Wholesaling: Investment plans clearly expansive for 2006

According to the results of the latest Ifo Investment Survey, wholesalers plan to invest more in 2006 than they did last year, partly as a result of continuously rising turnover. Because of the positive situation in manufacturing, the recovery in construction and signs for a revival of private consumption, turnover growth in wholesaling should be stronger in 2006 than in 2005. Declines in staff will probably come to a standstill and in some areas even creating new jobs. The results of the Ifo Investment Survey in wholesaling point to perceptible growth in equipment investments, but also building investments will expand somewhat. In total, gross capital spending in 2006 could increase by more than 10%.