Jul 28, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. Sveaskog's profit for the second quarter amounted to SEK 355 million, which is 33% higher than in the previous year, as the company reported. The improvement is explained by a sales increase of sawlog and a larger portion of timber from Sveaskog´s own forests. Market demand stabilised with increases within specific segments. The six-month result remained affected by the weak market with low production and falling prices. Profit for the period January–June reached SEK 588 million (630). During the first half of 2009 Sveaskog delivered a total of 5.6 million m3sub of sawlogs and pulpwood, which is 19% less than in the same period in 2008. Average prices were 3% lower than last year. Biofuel deliveries for the 2008/2009 season have largely been completed and Sveaskog can conclude a very strong season with total deliveries in excess of 2 TWh. Energy deliveries during the first half of the year increased by 45% compared with the same period last year. The forecast for the rest of the year indicates a continued low sales volume compared with previous periods. Against the background of the weak economic climate, the company decided on an action programme designed to reduce costs and increase efficiency. As a consequence some 40 employees have left or will leave the company. A review of the number of offices and other costs is also being carried out. During the first half of the year Sveaskog completed 144 property sales comprising over 19,500 hectares, primarily within the programme designed to strengthen private forestry. Sales from property transactions totalled SEK 543 million. In the associate company Setra Group AB a new issue of almost SEK 495 million was carried out during the second quarter. Sveaskog provided the company with SEK 247 million, which corresponds to Sveaskog’s stake. The operating loss for the first half of the year was SEK 340 million (-77). The second quarter saw a relative improvement with a loss of SEK 71 million (-82).