Ahlstrom expects increased sales

Ahlstrom anticipated in February that its net sales will increase compared to 2009, but remain lower than in 2008. EBIT excluding non-recurring items was estimated to increase from 2009.The recovery of demand that started toward the end of 2009, continued in January-March this year. Since sales prices in most business areas are being increased to cover the rising raw material costs, and sales volumes seem to develop slightly more favorably than anticipated, the net sales estimate has been revised, Ahlstrom writes in a press release Monday morning.Demand and net sales in 2010 are expected to increase to approximately the same levels they were in 2008. The company will continue to increase sales prices to cover for the risen raw material costs. It will also be ready to increase sales prices further to cover for possible future raw material price increases.The company's first quarter financial results will be published on Thursday, April 29.