Kering H1 revenue up 4.2 percent

REPORT_ For the first half of 2013 Kering revenue from continuing operations were

up 4.2 percent based on a comparable group structure and exchange rates. Average outstanding net debt was down 17 percent compared with the first half of 2012. This reduction was chiefly due to the proceeds received from the sale of Cfao, which took place in the second half of 2012.

In the first six months of 2013, Kering's recurring operating income was up 2.3 percent on the equivalent period of 2012. EBITDA for the first six months of 2013 was 2.9 percent higher than in the first half of 2012. Revenue generated outside the Eurozone rose 6.3 percent in the first half of 2013 and accounted for 79 percent of the Group total versus 78 percent in the first half of 2012. Kering recorded revenue growth of 3.3 percent on a comparable basis in the first quarter of 2013 and 5.2 percent in the second quarter.

François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented: "Kering delivered a solid performance in the first half of 2013. The Luxury Division continued to deliver robust growth. The contraction in the Sport & Lifestyle Division's sales is in line with our forecasts for the full year. Puma, now under the management of Björn Gulden, is continuing its Transformation Program.”

Kering is present in more than 120 countries. It holds luxury and sport and lifestyle brands like Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga and Stella McCartney.