· Net sales up 31 per cent to SEK 963.8 m (735.0).
· Operating profit increased to SEK 86.9 m (77.2) including non-recurring expenses of SEK 5.3 m.
· Profit after tax: SEK 60.6 m (91.0 of which capital gain from a share sale was 37.4).
· Earnings per share were SEK 9.21 (14.51 of which capital gain from a share sale was 6.02).
· The Board is proposing dividends of SEK 4.00 (3.75). An extra dividend of SEK 2.00 was also paid in 2006.
· Major strategic acquisition of Westermo on 1 January 2008, which forms a new business area within industrial data communications.2008.
COMMENTS FROMÂ GÖRAN SIGFRIDSSON, OURÂ CEO
"The year 2007 was highly eventful with three strategic acquisitions. Obviously, this set huge challenges for the group, which is why I'm so delighted that we could make such a strong close to the year. It meant that Beijer Electronics was able to set new records in terms of sales and profits. Meanwhile, we've taken the group to a new level, laying a solid platform for continued profitable growth.
The acquisition of Westermo Teleindustri AB at the end of the year, which is active in industrial data communications, was the biggest highlight. Westermo is a very exciting niche player that fits well into Beijer Electronics' future progress. This view has been reinforced during the company's first month within Beijer Electronics. Westermo forms a new business area from year-end and I'm convinced that it will be a dynamic part of the group, with a creative exchange of business between our business areas.
The Automation business area's entry to the Danish market and the acquisition of Brodersen of Denmark has been convincing. In just a year, we've achieved sales of over SEK 80 m in Denmark. This also contributed to the business area's robust growth of 40 per cent. At the same time, we incurred costs for Brodersen's start-up and integration. But despite this, Automation was able to lift profits. There's work to be done but the business area's long-term margin goal is well within reach.
The HMI Products business area also passed a milestone when we acquired Elektronik-Systeme Lauer of Germany, and thus secured an excellent foothold on the biggest market in Europe - Germany. Lauer has a strong brand with first-class products in the higher-end segment. Integration is going as planned. Lauer also generated most of the business area's growth in the year. While in the short term, the acquisition has reduced margins, HMI Products' strong close to the year meant the business area was still able to beat its margin target."