Acquisition of 8 new centers : Marked strengthening of the Group’s presence in Marseille and Ongoing reinforcement of the Group’s network in Brittany

21/01/03 - Heightened deployment of the Group’s marketing policy

 

5 new centers in and around Marseille

 

Having considerably consolidated its presence in Paris and the Paris region following the acquisition of the Revelson chain of outlets in July 2002, Audika has focused on significantly increasing its market share in France’s second largest city, with the acquisition of 5 new centers in and around Marseille.

 

As a result, Audika Group now owns 11 centers in the Bouches du Rhône region, including 5 in Marseille.

 

In line with its strategy and given the success of this “model” in Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux, Audika’s immediate aim is to open several first-rate locations in Marseille.

 

 

Ongoing reinforcement of the Group network

 

• 2 new entities in Brittany

In line with its policy to actively reinforce its network across France, Audika has set up in a new region, the Morbihan, via the acquisition of two new centers (Vannes and Questembert).

As such, the Group currently owns 15 centers in Brittany.

 

• 1 new center in Bourgogne

With the acquisition of a new center in Dijon, Audika has consolidated its presence in Bourgogne, particularly within the Côte d’Or region. Thanks to new acquisition, which is complementary to the Group’s center in Beaune, Audika now covers over 80% of the client catchment area in this region.

 

 

EUR 1.3 million in additional sales

 

These 8 new centers should generate sales of EUR 1.3 million in 2003. They will be consolidated within the Group’s accounts as of January 1, 2003.

 

 

Heightened deployment of the Group’s marketing policy

 

As announced, Audika has already begun to step up the implementation of its marketing policy with a new advertising campaign centered around a prominent personality: Robert Hossein.

 

Indeed, the actor and director now acts as a spokesman for Audika in order to further the Group’s appeal amongst senior citizens and to heighten awareness as to the benefits of hearing aids. A new image for each of Audika’s future marketing drives.

 

With over 400 advertising spots for a total budget of EUR 600,000, Audika’s aim is to convince more senior citizens as to the benefits of wearing a hearing aid. This strategy should enable Audika to further awareness of its brand, to break down the psychological barriers linked to the use of hearing aids and thus boost sales.

 

 

Outlook

 

In 2003, Audika expects to maintain organic growth above market levels and plans to carry out a number of acquisitions. Given the number of targets already identified, Audika's acquisition program benefits from a high level of visibility.
Audika will publish its 2002 sales on February 11, 2003

 

 

About Audika:

 

With some 250 centers in 69 different regions and an 11 % market share, Audika is the number one network offering hearing correction consulting and solutions in France. Positioned on the market for hearing correction solutions for senior citizens, which is not affected by changes in the economic situation, Audika aims to consolidate its leadership in a sector that remains very highly fragmented.

 

If you would like to receive financial information Audika by e-mail, contact: www.equityinfos.com or www.audika.com

 

Audika contact: Alain Tonnard on +33 1 55 37 30 30

Equity Conseil contact: Laurence Marquézy on +33 1 45 22 22 30



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