Mecalux closed the first half of 2009 with a turnover of 204.4 million euros, representing a fall of 38.6% with respect to the same period for last year. The Group recorded a net result of -3.7 million euros, representing a decrease of 113.2%. Mecalux attributes this drop in sales to the reduced global economic activity and the delay on the part of many companies in deciding to invest in facilities. On a positive note, the incorporation of the Interlake business has led to a 34.4% increase in the number of orders in the NAFTA area over the same period last year.
For Mecalux this indicates a gradual recovery in the NAFTA area, which now represents 21.1% of the Group’s sales. Mecalux is now in a strategic position in this market at a time when a position of leadership is crucial for when economic activity begins to pick up.
Sales by geographical areas
In the markets of Southern Europe (Spain, France, Italy and Portugal) turnover decreased by 43.9% with respect to the same period last year. Mercosur saw a fall of 42.1%. This area represents 11.3% of the Group’s sales.
EBITDA for this period was 3.1 million euros in the first half of 2009, representing a variation of -94% with respect to the same period last year, due to a fall in business