Swiss specialty chemicals and plastics giant Clariant International Ltd. saw its profit from continuing operations grow almost 60%in 2013, even as the firmÕs overall sales were essentially flat. Continuing operations profit for 2013 checked in at CHF 323 million (USD 363.7 million) on sales of almost CHF 6.1 billion (USD 6.8 billion). Muttenz-based Clariant sold off several businesses during 2013, including emulsions and leather services. Including those businesses in 2013 results lowers the firmÕs overall profit to CHF 5 million (USD 5.6 million). Plastics and Coatings sales for 2013 were flat with 2012, but the unitÕs pretax profit fell almost 13% to CHF 256 million (USD 287.9 million). In the release, Clariant officials said that fourth-quarter 2013 masterbatch sales increased in all regions except North America. Latin America, Greater China and India contributed to fourth-quarter masterbatch growth, while the business environment in Europe improved slightly.