AUTOMATION
Net sales in Automation increased by 18 percent to SEK 897 million (761) and EBITA increased by 20 percent to SEK 109 million (91). 

Market
The Automation business area enjoyed a good business situation in first quarter with a good sales trend. The trend was particularly strong for companies exposed to the defence industry. In medical technology, demand decreased against very tough comparisons, while it was stable in the process and mechanical industries. The revaluation of contingent purchase considerations affected profit for the quarter negatively by about SEK 4 million.

ELECTRIFICATION
Net sales in Electrification increased by 10 percent to SEK 1,024 million (929) and EBITA increased by 15 percent to SEK 130 million (114). 

Market
The business situation for the Electrification business area was favourable in the first quarter with particularly favourable development for the companies in defence, special vehicles and solutions for electronics production. The market situation was stable in data and telecom, medical technology and for battery solutions, while demand decreased in wind power and building and installation. 

ENERGY
Net sales in Energy increased by 14 percent to SEK 1,428 million (1,251) and EBITA increased by 27 percent to SEK 198 million (156). 

Market
The Energy business area had a positive business situation and stable demand at a high level. The companies operating within infrastructure products for national and regional grids experienced favourable demand, while the number of project completions decreased slightly against tough comparisons. Sales developed positively for the units active in niche products for electric power distribution, the manufacturing industry, as well as for building and installation, while the market situation in wind power and the expansion of fiber optic networks was weaker. The revaluation of contingent purchase considerations affected profit for the quarter positively by about SEK 5 million.

INDUSTRIAL SOLUTIONS
Net sales in Industrial Solutions increased by 17 percent to SEK 923 million (788) and EBITA increased by 19 percent to SEK 157 million (132).  

Market
On the whole, the business situation for the Industrial Solutions business area was favourable during the first quarter. For companies exposed to the forestry and sawmill industries, sales were good, while demand for new projects remained weak. The market situation was highly favourable for the companies active in special vehicles, while it was stable in waste and recycling and the mechanical industry. An unrealised exchange rate loss, as well as non-recurring costs totalling approximately SEK 9 million affected profit for the quarter negatively.

PROCESS TECHNOLOGY
Net sales in Process Technology increased by 26 percent to SEK 824 million (654) and EBITA increased by 28 percent to SEK 112 million (87).

Market
For the Process Technology business area, the market situation was highly favourable in the first quarter of the year. Demand was strong in the process industry, especially in oil and gas, as well as for the companies active in energy, the marine segment and for solutions for the aftermarket and service. The business situation in the mechanical and forestry industries was stable at a high level and it was strengthened in medical technology. Non-recurring costs of about SEK 8 million affected profit for the quarter negatively.