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Mixed results for the online pet retailer Zooplus in 2011 Zooplus AG has presented its figures for the last fiscal year 2011. An increase in total sales is counterbalanced by a negative operating result. The company’s overall sales increased by 33 per cent to € 257.1 mio, of which € 12.3 mio was attribut­able to other operating income (previous year: € 15.8 mio). On the other hand, the company’s earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) showed a negative at € -7.6 mio (previous year: € 3.3 mio), although a positive EBIT was achieved again in the fourth quarter of 2011, according to Zooplus, once the migration of the company’s logistics was complete. The operating result before interest, taxes, amortisation and depreciation (EBITDA) was € -6.8 mio (previous year: € 3.9 mio). At € -6 mio the consolidated result after taxes was much poorer than in the previous year, when Zooplus recorded a consolidated result of € 2 mio. Zooplus says that the result for 2011 primarily reflects expenses arising during the first half of the year for the now completed development of the new logistics centre in Eisenach-Hörselgau. The centre is expected to increase the operating capacity of Zooplus substantially to over € 400 mio in annual sales. A new fair in Bergamo The Aquario Natura takes place on 22-24 September 2012 and is open to the public and traders. This event is organised by Associazione Italiana Pesci e Acquari (AIPA) in collaboration with Ente Fiera Promoberg, and sponsored by CEAB, COF, Prodac, Sera, and Valverde. Acquario Natura is the first Italian fair fully dedicated to hobby aquariums and ornamental ponds. The organiser is also planning aquascaping contests, educational workshops aimed at children, and a wide area dedicated to striking pond settings. GA invests heavily GA Pet Food Partners GA has recently invested millions to be able to manufacture dry pet food using the most sustainable and environmentally friendly methods. Construction of the environmental management facility has been on a massive scale, with a water treatment works and three biofilters at the heart of it. All air and water is cleaned and recycled on site, reducing GA’s environmental impact on its neighbours and the local rural surroundings. More direct approach to the UK market Absorption Corp. has improved its distribution method to better serve retailers’ needs in UK. Its “CareFresh” bedding will now be sold directly through Vital Pet Products as a wholesaler, removing a layer of…