Germany-based chemical and health care company The Bayer Group has reported continued improvement in the second quarter and first half of 2007. Sales grew 22% in the second quarter to reach €8,217 million from €6,736 million and improved 22.4% for the first six months to achieve €16,552 million, up from €13,527 million in the same prior-year period.

The company’s high-tech materials business Bayer MaterialScience saw sales expand 3% to €2,623 million in the second quarter, whilst the Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants business unit posted a 7.9% increase and the Polyurethanes business unit saw sales edge 0.9% higher.
The group achieved its highest sales in Europe, where revenues rose 22.8% to €3,697 million. Business in Germany expanded 13.1% to €1,199 million, while in North America sales were 17.4% above the prior-year quarter at €2,140 million. Sales in the Asia/Pacific region gained 23.3% to €1,308 million, whilst the Latin America/Africa/Middle East region saw sales climb 27.5% to €1,072 million.