L'Oreal predicts growth in 2010

Cosmetics giant L'Oreal is backing itself to return to growth this year following a tough 2009.

The French firm behind names such as Garnier and Lancome saw its earnings fall by 8%, led by weak trading in Western Europe.

But it is predicting a profit rise in 2010 after a good start, led chiefly by sales of luxury cosmetics.