Foster announces profit collapse because of problems in the wine business

According to the company, especially problems in the wine export that let the gains in the wine business decline to almost 70 million dollars, were responsible for the recession. It goes on to say that  by contrast the beer trade in Australia stays stable and brings Foster "solid profit accelerations". Considering the profit collapse, the second biggest wine group in the world didn't want to give any prognoses for the development of the profit next year.

Included in the calculation of the half-year balance were write-downs of 603 Million dollars that Foster had announced in June. At the same time, the resignation of the head of the company, Trevor O'Hoy, was announced. The group acknowledges to have broken its back in the purchase of wine producers - especially in the purchase of Southcorp in 2005 for 3.7 Billion dollars. The search for a new head of the company preceded as planned, as  Foster now disclosed. (aw.yoopress / translator r.baur)