This strong growth is boosted by the acquisitions reflecting Richemont's efforts to build direct online sales channels. Online Fashion and luxury retailer YOOX NET-A-PORTER and second-hand watch dealer Watchfinder have been consolidated as of May and June 2018. If the impact of these e-commerce acquisitions is stripped out, the group sales rose by 8%. Richemont reports that sales increased over all business areas and most regions. Performance was especially good in Asia Pacific (+14%) and the Americas (+11%) with double-digit progression. Sales rose 8% in Japan and the performance was stable in Europe (+1%).