Bobst Group SA expects full year results to be weaker than in 2002, with the company saying it remains cautious regarding the economic environment.

In a briefing held in Zurich today, the packaging equipment maker told analysts that sales, EBIT and net profit in 2003 will fall short of last year's results.

Bobst reported a net profit of 71.3 mln sfr in 2002, compared to 96.1 mln a year earlier. EBIT reached 121.9 mln sfr, against 128.4 mln, on sales of 1.478 bln, against 1.512 bln.

A slight improvement is expected for 2004, although orders for the new year remain at low levels, it added.