Eiffage sales grow

Eiffage reported a +5% growth in sales for 2008 to € 13,2 billion, up from € 12,5 billion the previous year. Pre-tax profits for the year fell -3% from € 1,14 billion in 2007 to € 1,1 billion.

Sales in the construction division rose +8,3% from € 3,8 billion in 2007 to € 4,1 billion, buoyed by activity in Belgium, Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. Eiffage sales in the four countries increased by +2,6%, +22%, +17% and +47% respectively.

All Eiffage Group divisions reported sales growth in 2008 apart from Public Works, which saw a -4,4% decline from € 4,1 billion in 2007 to € 3,9 billion. The multi-technical installation business grew +15%, while Metallic Construction boosted revenues from € 318 million in 2007 to € 396 million last year, a 25,5% increase.

"Given the strong position of Eiffage's contracting activities in France and the Benelux countries, the correcting measures implemented in the Iberian Peninsula and enhanced controls for European activity, the Group is expecting controlled growth in 2009," said a spokesperson.

"A strong balance sheet, available cash and a cautious approach to the manner in which the Group develops its activities should ensure that the company will weather the difficult spell and emerge stronger," continued the spokesperson.