EET bullish after staying on growth track in 2012

Spare parts heavyweight plots further M&A after enjoying hefty revenue boost but margins took a hit last year

Spare parts distributor EET Group is targeting "continued expansion" this year after its 2012 numbers showed revenue up by almost a fifth.

For the 2012 calendar year, the Danish distie saw turnover increase 17.26 per cent year on year to €191.6m (£123.5m). Profit was also on the up, but its growth lagged that of the top line, as EBITA rose a little more than two per cent to €14.5m. This equates to a drop in margins from 8.7 to 7.6 per cent.

Group chief executive John Thomas pointed out that, despite the challenging economic climate, ET has grown for the past 11 years, adding that this year's numbers "speak for themselves".

"Compared to the continuing economic crises in Europe, the result is nothing less than outstanding," he added. "Maintaining a well-executed and persistent acquisition strategy, we have created the necessary growth and achieved a leading position in the business that makes us an attractive business partner for manufacturers, suppliers and customers."

EET has long been an active consolidator in the European distribution arena, closing 15 acquisitions in the past decade. Last summer it sealed its biggest deal to date with the addition of €50m-turnover rival Europarts.

"The target for 2013 is continued expansion," said Thomas. "And this goes for acquisitions, new markets and new business areas. We have some specific segments and product areas in mind, but we are always open to new business opportunities which enable us to grow the company in a logical and stable way – and within our defined EET risk profile."