Financial situation of the major listed groups in H1 2013: faltering growth coupled with debt reduction

In the first half of 2013, turnover of the 76 leading industrial and commercial groups levelled off. Net profit only dipped moderately and picked up slightly from the lows recorded at the end of 2012. Groups reduced their financial debt by taking cash from reserves accumulated in 2012 and as well as by selling assets. Financial structures remained sound and the outlook appears more favourable.