Profits rose 17 per cent at Norbert Dentressangle last year, according the company’s annual results.
EBITDA rose from 216.3m euros to 252.3m euros on sales up 26 per cent to 3.6bn euros.
Chief executive François Bertreau said: “In 2011 Norbert Dentressangle took a decisive step in its development by maintaining a high rate of growth and strengthening its international profile with the acquisitions of TDG and APC Beijing International.”
In Transport Dentressangle strengthened its market positions through the integration of the TDG business activities and through strong organic growth driven by a range of unique services. Transport posted an operating profit of 47.4m euros against 44.1 m euros in 2010, up 7.5 per cent.
Logistics was driven by growth in Spain, Italy and the UK, which, with 41 per cent of business revenue, became the key country. Logistics reported growth in operating profit at 80.4m euros against 63.0m euros in 2010, a 27.6 per cent rise.
Freight Forwarding continued to rise during the year, to attain revenue of 86m euros against 12m euros in 2010. It was now well placed to support international trade with a presence in three key continents, the group said.
However, it warned that since the end of 2011 with an uncertain economic climate, particularly in Europe, it had noticed signs of a flagging economy and has found greater volatility in customer demand.
“The economic environment has been more subdued since the end of 2011, but the group is strong enough to withstand this and to adapt – particularly its managers’ reactiveness and close customer relationships,” said Bertreau.
