Norbert Dentressangle (ND) has described 2012 as a 'sound financial year', with growth in consolidated turnover and earnings, and an improved international profile.
Turnover increased by 8.5 per cent year-on-year to €3.9bn thanks to a 'resilient' performance in transport, further development of freight forwarding and 'dynamic growth' in logistics.
Earnings before interest, tax and amortisation (EBITA) jumped 9.1 per cent to €142.3m, while net debt fell 22 per cent.
Meanwhile, the group strengthened its international profile by acquiring John Keells Group's freight forwarding activities in India/Sri Lanka, as well as Nova Natie's logistics and freight forwarding operations in Antwerp.
'The Norbert Dentressangle teams turned in a solid financial performance in 2012,' said Hervé Montjotin. 'Despite a worsening and volatile economic environment, we continued to gain market share in our three divisions.
'Thanks to our flexibility, the stability of our organisation and tight management, our EBITA rose by 9 per cent, in line with our growth in turnover,' he continued. 'Our financial structure has been further strengthened and our activities have continued to grow through international expansion. As a result, we can build upon these key success elements to further execute our strategic plan, through both organic growth and targeted acquisitions.'
