Austria's top economic news - March 7

Lighting specialist Zumtobel said its net profit soared to EUR 52.6m in the first three quarters of fiscal 2010/11, from EUR 21.3m a year earlier. EBIT grew to EUR 66.7m from EUR 40.5m. Sales increased 10.2% to EUR 908.9m. The company projects sales of EUR 1.2bn for the full fiscal year.
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Builder Strabag said it has taken over Swiss Brunner Erben and Astrada in an attempt to become the third biggest player in the country. The move will raise Strabag's sales in Switzerland to some CHF 800m per year.
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Century Casinos said it has applied for a casino license in the Swiss canton of Neuchatel. The license, valid until 2023, will be granted in the summer. The company plans to invest CHF 30m if it wins the contract.
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Austria's wholesale prices index stood at 108.4 points in February, up 1.3% in monthly terms, Statistik Austria said. In annual comparison, the increase was 12.7%.