Norbert Dentressangle truck

Logistics group Norbert Dentressangle has reported a strong set of results for the first half of 2014, with steady growth and improved profitability across all business divisions.

First half 2014 revenues climbed 13.4 per cent to €2.19bn, while EBITA jumped 19 per cent to €65.5m, thus outperforming revenue growth.

'The first half of 2014 took place in a European economic environment, which was boosted by growth in the UK economy and recovery in Spain,' explained Norbert Dentressangle's CEO Hervé Montjotin. 'Against this backdrop and despite flat activity in France, Norbert Dentressangle capitalised on its ever-expanding global footprint and its positioning within buoyant sectors.

'Not only did we achieve revenue growth of 13.4 per cent compared to the first half of 2013, but - and this is more important - we generated EBITA growth of over 19 per cent for the same period,' he added. 'Our three business lines, Logistics, Transport and Air & Sea, are all well on course in terms of growth and profitability, in accordance with our expectations.

'Norbert Dentressangle is a group built on firm foundations and satisfies all the assets for successful consolidation of its new strategic acquisition in the US.'

Meanwhile, the group has also announced a strategic acquisition in the North American market, moving for Jacobson Company, a leading contract logistics and transport provider.

The US$750m transaction is expected to close in mid-September.