AB lays a foundation for growth

Wrocław-based AB, a leading distributor of IT solutions, has already created a network of 180 stores under the Alsen franchise. Now it is carrying out an intensive recruitment procedure of new members of the Alsen retail network. By the end of next year the company wants to have 350 stores in its chain, a goal that may be achievable since AB signed agreements for 18 new stores in January alone.

AB also plans to develop its logistics potential. To this end the company has acquired plots totaling 6,000 sqm in size adjacent to its current site.

"Our financial results in 2006 show that the strategy accepted by the management has had satisfactory results and is reflected in the company's value," says Andrzej Przybyło, president of AB.

AB achieved over zł.1.2 billion in revenues in 2006. Net profit increased by 60 percent compared to 2005, reaching zł.9.2 million. At the same time, EBITDA grew by 51 percent and amounted to zł.17.3 million. According to Przybyło, the company exceeded the prognosis for 2006, prepared by CA IB Securities, the brokerage house which introduced AB to the Warsaw Stock Exchange last year.

"We are very happy with the results, particularly with the growing net profitability and the decreasing costs. We are doing our best to maintain that trend this year," said Przybyło. He added that in 2006 the value of AB's shares rose by 77 percent. The company's growing potential was also noticed by investment and pension funds, which now own a 30-percent stake.