Beiersdorf, based in Hamburg, reported net income for the July-September period of ⁈ion, unchanged from the third quarter of 2008, even though revenue fell 7 percent to ⁈llion from ⁈llion.

Beiersdorf said it expects the difficult sales and earnings trend seen to continue through 2009.

"Following the decline in business in the first months of the year, Beiersdorf was able to improve its sales trend in both business segments in the third quarter," Thomas Quaas, the company's chief executive said in the report.

"The Tesa business segment is seeing a trend reversal in its industrial business in particular and recorded a positive result," Quaas said.

The Tesa division makes tapes and adhesives for households and industry. Demand for industrial products in particular fell sharply as auto makers' sales declined in the downturn.

In the third quarter, however, the Tesa business saw revenue rise to ⁈llion from ⁈llion in the second quarter, a 10 percent increase. In the third quarter of 2008, the Tesa division reported revenue of ⁈llion.

Beiersdorf said it expects the tapes and adhesives market to remain difficult for the rest of the year, but that the Tesa division will be able to maintain its strong position in the market.

The company said the consumer business, comprised of Nivea creams and other cosmetics brands like La Prairie, is expected to continue growing faster than the rest of the market during the rest of the year.

Beiersdorf is forecasting consumer products growth in Russia, China and Brazil.

The consumer division reported revenue of ⁈illion, up 2 percent from the third quarter a year ago.

The company's statement sent shares of Beiersdorf more than 3 percent higher to ⁈in Frankfurt afternoon trading.

In the first nine months of the year, Beiersdorf reported net profit increased 20 percent to ⁈ion. Revenue in the January-September period fell 2 percent to ⁈llion.

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On the Net:

http://www.beiersdorf.com