Annual Report 2007

The Trelleborg Annual Report for 2007 has been published today on the website www.trelleborg.com, and has also been sent to Trelleborg’s shareholders. 



In the CEO’s comments, President and CEO Peter Nilsson expresses his satisfaction with the Group’s growth in 2007:

“The increase in sales for comparable exchange rates amounted to 16 percent. Accordingly, in the most recent five-year period, we have increased the Group’s average growth at a more rapid pace than the target of 8-10 percent annually over an economic cycle,” says Peter Nilsson. “Three out of four business areas reported improved operating profit and operating margins in 2007.”



Peter Nilsson also emphasized the role played by the Group’s active portfolio management in efforts to move toward segments with favorable structural growth.



The company’s future priorities aimed at creating value for customers, shareholders and employees will continue to be based on the business concept to seal, damp and protect in demanding industrial environments. Growth will take place organically, but also through acquisitions:

“Organic growth for the year was 10 percent and sales increased by 6 percent as a result of structural changes,” says Peter Nilsson. “During the past two years, we concluded no less than 17 acquisitions, of which six were minor acquisitions completed in 2007. We have all the necessary qualities to conduct successful acquisitions. This is partly due to the often poor level of consolidation in our industries and to our significant experience and resources in terms of acquiring and integrating companies.”



The company continues to increase its presence in growth markets, such as Asia, Latin America and Central Europe, and sales in these markets increased by 28 percent during the year compared with 2006.



Another priority area is efficiency enhancement:

“Operational efficiency relates to quality in all processes and continuous improvement of the operational structure. Streamlining of our operational structure is central in the creation of long-term growth and value for our shareholders,” says Peter Nilsson. 



The share section states that the Trelleborg share has had an average price increase of 14 percent per year and an average dividend yield of 4.0 percent per year over the past five years.



The Annual Report can be ordered at www.trelleborg.com or from Trelleborg Corporate Communications, 

Tel: +46 (0)410-670 00.