LM Ericsson, the world's largest maker of wireless networks, said yesterday that its net profit grew 27 percent during the first quarter, boosted by stronger sales in western Europe and Asia.

The company also said it gained market share during the quarter, and that a strong performance by mobile phone maker Sony Ericsson - a joint venture with Sony Corp - had helped boost its operating margins.

Stockholm-based Ericsson said net profit for the three months ended March 31 came in at 5.8 billion kronor (US$862 million), or 0.37 kronor per share, from 4.6 billion kronor, or 0.29 kronor per share, for the same period last year.

Sales rose 8 percent to 42.2 billion kronor, thanks in part to a 36 percent jump in revenue in Asia as demand grew for GSM networks in China, Ericsson said. Sales also expanded in Europe - a region that has seen slow growth.

Source:佚名