ZWIJNDRECHT, The Netherlands, April 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --
The Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group achieved an increase in sales and kept the operating result at the same level despite difficult market conditions. This was largely achieved due to the worldwide spread across markets, product and customer groups. The market share in existing markets grew and market share was further expanded with new products.
The operating result came out at EUR 13.2 million, the same as it was in 2011. The net result amounted to EUR 10.1 million (2011: EUR 12.9 million). Net sales increased by 8% to EUR 658 million and the tonnage sold increased by 11% worldwide. Solvency remained strong at 44.5%.
The strategy of the international trading and distribution company of steel pipes and pipe products, is focused on expanding specialisms combined with a further global spread. The Teuling Staal and Jean Wauters Aciers Speciaux companies, acquired in 2011 and specialized in (super) duplex and bar steel respectively, made a solid contribution to the result. The international network was further expanded, for instance, by the opening of a sales office in Moscow. The offices in Germany, Turkey and Vietnam were strengthened.
The company focuses on both the industrial and energy markets. The European industrial market experienced a strong decline in demand. Van Leeuwen maintained volumes in this market by expanding its range of services. The level of investment in the worldwide energy market slowed down. However, Van Leeuwen profited from the growth in the offshore and subsea projects market. The branches in Canada, Asia and Australia made a significant contribution to the operating result in 2012.
In 2013, Van Leeuwen will continue to focus on growth by means of acquisitions, in addition to organic growth. Chairman of the Board of Directors Peter Rietberg says: "In spite of the uncertain market conditions, we remain positive about 2013. The company is financially strong. This gives us the power to act and the possibility of investing in growth and expansion."
Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group
The Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group is an international trading company specializing in steel pipes, and pipe and tube applications. The company is active in virtually all industrial sectors. The company was founded in 1924. The Group has fifty branches spread throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and North America.