PADUA, Italy--Sàfilo Group expects its overall sales to grow by 4 percent to 5 percent during 2008, according to a company announcement in conjunction with Sàfilo’s board of directors meeting. The board also approved the financial statements for 2007 that were issued late in February.

As previously reported, in 2007 Sàfilo’s net sales grew by 6.1 percent (up 10.2 percent at constant currency rates) to ?1,190 million. The company’s net profit for the year was ?51 million, a 36.2 percent increase; that profit represented 4.3 percent of Sàfilo’s 2007 sales.

For 2008, Sàfilo estimates an increase in revenues of between 4 percent and 5 percent. At constant exchange rates, expected growth for this year would be 7 percent to 8 percent.

The company’s net profit for FY 2008 is estimated to be around 4.5 percent to 5 percent of sales.

“The net financial position is expected to remain essentially in line with that of 2007, despite the greater investments and dividends forecast for the year,” the Sàfilo announcement said. ■