MCH Group AG announced consolidated earnings results for the first half year ended June 30, 2013. For the period, the company's operating income stands at CHF 344.9 million compared with CHF 266.2 million a year ago. The EBITDA was CHF 72.4 million compared with CHF 66.7 million a year ago. The group profit was CHF 37.6 million compared with CHF 39.5 million a year ago. With operating income boosted by CHF 78.7 million or 29.6% compared with 2012 and by CHF 119.6 million or 53.1% compared with 2011, the sales achieved in the first six months of 2013 constitute a new record for the company. This earning power has made it possible to more than offset the additional operating and financial expenditure that was associated especially with the new concept for the BASELWORLD watch and jewellery show and the new Messe Basel hall complex.

The company provided earnings guidance for second half year of 2013. For the year, in the second half of 2013, higher depreciation and financing costs will similarly be incurred for the new building in Basel. Operating income clearly in excess of CHF 400 million is to be expected in the annual accounts. The expected group profit will be below the first-half result and between the group profit for 2011 and 2012.