HiQ 2000 - turnover increases by 81% with a margin exceeding 18%

HiQ 2000 - turnover increases by 81% with a margin exceeding 18% IT and management consultancy HiQ's turnover for the entire year of 2000 increased by 81% compared with 1999 to SEK 404.9 million (SEK 223.2 m). Profit prior to goodwill rose by 88% to SEK 73.1 million (SEK 38.8 m), corresponding to a margin prior to goodwill of 18.1% (17.4%). "2000 was our best year ever, and we are delighted of course. We have always prioritised being a profitable company and during the year we have taken full advantage of the strong market," says Lars Stugemo, CEO of HiQ International. During the year, HiQ has set up offices in Denmark and Finland, and is now represented as an IT and management consultancy focusing on telecoms, mobility and simulation technology in the Nordic region. "In 2000, we have definitely advanced our position as a leading consultant within telecoms and mobility. We are present in several countries today. We work with internationally leading suppliers and operators, and during the year we have performed assignments in around 15 countries outside the Nordic region," says Stugemo. "In addition, where third generation mobile telephony - 3G - is concerned, we have established ourselves as an expert and experienced player in terms of both the technical and commercial aspects. During the year, 3G assignments have increased significantly, which is a sure sign of the fast development of the mobility markets," continues Stugemo. All of HiQ's market areas have progressed excellently. HiQ has broadened its customer base thanks to a focus on telematics solutions for vehicles (wireless cars) and financial sector systems. "We are seeing a sharp rise in the number of assignments in both the financial sector and the vehicles industry. It feels great to be able to provide our customers in an array of industries with expertise within the latest technology, and how technology can be converted into business. We'll continue down that road," concludes Stugemo. HiQ's CEO Lars Stugemo will present the report at Operaterrassen in Stockholm at 12.00 mid-day today, Thursday 1 February. The presentation will be broadcast on the Internet at 7.00 p.m. on the same day at www.fti.se. The report can be downloaded from HiQ's web site, www.hiq.se, or ordered by calling +46 8 588 900 00. For further information, please contact: Lars Stugemo, CEO HiQ International, tel.: +46 8 588 90 000 HiQ is an IT and management consultancy focusing on high-tech solutions in the fields of telecoms, mobility and simulation technology. The company is a leader in these fields, and the Nordic region is its domestic market. HiQ employs more than 400 people at offices in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. HiQ is listed on the OM Stockholm Stock Exchange. For more information, please visit our web site at www.hiq.se. ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by BIT http://www.bit.se The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2001/02/01/20010201BIT00200/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2001/02/01/20010201BIT00200/bit0002.pdf