Linde says H1 operating margin increases to 20.2 % despite ­restructuring costs. The company said H1 improved operating cash flow: €841 million (2008: €816 million). Group sales are down 12.5 % to €5.476 billion. Second-quarter sales of €2.781 billion versus €3.339 billion, and second-quarter operating profit €566 million versus €656 million. The company said further recovery in business trends is expected compared with the first half of the year; however, 2008 record level is no longer attainable.