Jean Charles Deconninck talks with Internet users
Internet user : How would you describe collaborative management?
J-C. Deconninck: An efficient company has to integrate all exterior constraints; it has to interact with its ecosystem which is made up of suppliers, service providers, customers ... GENERIX Group's core business is the management and transmission of intra and intercompany processes.
Internet user : Now, after one year, which is the overview of Influe's merger?
J-C. Deconninck: The two companies started joint operations on 23rd March 2007 with legal application of the merger on 1st October 2007. The Influe acquisition generated sales growth of 12% over the first half, doubling-up the market figure. The period was very dynamic regarding product-wisewith numerous new releases across all segments of our offering.
Internet user : Which are the new products that are being released?
J-C. Deconninck:
- In the Business Application offer, Generix Collaborative Enterprise ERP and SCE V1.3 with import-related, multi-variant and mechanization modules.
- In the Integration Solutions offer: TradeXpress Version 5, Synchrolink Version 3.3 with volumetrics and ergonomics modules
- Store (retail outlet) solutions offer: Agil version 3.76, store mobility and services
- SOA integration platform: Gen'ki
- Portal and Collaboration offer:
- netshop.now order-taking portal;
- EWR Plus version 5.28 (Shared Replenishments Management solution)
Commercially, the synergies and cross-selling systems are in place with premier effect starting this first semester.
Internet user : Which is your international growth strategy?
J-C. Deconninck: Our international growth strategy is based on profitable growth.
15% of sales are abroad. Our aim is to drive that figure to 50% over the next 5 years backed by our subsidiaries in Argentina, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Benelux and Thailand and our partners in a further 25 countries (Russia, China, etc.). In any new market we work through our subsidiaries and a partner network to keep initial operating costs down.
Internet user : what growth rate have you set up for the present financial period?
J-C. Deconninck: The company posted 12% growth over the half year, EBITDA was up 75%, EBIT up 20%. If we remove "integration" costs: 463 K€ (removals, information system, etc.), net earnings would be 803K€, up 25%.
Internet user : Which is the recruitment situation? What profiles are you seeking?
J-C. Deconninck: With this present growth at a very strong level, we are effectively looking for 20 experienced engineers, consultants and salespersons.
Internet user : When will GENERIX Group's acquisition of Infolog Solutions become effective?
J-C. Deconninck: We recently signed an agreement of intent to acquire a 100% interest in Infolog Solutions. The acquisition will become valid from 1st January 2008. We will most importantly benefit from Infolog's business know-how based on 23 years of logistical experience and from its 750 branches worldwide, but also from its transport management solution (TMS), a core customer challenge.
Internet user :Do you have you any other acquisition projects?
J-C. Deconninck: Acquisition is a meaning for development for this company while meeting growing customer needs. It is not an end in itself. We have no short-term acquisition plans.