STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Nov. 12, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Today Atlas Copco holds its annual Capital Markets Day. The program is aimed at giving a deeper understanding of the Group's strategy, structure and ongoing activities.
At the meeting Gunnar Brock, President and CEO, reconfirms the near-term outlook given on October 23, when Atlas Copco presented its third quarter report. The overall demand for the Group's products and services, seasonally adjusted, is expected to improve slightly. The demand for industrial equipment is expected to continue to increase gradually in most geographical markets, and the demand from the mining industry is foreseen to remain favorable. Construction activity is expected to stay at a relatively low level in the biggest markets, the United States and the European Union.
The Atlas Copco Group has a vision to be first in mind-first in choice of customers and other key stakeholders. "We want to reinforce our growth ambitions by focusing on customer share as an operational tool."
Growth is a key strategy for the Group and should be achieved primarily through organic growth supported by selective acquisitions. "Acquisitions shall be modest in size and close to home, like the recent acquisitions of Spanish compressor manufacturer Puska and Chinese drilling equipment manufacturer Shenyang."
Brock stresses the importance of product development, including products for the aftermarket where the investment level is comparably low. "We must be fast on our feet in product innovation. This is the only way to safeguard organic growth and to keep our margins long-term."
- To better serve its current and potential customers, Industrial Technique is focusing on developing new generations of DC electric fastening tools and professional battery tools.
- Construction and Mining Technique is consolidating its operational structure and directing its product development towards a dynamic growth in both aftermarket and capital equipment.
- Compressor Technique has a comprehensive development program of aftermarket products. The products are aimed at optimizing the complete compressed air installation.
- Rental Service continues to develop the business and further increase efficiency through improved processes and competencies as well as focused areas of responsibility. Programs to develop and reinforce the Group structure are in place in all business areas.
Approximately 125 analysts, investors, and journalists, along with the members of Atlas Copco's Group Executive Management, attend Capital Markets Day in Stockholm, Sweden.
Atlas Copco is an international industrial Group with its head office in Stockholm, Sweden. In 2002, the Group had revenues of close to SEK 48 billion (EUR 5.2 billion), with 98% of revenues outside Sweden, and about 26,000 employees. The Group produces and markets compressed air equipment and generators, construction and mining equipment, electric and pneumatic tools, and assembly systems and offers related service and equipment rental. The Atlas Copco Group includes famous brands such as Atlas Copco, RSC, Milwaukee Electric Tool, Chicago Pneumatic, and AEG Power Tools. More information can be found on the web site: www.atlascopco-group.com.
This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net
The following files are available for download:
http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/11/12/20031112BIT00550/wkr0001.doc
http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/11/12/20031112BIT00550/wkr0002.pdf