Kuehne + Nagel International has posted its half year results for 2007, showing a 27.5 per cent increase in profit year on year to CHF265.4 million (US$220.3 million) on a 14.7 per cent increase in turnover with EBITDA increasing 12.6 per cent to CHF467.9 million.

"We have maintained the first quarter's strong momentum and achieved growth across all business units," said CEO Klaus Herms. "The key drivers are global capabilities, efficient logistics infrastructure and our integrated business model, which provides the group with cross-selling opportunities."

The firm also said its value-creating IT-based products and capacity management also generated strong growth. Last year's high volumes were surpassed by 15 per cent and turnover increased 13.6 per cent.

Airfreight results for the first six months of the year exceeded expectations. Tonnage grew 16.1 per cent. Turnover increased 7.1 per cent and operational earnings improved 25.5 per cent.

Contract Logistics reported a record 21.6 per cent growth in turnover for the first half of 2007 owing to increasing demand for global logistics providers, which operate at high levels of process and IT standardisation. The operational result improved by 15.1 per cent. Rail and road logistics saw an increase in volume across Europe and benefited from cross-selling too.