The Bayer Group has reported significant gains in sales, earnings and cash flow for 2005. Sales rose by 17.6% year-on-year to €27.383 million compared with €23.278 million in 2004.

The expansion in sales was attributed in part to the consumer health products acquired from Roche and to business with Lanxess.

Bayer MaterialScience achieved the highest growth rates for both sales and earnings. Sales rose by 24.4% to €10,695 million (2004: €8,597 million), largely as a result of selling price increases that were necessary in light of the sharp rise in raw material costs.

More than half of the increase in business was achieved in Europe, where sales rose by 22% to €11,930 million. Sales in Germany grew even more strongly, advancing by 37.4% to €4,176 million.