Strong increase in sales in Q1 2003: +32% to EUR 11.5 million

13/05/03 - Organic growth of +16%

 

Acceleration in growth in Q1 2003

 

Audika Group continued to enjoy buoyant growth during the first three months of 2003. Over the period, sales for the Group stood at EUR 11.53 million, resulting in growth of 32% on Q1 2002, with Audika notably benefiting from the first effects of its heightened marketing policy in line with expectations.

 

Like-for-like, growth proved buoyant at 15.8%, reflecting the success of the company's new publicity campaign which is centered on a prominent personality in France, Robert Hossein.

 

 

Objectives for 2003: sustained growth, improvement in profitability

 

Overall, the upturn in organic growth triggered by the Group’s acquisitions should enable Audika to realize sales of at least EUR 51 million (new acquisitions excluded) in 2003 and enjoy a further improvement in operating profitability.

 

In line with its strategy, and given that the Group enjoys excellent visibility as to its future acquisitions, Audika intends to continue to build on its nationwide network in 2003 and beyond.

 

 

About Audika:

 

With some 250 centers in 71 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.

 

Audika is listed on the Nextprime, MidCAC and Second Marché indexes.

 

Audika contact: Alain Tonnard on +33 1 55 37 30 30
Equity Conseil contact: Laurence Marquézy on +33 1 45 22 22 30



If you would like to receive all financial information regarding Audika by e-mail, please access the following web site addresses: www.equityinfos.com or www.audika.com



Euroclear 6375

Reuters DIKA.PA

Bloomberg ADI

Number of shares: 3,150,000



Equity Conseil / DDB Group

13/05/03