Turnover was up 2% to €57.6m (2012: €56.4m) with operational cash flow (EBITDA) of €12.6m (2012: €10.1m).
Prepress sales were down 26% although the Belgian manufacturer’s Digital Printing Solutions division sales increased by 12% to €47m. European sales were down across Europe to €30m (2012: €37.8m), which the company blamed on a decrease in prepress sales.
Meanwhile activity in South America boosted overall American sales figures from €13.7m during H1 in 2012 to €19.6m in the same period this year, while sales in Asia were up €3m to €7.6m.
The manufacturer cited higher sales, a better product mix and strict cost management for the results although the group declined to predict "any concrete targets" for 2013.
In July it was revealed that private equity firm Bencis Capital Partners had agreed a deal with Punch International to acquire its 65.68% stake in the manufacturer for €110.3m, at a cash-per-share offer of €5.85.
As part of the deal, which is expected to be completed by 17 September, Bencis will acquire Xeikon’s premises in Belgium and Point-IT, Xeikon’s IT services provider.
Last month Xeikon announced that development of its Trillium liquid toner presses, first detailed at Drupa 2012, was on schedule and that the first beta sites would be up and running from spring 2014 with commercial availability expected in the US around six months later.
Meanwhile in June the manufacturer unveiled its Ice toner, designed for heat-sensitive materials such as thermal labels and polyethylene.
Xeikon profits up
Digital press manufacturer Xeikon has cited an improved product mix and strict cost management measures for strong profit growth in the six months to 30 June 2013.
