The Swedish state-owned drinks group, Vin & Sprit, saw its sales increase 35% in 2002 to SEK9,093m (US$1,085m), up from SEK6,725 a year earlier, in part thanks to acquisitions, which saw operating profits increase to SEK2,037m from SEK1,764m. The company said in a statement that the transition into the Maxxium distribution system had been finalised and that as a consequence exports were developing well.