French cablemaker Nexans (NEXS.PA) said robust volumes in its main businesses boosted sales and profitability in the first quarter, despite rising commodity costs and softer activity in the Middle East. Nexans, which reiterated targets for full-year operating margin and sales on Wednesday, cited better profitability in the first quarter, including improved margins in industry cables and building. The company, which lost the bid battle earlier this year for Dutch cablemaker Draka to Italian rival Prysmian (PRY.MI), also said it was still looking for acquisitions in the energy sector. First-quarter sales came to 1.75 billion euros ($2.57 billion). At constant non-ferrous metal prices, sales reached 1.129 billion euros, corresponding to underlying growth of 13 percent at constant exchange rates and scope.
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