Chairman's
word

A global player

A unique business model deployed on three continents

With its franchise approach to the distribution of metals, JACQUET Metals enjoys growth that is both dynamic and controlled. All the necessary conditions are in place for the Group's associated managers to focus on one priority objective: generating profitable sales.

With 39 subsidiaries in 21 countries, the Group broke the €300 million sales barrier in 2007, after braking the €100 million mark in 2004 and the €200 million mark in 2006. The market conditions in 2007 were very different from the first half of the year to the second half. Continuing the positive trend of 2006, the first half benefitted from very favorable conditions. In June, however, market conditions began to deteriorate, with a subsequent slowdown in demand for Quarto* plates, especially in trading, and a decline in margins. In this context, 2007 volume declined 12% year over year, and net income was €30 million, i.e a net margin of 10%.

In 2008 and 2009, the Group plans to continue its active pace of development and to strengthen its presence in China with the opening of two branches at the beginning of 2008. JACQUET Metals will also establish operations in Japan and India, each of these offers tremendous potential.

In North America, the Group exceeded its 2007 sales target, with €10 million in sales. A fourth logistics platform, JACQUET West, will be operational in July in Los Angeles, and other platforms will be built in the United States and Canada.

In Europe, three new distribution platforms are launched in Italy, Poland, and Germany, with the goal of obtaining 30% of the distribution market, compared to 25% currently.

With around 10% of the worldwide distribution market for Quarto plates in high-value corrosion resistant metals, JACQUET Metals is the world leader in this niche market. The active promotion of its unique business model and the pursuit of growth opportunities should enable the Group to further strengthen its leadership and, in the medium term, to grow its share of the global market to 20%.

* Quarto steel plates: a flat, very thick (8 to 200 mm) stainless steel product produced in units using Quarto mills. In general, a Quarto plate is 1.5 to 3 meters (60 to 120”) wide and 6 meters (240”) long.
12.35+%E2%82%AC+%2F+%2B0.05%25
JACQUET Metals holds 7.57%25 in IMS