• L’Oréal said its first-half net profits rose 10.8% to $2.11 billion and confirmed it expects to outperform the market this year. Operating profits increased 11.4% to $2.46 billion. The company’s sales for the period rose 10.5% to $14.55 billion. “With strong growth in sales and results, the first half of 2012 confirms the group’s good dynamics,” said Jean-Paul Agon, L’Oréal chairman and chief executive officer. “L’Oréal is continuing to strengthen its positions, and thus reinforcing its lea...