STOCKHOLM, May 15, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Atea, the leading supplier of IT-products and connected services in the Nordic region, shows a strong result for the first quarter 2002, with a turnover of 1550 MSEK and a operating profit (EBITA) of 21 MSEK. Earnings after net financial items amounted to 9 MSEK. The business sales volume has been slightly below target, but improved efficiency, cost control and lower capital employed keep the result on an acceptable level. Besides, the home-pc sales to large companies and organisations has been continuously strong, especially in Sweden.
- This is a satisfactory result and a proof of strength on a market that has continued to be characterized by a deep recession, downsizing and postponed investments, says Thomas Keifer, CEO, Atea Group. He continues:
- Even if the market is shaky, we can see a number of positive signals that are affecting us. There is a basic need for IT-investments in our main target group, i.e. the 300 largest companys and organisations in each Nordic county. We are well positioned to meet the increased demand once it starts to take off. In general, we see a large demand on the market for an independent advisor when it comes to investment in IT-products and a large interest in our way of taking a holistic approach in this area, the Atea Value Chain.
- We count on that the home-pc sales to large companies and organisations will continue to develop strongly this year, in Sweden and Norway but now also in Denmark. We also believe that our powerful focus on business area server and storage will create many new business opportunities during the year, says Thomas Keifer.
About Atea
Atea group (Atea Holding AB) was legally founded 1 October 2001. Atea has 700 employees in the Nordic region. Since 1 October Atea is owned by WM-data, the international venture capital company 3i and the management in Atea. CEO is Thomas Keifer.
Atea is the leading Nordic company in sales, distribution and integration of IT-products. Atea is a full-service supplier of IT products. Atea's business concept is to simplify and rationalise our customers' management of IT-products throughout the life cycle.
See also www.atea.com