Unilever announced underlying sales growth of 5.7% on a turnover of €9.5bn for the first quarter of 2007 on Thursday. The growth was, however, fully offset by adverse exchange rate movements of 4.5% and net disposals of 1%.

Sales grew in most regions and product groups, according to the company. The highest growth, 11.8%, was in the Asia/Africa region. The personal care products saw the biggest growth at 8.4%. Net profits were €1.07bn, up from €l.05bn in the first quarter of 2006.
Unilever still hasn’t found a successor for financial director Rudy Markham, who is retiring. The company doesn’t expect to name a candidate before the shareholders’ meeting on May 15. Markham will continue in the post until his successor is appointed.