Henkel 'well positioned' for good year

German consumer chemicals group Henkel, maker of Persil washing powder, said on Wednesday it was "well positioned" to face the high volatility in 2013 after turning in a record performance in 2012. "2012 was the most successful year for Henkel so far: we achieved excellent results in a highly volatile and competitive market environment and met or exceeded all financial targets," boasted chief executive Kasper Rorsted. Henkel, which also makes Loctite adhesives and Schwarzkopf haircare products, said its net profit increased by 30.1 percent to 1.51 billion euros ($1.9 billion). Operating profit rose by 24.6 percent to 2.199 billion euros on a 5.8-percent increase in sales to 16.51 billion euros. "All three Henkel business sectors -- laundry and home care, beauty care, and adhesive technologies -- showed profitable growth with expansion of market shares in their relevant markets," chief executive Rorsted said. Looking ahead to the current year, "the strong dynamics and high volatility in our markets will persist," but Henkel was "well positioned," Rorsted said. "We expect organic sales growth for the full fiscal year to be between 3.0 and 5.0 percent," he said.