Oct 27, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. Metsäliitto Group's sales for January-September were Euro 3,986 million compared to Euro 3,647 million in January-September 2009, Metsäliitto said in a statement received by Lesprom Network. The operating result excluding non-recurring items for January-September was Euro 405 million, representing 10.2% of sales. Non-recurring items totalled Euro 10 million in the review period. In the 1Q, net non-recurring items amounted to Euro 9 million; in the 2Q, Euro -13 million; and in the 3Q, Euro 14 million. 3Q operating result excluding non-recurring items was Euro 155 million, representing 11.5% of sales. The operating result was roughly at the same level as in the previous quarter (2Q 2010: Euro 154 million and 10.9%). In the corresponding period last year, the operating result was Euro 9 million or 0.8% of sales. Metsäliitto Group's operating result including non-recurring items was Euro 415 million in January-September. Financial income amounted to Euro 4 million and financial costs to Euro 106 million. “Our result is proof of the favourable market situation of the 3Q and shows the Group's competitiveness in the chosen core businesses. In addition to seasonal fluctuation, the recent strong fluctuations of exchange rates create significant challenges for the last quarter. We must continue our efforts to improve profitability", said Kari Jordan, President & CEO of Metsäliitto Group. Wood Supply sales in January-September were Euro 988 million, and the operating result amounted to Euro 17 million. The operating result does not include non-recurring items. Wood Supply Finland accounted for Euro 676 million of the sales and Euro 8 million of the operating result. 3Q sales of Wood Supply segment were Euro 318 million, and the operating result was Euro 3 million. The sales of Metsäliitto Wood Products Industry were Euro 678 million in January-September, and the operating result excluding non-recurring items totalled Euro 16 million. The operating result including non-recurring items totalled Euro 21 million. 3Q sales of Metsäliitto Wood Products Industry were Euro 231 million, and the operating result was Euro 11 million. The operating result excluding non-recurring items totalled Euro 5 million. Metsäliitto is an international forest industry group. The Group’s five business areas are Wood Supply, Wood Products, Pulp, Board and Paper, and Tissue and Cooking Papers. Metsäliitto Group’s sales total Euro5 billion and it employs 14,000 persons.