INTERNATIONAL

Elis, the international multi-service provider, offering textile, hygiene and facility services solutions across 28 countries in Europe and Latin America, has reported record full-year 2018 revenue.

Announcing the Xavier Martiré, CEO of Elis, said: “In 2018 Elis' revenue reached a record at more than €3.1bn, driven by the acquisition of Berendsen, that is being integrated in a very satisfying way. The pro forma organic growth of +2.4% all along the year was supported by a better than expected 4th quarter, progressing by nearly +3% on an organic basis.”

He continued: “The sales dynamics observed in all our geographies highlight the relevance of our strategy and the resilience of our activity in the countries in which market conditions are more difficult.

“Elis' historic scope recorded satisfying levels of growth: In France, growth is above +2% despite the impact of the Yellow Vests movement in December. In Southern Europe, growth remains above +3% in spite of the slowdown observed in Hospitality in Spain during the summer. In Berendsen's geographies, Scandinavia continues its good momentum with organic growth of more than +3%. In the United Kingdom, the measures implemented to improve quality of service have borne fruit and allowed us to reduce the churn rate and to increase prices. The trend has improved throughout the year, with slightly positive organic growth in Q4, compared to -3% one year ago. In Central Europe, the only geography where there was overlap between Elis and Berendsen before the acquisition, growth is up +2%. Growth is high in Poland and the Netherlands, and remains slower in Germany and Switzerland, although we observed encouraging trends in H2.

“Finally, Latin America posted organic growth of more than 8%. The market remains very dynamic despite the decrease of inflation in Brazil, and we continue to open the market in these countries with high growth potential.”