The Bene Group continued the dynamic development of the previous financial year in the first half of 2018. Sales and all earnings figures were improved considerably, and the equity ratio further increased.
In the first six months of 2018, the Bene Group recorded a very positive operative development and more than doubled its EBITDA margin to 6.5% (2017: 3.1%). This was due to the resolute implementation of a comprehensive set of measures. In addition to productivity increases and the optimisation of material, these mainly included a clear focus on customer needs, the evaluation of all markets that Bene operates in, and the optimisation of the customer and product portfolio.
Sales improved by 10.8% in first half year
In a generally good economic environment, sales also developed very positively, rising by 10.8% year-on-year to EUR 70.8 million (HY1 2017: EUR 63.9 million). Bene’s markets in Austria, France, and the Middle East, in particular, recorded lively project activity. As a result, the sales volume in the domestic market of Austria increased by 13.9%, while France recorded a 62.7% increase, and the Middle East region even rose by 69.9%.
“The development of the Bene Group was highly satisfactory in the first six months of 2018. We have consistently continued to implement our optimisation measures and thus markedly improved our financial position. With an equity ratio of 45.1%, Bene now has a solid equity base and is a solidly positioned company ready for positive years ahead,” as Jörg Schuschnig, Executive Board Member for Finances and Production at Bene, summarises the first half of 2018 positively, adding: “We will continue to implement measures aimed at improving efficiency and to make targeted growth investments. The recently completed third quarter of 2018 has already shown steady business growth, as a result of which we are optimistic about achieving consistently good results for the entire 2018 business year.”
About Bene
Positioned as the leading, international designer of modern working environments, Bene closely monitors the latest trends and developments on an ongoing basis and uses them as basis for the development of innovative concepts and products that are in tune with the modern working world. This is how the flexible PIXEL module and the Studio by Bene design line were recently created. Both product lines received numerous international design awards in the first half of the year, among them the Red Dot Award, Focus Gold, the German Design Award, and the iF Design Award. “Design is part of our philosophy and culture; at Bene, it stands for reduction, clarity, high functionality, and working comfort. Professionalism and longevity are key. Bene works holistically with internationally renowned architects and designers in order to make the office an attractive living space,” as Michael Fried, Executive Board Member for Sales, Marketing, and Innovation with Bene, explains the product philosophy of Bene, which is based on a tight relationship of design, architecture, form, and functionality and creates a solid base for Bene’s success on the international markets.