Sales for the 1st half of 2009/10: €31.2 million (+6.4%)

Change in quarterly and half-yearly sales:

Reminder: Consolidation incorporates activities associated with the intellectual property of Vdot software (acquired on 20th October 2008) and with Mindware (acquired on 16th December 2008). The inherent seasonal effect of ESI Group’s Licencing activity means that a substantial proportion of annual revenue is recorded over the second half of the year.

Second-quarter sales totalled 14.8 million euros, exceptionally reduced by the renegotiation of a perpetual licence contract into an annual licence for 0.4 million euros.

First-half sales totalled 31.2 million euros, up +6.4%. At constant exchange rates, sales were almost stable at -0.8%.

The integration of Mindware contributed 2.8 million euros to Group sales over the period. The product mix has moved significantly towards Services, which represented 34% of total first-half activity compared to 27% a year earlier.

Licence sales for the first half came to 20.7 million euros, down -2.7% on the first half of 2008. Nevertheless, the rate of repeat business for Licences remained high over the half, at 80% versus 81% for the first half of 2008, with the installed base up +6.4%. In particular, ESI Group has observed a continuity of orders from its main clients, including the automotive sector. Nevertheless, in this difficult economic situation, some clients such as those involved in steel production (ex.: foundries, stamping) have been forced to slow down or even to temporarily stop their activity and therefore postpone the renewal of their licences.

Sales from Services totalled 10.5 million euros, up +30.9% in actual terms and +27.4% by volume. Excluding the integration of Mindware, sales totalled 7.6 million euros, down -4.4% on the first half of 2008.

This level of activity should be seen in perspective, given the rapid growth of Services over the first half of 2008/09. It is also explained, over the second quarter, by the extension of decision and sales cycles, notably for some innovative projects.

On a geographic level, Europe accounted for 37% of half-year sales, versus 46% for the first half of 2008, whilst Asia remained stable at 40%. The Americas benefited from the integration of Mindware and increased its contribution to 23%, versus 14% for the first half of 2008.

Alain de Rouvray, ESI Group’s Chairman and CEO, concludes: “First-half figures show that our activity is resisting well, despite the effect that the negative economic situation is having on some of our clients. Control of our cost structure should limit the impact on our profitability. The maintaining of the high level of our Licences repeat business reflects the persistent confidence that our clients, notably in the automotive industry, have in our innovative solutions. Lastly, the Mindware integration is proceeding in accordance with our execution plan.”