Norbert Dentressangle SMALL PIC

Norbert Dentressangle Group (NDG) has posted sustained growth for both of itsTransport and Logistics divisions for the first half of 2008, boasting mid-year revenue of €1.6bn, up 83 per cent against the same period of last year following the acquisition of Christian Salvesen Group in December 2007.

Like-for-like growthfor the first six months of the year came out at 86 per cent, with the Logistics business accounting for 42 per cent of totalrevenue, more than double its previous first-half volume.

According to a statement, organic business growth at NDG over the first half of the year was 'extremelyconsistent' throughout the group at 7.4 per cent on a historical basis and6.7 per cent when factoring in the Christian Salvesen purchase.

'The group’s H1 performance once again reflects the strength of itspositioning on the European transport and logistics market and thesuccessful integration of Christian Salvesen,' the statement said. 'Norbert DentressangleGroup’s operational and reporting procedures have been harmonisedthroughout the scope, which is now referred to as the NorbertDentressangle brand.'

The group's supervisory board has also appointed François Bertreau as its new chief executive officer, replacing Jean-Claude Michel.

'Following the acquisition and integration of Christian Salvesen, the supervisory board considered that a change was necessary in order toguide the group through this new and very important phase in itshistory with success and prepare it to face the forthcoming challengeswith a view to global development,' the company commented.

François Bertreau remains with the general management of the LogisticsDivision to oversee strategy, acquisitions and communication.

In his comments on the figures for the first half of 2008 and onthe group’s outlook, Mr Bertreau reaffirmed his confidence in the group to reach its announced targets, despite a more challengingmarket, which include organic business growth of 6-8 per cent like-for-likebased on 2007 pro forma revenue (€3.08bn) and growth inrecurring operating income as against the 2007 pro forma figure.