Electronics for Imaging believes it is on course to ride out problems with the economic climate despite a steep decline in profits for the first quarter of 2001.


Net income was down 61% to 7m ($9.9m) on revenues of 99m compared to 107m last year.


"Our products help companies increase their productivity and efficiency, which becomes important as the economy softens," said chief executive Guy Gecht.


"Looking ahead, the migration to colour will allow us to maintain our positive momentum," he added.


Sales of standalone Fiery servers for driving copiers and digital printers fell 23% to 40m. But sales of embedded and bundled colour controllers and black-and-white products increased.


During the quarter EFI acquired the variable data division of Dutch firm FAIR.