News

The UK is now Norbert Dentressangle's (ND) biggest market outside of France, accounting for 25% of the firm's business, following its acquisition of Christian Salvesen in December. Under the new ND Group, road transport now represents 57% of its business (with 8,000 tractor units and 10,000 trailers), with logistics accounting for 43%.

Speaking to MT, as the firm unveiled its 2007 results, Thierry Leduc, group marketing director, says: "We now have 9,000 employees in the UK and as  far as the operational side of things goes, the integration of both businesses is already well advanced and under control, with management in place." Due to acquisition costs, the French transport and logistics giant saw net profit dip to €49.3m (£38.9m) last year from €49.8m (£39.3m) in 2006. Sales climbed 12.2% to €1.8m (£1.4m) from €1.6m (£1.3m), amounting to 9.2% growth, excluding Salvesen, which was only consolidated from 14 December.

The combined firms' approximate revenue totalled €3.1bn (£2.4bn) for 2007, while operating income came out at €91m (£71.8m). As well as unveiling its results, ND has also launched a three-year development plan, 'Passion Rouge 2010', which focuses on achieving solid organic growth by 2010, aiming to reach between 6% and 8% this year. It also sets a target of generating revenue approaching €4bn (£3.2bn), with an operating profit margin of 5% by the end of 2010.

Asked if further acquisitions were likely, Leduc replies: "We are very satisfied  following our deal with Salvesen, so as far as external growth is concerned, we would only look to acquire a small- or mid-sized business if it was complementary. Our main growth will be organic." Mark O'Bornick, director at Analytiqa, adds: "The acquisition should create opportunities for both firms to cross-sell each others' services."