Saint-Gobain posts steady quarter

PARIS — Saint-Gobain held its sales numbers for the first quarter and is standing by its objectives for the year, including gaining control of Swiss chemicals manufacturer Sika. Positive trends in Asia and northern Europe offset losses due to the decline in the French market, while in North America construction was strong, but roofing volumes dropped as the usual first-quarter stockpiling did not materialize. Going forward in the fiscal year, the company said it expects to see “gradual improvement, particularly in Germany and in roofing in the US.”