in 2012, an 8.4% increase compared to E5.9 billion in 2011. EBITDA decreased by 3.7% to E996 million (E1034 million in 2011), but the company points out that this is again close to its target EBITDA figure of E1 billion and was achieved in a less-favourable economic environment that in 2011. The EBITDA margin was 15.6% and adjusted net income from continuing operations was E441 million, down 23% from E574 million in the previous year. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]