Paint and chemicals company AkzoNobel boosted its net profit by 32% in the third quarter of this year, compared with 2013.

Nevertheless, the market remains difficult and sales fell 2% to €3.7bn, the company said. In particular, the strong euro is having an impact on the results.

Chief executive Ton Büchner said in a statement Akzo Nobel will reach its 2015  targets, despite the difficult economic circumstances. Since February last year, the company has focused on improving the return on investment rather than increasing sales.