STX Group targets 30 tln won in sales next year

SEOUL, Dec. 14 (Yonhap) -- STX Group, a mid-sized South Korean conglomerate, said Sunday it expects to post 30 trillion won (US$21.8 billion) in sales next year, up 11 percent from this year's estimated 27 trillion won, thanks to a steady growth of its key businesses.

The group, whose business portfolio ranges from shipbuilding to construction,
expects 1 trillion won in profit next year. The group did not provide comparable
figures.
The group's shipbuilding and machinery units are expected to post 18 trillion won
in sales, while its shipping and plant construction businesses are expected to
draw 11 trillion won in sales.
Since early 2000, STX has been aggressively expanding its business portfolio by
acquiring numerous firms. The group owns STX Shipbuilding Co., the world's
fifth-largest shipyard, and the shipper STX Pan Ocean Co.
Last year, STX took over Norway's Aker Yards, helping STX make inroads into the
lucrative cruise line industry.