Commenting on the group’s results, Sappi Chief Executive Officer Steve Binnie said: “I am pleased the Group delivered EBITDA (earnings) more than 40% above the prior year at US$151 million. Despite the third quarter being a seasonally slower period for our business, and the sluggish global economy, our results were in line with our guidance. Underlying profitability, excluding a US$30 million impact from scheduled maintenance shuts at Saiccor and Somerset Mills, remained steady quarter-on-quarter. This is a pleasing performance driven by sustained strong market conditions in the pulp segment, offset somewhat by a muted recovery in paper markets.”