2009 : looking ahead to step up our growth 

Despite the difficulties of predicting developments in the global economic situation and in knowing how long the crisis will last and just how serious it is, DAHER continues to pursue its development plan and can point to a number of strengths in the short and medium term.

Committed to growing both organically and via external acquisitions, within Europe and worldwide, DAHER clearly displays its objectives for 2009 as well as its ambitions for 2012.

Patrick DAHER, the Group's CEO, explains the four areas of growth for the coming year.

Good conditions for short-term stability

As 2009 begins, conditions are favourable for DAHER’s short-term stability: the Group increased in size with the acquisition of SOCATA, becoming a tier-1 aerospace equipment manufacturer with a wide array of relevant expertise, a new plant was launched in Mexico and forex risk on our business in dollars is under control until the end of 2010.

 

In addition, DAHER has recently won several significant contracts in each of its strategic business sectors:

  • All service contracts with EUROCOPTER renewed until 2016, with the creation of a 44,000m2 storage platform and 10,000 m2 of office space at Marignane in the south of France
  • Large order from NAMSA to produce approximately 200 logistics shelters for NATO forces
  • New contract with the French Atomic Energy Agency (C.E.A.) for the sorting and processing of nuclear waste, with new value-added sorting services
  • New plant to be opened in Nantes in the second half of 2010, specialising in the production of aerospace parts by thermo-plastic deep-drawing.

 

High medium-term visibility

After over 145 years of 100% family ownership, the family shareholders acted with remarkable celerity in taking the decision to open up the company's capital to outside investors. The Strategic Investment Fund set up by President Nicolas Sarkozy on November 20, 2008 and Aerofund now hold 20% of Compagnie DAHER’s share capital. This means DAHER reinforces its equity capital, to consolidate medium-term growth and step up development in key sectors, especially Aerospace and Nuclear. The new growth will consolidate the company’s positioning as a tier-1 equipment manufacturer in these sectors.

 

Solid positioning in France’s strategic sectors

With a healthy basis for short-term success and excellent medium-term visibility, DAHER is on course to become a major industrial player in France’s strategic sectors: Aerospace, Nuclear and Defence.

 

It is up to the Group to rise to this challenge and embrace the prospects for a bright future ahead.

 

Patrick DAHER
Chief Executive Officer