Eltel Strengthened Its Position and Performance in 2011

"2011 was another year of great progress for Eltel. The Group made important market entries and, thanks to our employees, we won new customer contracts, and improved our operational efficiency and cash position", says Axel Hjärne, President and CEO of Eltel Group Corporation.

The markets in which the company operates continued to recover strongly throughout 2011. Eltel´s net sales increased by 18 % compared to the previous year, and totaled EUR 1011,4 million (856,4). The growth in net sales was achieved organically with positive contributions from most areas and geographies of the Group. In 2011, the operative EBITA was EUR 46,2 million (43,1).The number of employees at the end of 2011 was 8064 "´ a 4 % increase compared to the previous year (7751).

Systematic development continues

"Eltel has made important structural improvements in recent years and this has helped us to meet changing market demands and conditions. One of the most recent changes is to organise the whole Group in six specialised Business Units. These include our offerings both in the electricity as well as telecommunications sectors. Our employees work in a specialised organisation where empowerment plays an important role. The ability to make right decisions in the field is one of Eltel´s competitive advantages," says Axel Hjärne, President and CEO of Eltel Group Corporation.

"Our strategic goal is to be the leading Infranet company in Europe, and continue to improve the financial performance of the Group. Our services and competitiveness are at a good level, which provides a sound platform for systematic organic growth." Infranet means an innovative integration of electricity, telecommunications and IT technologies into one offering and service delivery. From its Nordic base, Eltel has expanded into the Baltic countries, Poland, Germany and UK.

Outlook for 2012 remains positive

"Good demand, booking of new contracts, and network maintenance works after the winter storms in the Nordic countries, are some of the factors behind the growth of sales during the first quarter of 2012. Power Transmission signed the execution contract at the end of March to start to build overhead lines for National Grid in UK. This contract is expected to continue for the next five years. Underground cabling is another area where the investments are growing. In telecommunications upgrading of networks to 4G and optical fiber are the dominating drivers", concludes Axel Hjärne.

For more information at Eltel Group Corporation www.eltelnetworks.com