The Group’s gross profit increased 8% to reach € 5.256 billion in 2008 versus € 4.882 billion in 2007. The Group’s operating margin grew 0.7 percentage points to 9.9% from 9.2% in 2007, due to the higher gross margin which more than offset higher net other operating expenses and income as a percentage of sales. The Group’s operating profit increased 13% to € 1.070 billion in 2008 versus € 949 million in 2007. The Group’s net income attributable to shareholders grew 16% to € 642 million from € 551 million in 2007. Diluted earnings per share increased 20% to € 3.07 in 2008 versus € 2.57 in 2007.