Suds Giant Henkel Posts Weak 3rd-Quarter Profit

Düsseldorf-based chemical and suds manufacturer Henkel on Friday announced sales of 2.37 billion euro ($2.4 billion) for the third quarter, an increase of 0.7 percent. The profit comes despite tough economic conditions in Germany that have dampened consumer spending. Still, earnings failed to meet analysts expectations, causing the company's stock price to drop on Friday. Henkel markets such popular brands in Germany as Persil detergent and the WC-Frisch toilet bowl cleaner. The company's chairman, Ulrich Lehner, said on Friday that he expects Henkel's earnings to reach 9.7 billion euros before the end of the year.