Performance by market cluster

In 2009, sales declined 11% on a comparable basis, impacted by the global recession, with double-digit sales declines visible in both mature and emerging markets.

1)	For a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measures, see chapter 14, Reconciliation of non-GAAP information, of this Annual Report.

The comparatively lower sales in mature markets were the result of lower sales in all three sectors. In Western Europe, the sharp sales decline was largely attributable to lower sales at Consumer Lifestyle, partly due to managed portfolio pruning, and in Lighting. A double-digit decline was visible in North America, with lower sales in all sectors, due to the recession and uncertainty surrounding the pending US Healthcare Reform Act.

Sales in emerging markets declined 11%, largely impacted by a double-digit decline in Latin America (Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting) and a low single-digit decline in China as growth at Lighting and Healthcare was more than offset by lower sales at Consumer Lifestyle. Sharp declines were also visible in Russia, which were partly offset by slight growth in India and the Middle East.

EBITA in mature markets improved by EUR 115 million compared to 2008 as lower EBITA in Western Europe was more than offset by higher EBITA in North America, mainly reflecting the effect of a EUR 264 million asbestos-related settlement charge in 2008. The EBITA decline in Western Europe was mainly attributable to lower sales at Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. EBITA improved compared with 2008 in the emerging markets, mainly due to growth at Healthcare in Latin America and China, lower restructuring charges and a EUR 131 million curtailment gain for retiree medical benefit plans.