Energis applies organic-growth strategy, for now
Tel-Energo is wrapping up its merger with Telbank, Netia is prepping its formal marriage to El-Net whilst, behind the scenes, telecom execs are fixing on the next step in piecing together their fragmented sector.
Energis' tack is a different one. Following its financial restructuring, the operator is hoping that the next few years will be as prosperous as 2003, when it recorded 154 percent year-on-year revenue growth. In that light, it wants to reach about zł.400 million (€81.9 million) in annual revenue by 2007 - an ideal turnover to be an active participant in industry consolidation. That is, if there are still any opportunities.
Until then, under the stewardship of CEO Jarosław Mikos, Energis is rounding up some zł.38.6 million ($10 million) in venture capital, adding an outsourcing element to its business model and targeting zł.220 million (€45 million) in revenues this year. Last year, revenues reached zł.138 million (€28.2 million).
"We understand our place on the telecom market," Mikos says.
Indeed, he realizes that Energis is a smaller player in the industry, but notes that by investing zł.58 million (€11.9 million) in the expansion of its network and scouting new metropolitan markets for business customers, organic growth will come.
He explained that Internet Protocol (IP) voice and data services for businesses - a technology that competitors are only just beginning to offer - is proving to be Energis' advantage on the market. He explained that, aided by European Union membership and the already accelerating economy, more businesses will demand newer communication technologies - and that IP is the cutting edge.
Though Mikos' organic approach to growth counters the strategies of the larger telecom players, which are looking to mergers, he says it is likely that the consolidation would occur at a slow pace, affording Energis time to grow on its own.
"Time plays to our advantage," he says. He assures, also, that he's not just being blindly optimistic. For years, he says, rumors predicted mass consolidation among Western European operators. Yet thus far, there have been few mergers and acquisitions, he says.
Poland could follow this lead. For the immediate months ahead, Mikos' expectations should be correct, as far as recent reports would suggest.
Michał Ciemiński, vice president at Tel-Energo, said that combining Tel-Energo and Telbank, as well as customer acquisition, would occupy his time this year. And Netia executives have noted that they will focus the next three months on operationally fusing with El-Net.
Netia, though, still plans to pursue other telecoms, such as Telefonia Dialog.
But whatever happens on the M&A front, Energis still plans to augment its customer base through its growing suite of products.
Energis' tack is a different one. Following its financial restructuring, the operator is hoping that the next few years will be as prosperous as 2003, when it recorded 154 percent year-on-year revenue growth. In that light, it wants to reach about zł.400 million (€81.9 million) in annual revenue by 2007 - an ideal turnover to be an active participant in industry consolidation. That is, if there are still any opportunities.
Until then, under the stewardship of CEO Jarosław Mikos, Energis is rounding up some zł.38.6 million ($10 million) in venture capital, adding an outsourcing element to its business model and targeting zł.220 million (€45 million) in revenues this year. Last year, revenues reached zł.138 million (€28.2 million).
"We understand our place on the telecom market," Mikos says.
Indeed, he realizes that Energis is a smaller player in the industry, but notes that by investing zł.58 million (€11.9 million) in the expansion of its network and scouting new metropolitan markets for business customers, organic growth will come.
He explained that Internet Protocol (IP) voice and data services for businesses - a technology that competitors are only just beginning to offer - is proving to be Energis' advantage on the market. He explained that, aided by European Union membership and the already accelerating economy, more businesses will demand newer communication technologies - and that IP is the cutting edge.
Though Mikos' organic approach to growth counters the strategies of the larger telecom players, which are looking to mergers, he says it is likely that the consolidation would occur at a slow pace, affording Energis time to grow on its own.
"Time plays to our advantage," he says. He assures, also, that he's not just being blindly optimistic. For years, he says, rumors predicted mass consolidation among Western European operators. Yet thus far, there have been few mergers and acquisitions, he says.
Poland could follow this lead. For the immediate months ahead, Mikos' expectations should be correct, as far as recent reports would suggest.
Michał Ciemiński, vice president at Tel-Energo, said that combining Tel-Energo and Telbank, as well as customer acquisition, would occupy his time this year. And Netia executives have noted that they will focus the next three months on operationally fusing with El-Net.
Netia, though, still plans to pursue other telecoms, such as Telefonia Dialog.
But whatever happens on the M&A front, Energis still plans to augment its customer base through its growing suite of products.
