3M Co. (MMM) sees better marketing opportunities out of the prevailing political turmoil in the Middle East, in the long run, despite the predicted financial impact in the short run, according to company’s chairman and chief executive.

George Buckley recently predicted that the civil and political turmoil in the Middle East could have a $5 million “financial impact” on 3M in the first quarter. He said the amount wouldn’t significantly affect the company’s first-quarter results. Analysts expect the diversified industrial conglomerate to earn $1.04 billion in net income in the quarter on $6.95 billion in
sales.
Comparing the leadership changes in Egypt and other countries to the breakup of the Soviet Union 20 years ago, Buckley said: “I think ultimately in the Middle East some of those things are going to settle down and at the end things are going to get a little bit easier.” “Ultimately, this could turn out to be quite a good opportunity,” the soon-to-retire executive added.