Waterford Wedgwood reported wider first-half operating losses today as sales suffered.
The firm posted an operating loss in the six months to end-September of €28.6 million before exceptional items, compared with a loss of €12 million in the same period in 2006.
Dublin-based Goodbody Stockbrokers had forecast an operating loss of €15 million before exceptionals in the first half.
First-half sales at the firm, which is trying to reverse a prolonged slump in demand for its luxury tableware, were 7.1 per cent lower at €317.4 million.
In October, Waterford Wedgwood said total sales were expected to fall by about 7 per cent in the first half.
"There was genuine consumer enthusiasm for our products, especially in the US, but sales were affected by product shortages over the six months to September, and adverse currency fluctuations," chief executive Peter Cameron said.
A lack of working capital for much of the period limited the company's ability to manufacture and deliver products, he said.
Talks continued with a "major" financial institution over a significant share investment in the firm, the company said.
Waterford
said last month it planned a "final root and branch restructuring" by March 2008 as it seeks to cut costs after years of losses.