ALTANA AG achieved sales of €1,342 million in the business year 2008, which is about €38 million or 3 percent less than the prior year.      Due to the effects of the worldwide economic crisis, particularly in the fourth quarter, sales in all regions declined in comparison to the prior year. Asia reported a slight sales decline of 1 percent in 2008; in Europe the decline was 2 percent. Sales in North and South America fell by 7 percent in comparison to 2007, due to exchange rate effects.    ...