(FRANKFURT) - German chemical and cosmetics group Henkel, maker of Persil detergent and Fa shampoo, posted Wednesday an eight percent increase in 2007 net profit to 941 million euros (1.4 billion dollars).

Henkel's sales exceeded 13 billion euros, a rise of 2.6 percent, owing to development of all of the group's activities, it said in a statement.

Organic sales, which were adjusted for foreign exchange effects and acquisitions or divestments, gained 5.8 percent, in line with Henkel's forecast of an increase between five and six percent.

The results generally exceeded analysts' forecasts, in particular fourth quarter net profit, which jumped by 12 percent to 247 million euros on 3.2 billion euros in sales.

Henkel said it would propose a six percent increase in its share dividend, to 0.51 euros per ordinary share and 0.53 euros per preferred share.

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