Micropole-Univers, a European consultancy and services company specializing in the fields of Business Intelligence, E-Business, CRM and ERP, made a turnover of 25.8 million euros in the last quarter of 2008, an increase of 7% compared to the same period in 2007. Consolidated annual turnover for 2008 was 92.5 million euros, in increase of 18% compared to 2007, and far greater than the market average. Annual organic growth was 16%.
2008 was characterized by strong development in all sectors of the group and E-Business in particular, notably for E-commerce and MDM (Master Data Management). The year also confirmed the pertinence of the new offers and technical solutions launched by MicropoleUnivers in 2007: ERP, Life Sciences and AFS (Accounting and Financial Services) teams.
Business Intelligence (50% of turnover) attained 15% growth; once again well above the market average. The Training business continued to develop, with 19% growth compared to 2007, and the business unit in Switzerland progressed by 12.4% (exchange-rate factor excluded). In all, 22% of Micropole-Univers's turnover was achieved abroad.
The outlook for 2009 is obviously more difficult to predict, but Micropole-Univers is confident that its business will continue to grow, thanks to a number of strong points:
- the quality of its positioning as 'specialist expert' in providing solutions to different business sectors;
- its leading positioning as a provider of high added-value solutions, in particular with regard to BI and E-commerce;
- a client portfolio that is evenly spread over several business sectors, both in France and abroad;
- a solid financial base that will enable the company to face up to the uncertain current economic situation with no mid or long-term debts.
"Even if we have exceeded our 2008 goals in terms of growth and turnover, we remain highly vigilant and cautious, faced with the uncertainties of the coming year. Having said that, in the current climate, companies are highly aware of the powerful leverage offered by information systems in terms of re-deploying sales channels, steering their business activity and improving margins. Our objective is therefore, to continue to be flexible, reactive, and especially innovative, in order to continue offering services and solutions that enable our prospects and clients to meet the challenges of the current economic crisis." Christian Poyau, CEO of Micropole-Univers.
