FRANCE
Elis, the leading multi-services group, specialising in the rental and maintenance of flat linen, professional clothing, hygiene and well-being appliances in Europe and Latin America, announced its 2017 full-year financial results on 7 March. Revenue and EBITDA grew more than 40%, fueled by acquisitions, and margins are up in all Elis' historical geographies. Headline net result increased more than 50% for the second consecutive year.
Commenting on the 2017 full-year results, Xavier Martiré, CEO of Elis, said: “In 2017, we actively continued our strategy of consolidating our geographical platforms. The acquisition of Berendsen, closed in September, is an important milestone in Elis' history. With this transaction, we have created a pan-European textile, hygiene and facility services leader with strong and profitable positions in the majority of our markets. Integration started mid-September and is proceeding very well. We are confident that our industrial know-how will make this acquisition a success.
“Furthermore, with the acquisition of Indusal in Spain and Lavebras in Brazil, the Group has secured two significant levers of value creation in key markets and has strengthened both its organic growth profile and its potential profitability.
“Some other smaller but equally value-creating acquisitions were completed in 2017 in France, Germany and Brazil. This acquisition policy has been a key pillar of our strategy for many years. It contributes to strengthen our positions in the markets in which the Group already operates, and hence improve our margins.
“The acceleration of Elis' international development over the last years has largely diversified our geographical exposure: France now represents one-third of Group revenue compared to 70% three years ago. We are convinced that Elis is now ideally positioned to create strategic and financial value for its shareholders, as well as to seize additional growth opportunities.
“The payment of a dividend of €0.37 per share, in line with 2016, will be recommended at the annual general meeting which will take place on 18 May, 2018.
“In 2018, revenues should be above €3.2bn. Our presence in fast-growing markets allows us to expect organic revenue growth in 2018 between +2.5% and 3.0%. In addition, EBITDA margin should improve to around 31.5%.”
