Bechtle Group 'extremely strong' in Q3

Germany-based reseller sees system sales push up result

Neckarsulm-headquartered Bechtle Group saw revenue rise 11.4 per cent to €558.8m (£467.5m) in the quarter ending 30 September, the firm reported today.

Systems sales and managed services were key to the performance, it said, and enable the company to look confidently ahead to Q4.

Thomas Olemotz, chairman of Bechtle Group, said the excellent performance confirmed its strategy of combining trade and project business with "quality" services.

"In this way, we have further improved our market and competitive position. We are also increasingly seeing the benefits of the investments in our team," Olemotz said.

"All in all, the preconditions for a strong final quarter are good."

No breakdown was provided for Bechtle direct in the UK or other Bechtle regional businesses.

Earnings before tax overall rose 6.7 per cent to €54.6m. The July-to-September quarter saw domestic system house revenue boosted by 16.7 per cent, and earnings before tax 35.3 per cent to €25.2m.

Earnings before tax for IT system house and managed services segments rose 65.5 per cent to €17.0m, the company said.

Online IT sales enjoyed high margins as well, the company said, with Bechtle's European e-commerce companies expanding revenue 5.8 per cent to €116.2m. The company, which has offices in 14 European countries, enjoys a strong balance sheet and has added 180 staff since 31 December 2012.