Norma Group SE reported that sales for the first nine months of 2014 grew 7.4% to 518.5 million euros. Adjusted EBITA increased 8.5% to 92.3 million euros.

For the nine months organic growth contributed 7.7% to sales and acquisitions contributed 1.5%, but the effect of currency conversion detracted 1.7%. The adjusted EBITA margin expanded year-on-year to 17.8% (Q1-Q3 2013:17.6%).

Third quarter sales increased 3.5% quarter on quarter to 165.5 million euros (Q3 2013:159.9 million euros). By end September NORMA reported its order backlog had grown 14.3% year-on-year.

“Our company did well over the first nine months of financial year 2014 and developed in line with our expectations. Our solid organic growth of 7.7% was complemented by sales growth from acquisitions of 1.5%,” commented Werner Deggim, CEO of NORMA Group. “Growth in the third quarter was driven by the US market, which was buoyed by the improved economic environment whereas we suffered from the anemic economic development in Europe and the slowdown of the market for commercial vehicles in the EMEA region.”

Looking at the nine month results regionally EMEA sales grew 2.7% to 304.1 million euros. Quarter 3 sales were affected by seasonality and the subdued European economic environment, which notably impacted sales to the commercial vehicle sector.

American sales grew 15.6% year-on-year to 169.1 million euros. Effective 31st October NORMA completed the acquisition of National Diversified Sales Inc (NDS) in the US in another move to expand its activities in water management. The largest acquisition since NORMA’s IPO in 2011, NDS generated US$127.6 million (102 million euros) revenue in 2013, supplying more than 5,000 products for storm water management, irrigation and water management infrastructure.

The Asia-Pacific region continues to grow dynamically and generated sales of 45.3 million euros, a 12.7% increase from expanding business activities, greater market share and acquisitions.