Rougier recorded Euro 142.1 million in revenues for 2012

Feb 15, 2013. /Lesprom Network/. Rougier recorded Euro 142.1 million in revenues for 2012, down 3.4% in relation to 2011. The deterioration in market conditions, particularly in France, affected sales during the fourth quarter of 2012, which came to Euro 35.5 million, as the company said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. In 2012, the Rougier Africa International branch recorded Euro 115.2 million in revenues, virtually stable compared with 2011. Sales remained high during the 4Q 2012 at Euro 31.2 million, making it the year's strongest quarter, supported by the good level of industrial and commercial activities in Cameroon and Congo. Faced with unfair competition practices by certain operators, business in Gabon has continued to be limited, particularly affected by logistical difficulties during the first six months and the sluggish European market for plywood during the second half of the year. Over the full year, sales benefited from the dollar's appreciation against the euro; at constant exchange rates, 2012 revenues are down 2% in relation to 2011. The France Import-Distribution segment generated Euro 32 million in revenues over 2012, down 17.8% versus 2011. Reflecting the deterioration in the overall economic environment in France, 4Q business confirmed the slowdown seen during previous quarters, with sales volumes contracting and demand focusing primarily on lower-end products. Log sales (29% of consolidated 2012 revenues) are up 9.9% compared with 2011. Following the strong growth achieved in the 3Q 2012, sales consolidated in terms of both volumes and prices in the 4Q, buoyed by the solid level of local log sales in Gabon and the development of exports from Cameroon and Congo. Sawn timber sales (50% of consolidated 2012 revenues) are down 6.7%, impacted by the contraction in the French market, the change in the timber mix in Cameroon and the very high basis for comparison with 2011. The product line also includes secondary-processed products, with their sales doubling compared with the previous year. In this context, average sales prices have held up well on the various markets, particularly in America and Asia. Plywood sales (21% of consolidated 2012 revenues) are down 11.8% in relation to 2011. In a changing market, 4Q sales slowed down considerably as a result of the cautious approach seen on the markets, primarily in Europe, and the high level of competition on temperate timber plywood. In 2013, Rougier is expected to benefit from the investments made in terms of further improving industrial efficiency, increasing added value, extending forest certification and developing the first plantation forests in Africa. Founded in 1923, the Rougier Group is a market leader for certified African tropical timber. The Group operates around three activities: Rougier Afrique International (natural forest harvesting, industrial processing and international trade), Lignafrica (research, management and investment in industrial forest plantations in Africa), Rougier Sylvaco and Rougier Panneaux (importing and distribution in France of timber from all origins).