After a strong first half, which saw operating profit rise nearly 14% to just under €2 billion and sales by 10.5% to €8.2 billion, German gases and engineering group Linde has confirmed its full-year 2013 forecast of generating earnings of "at least" €4 billion. From January to June, sales of the gases division improved by 14.5% to €7 billion and operating profit by 14.1% to €1.9 billion, said CEO Wolfgang Reitzle. In the engineering division, order intake was double the 2012 volume but revenues related to existing projects increased only 1.5% to €1.25 billion, and operating profit was flat at €148 million.