Strong start for Semcon in 2000

Strong start for Semcon in 2000 Semcon's Q1 report for 2000 was announced on 4 May. As complementary information, the following is a presentation of the different factors that have contributed to the healthy profits that are 14 per cent higher compared to the same period in 1999. Business area Sales Operating Operating margin (SEK m) profit/loss % (SEK m) 31 Mar 31 Mar 31 Mar 31 Mar 31 mar 31 Mar 2000 1999 2000 1999 2000 1999 Semcon Technology 13.0 5.3 2.8 1.0 21,6 19,4 Management Semcon e-Design 102.0 74.0 15.7 8.6 15,3 11,6 Semcon Industrial 108.4 91.0 13.2 10.6 12,2 11,7 Design Semcon Competence 19.4 33.2 -6.4 2.0 -32,7 6,0 Development TOTAL 242.8 203.5 25.3 22.2 10,4 10,9 Semcon concentrated in 1999 on strategic work for the future at all levels of its organisation. The aim is to offer a short cut to success by integrating competence and holistic solutions, from requirements analysis and design to the finished product or solution. This gathering of forces has strongly contributed to the period's healthy profits, together with a number of large and important business deals (see separate document for the period's key events). During Q1 2000 Semcon focused intensively on a number of prioritised industries and key areas, and has made breakthroughs of great importance for continued healthy growth and profitability during the year. Semcon Technology Management have been very successful in a number of strategy focused projects which has generated total solutions for all of the Group's business areas. A number of strategic agreements have been signed during the period. These strengthen Semcon's efforts within the automotive, telecoms and medical technical industries Industry focus has made breakthroughs "The Q1 report shows that our industry focus has already made a significant breakthrough," says Hans Johansson, CEO at Semcon. This is most apparent in the large number of business deals carried out with leading companies within industries such as automotive, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and medical technology. A holistic view of the business is increasingly required. Many departments, competencies and disciplines must be co-ordinated to achieve fast and profitable results. Semcon has managed to secure a leading position by combining strategic competence with extensive technical ability. "We now have a breadth that matches our customers' clear wish to have a few large consultancy partners that can take an overall grip of the development process," Hans Johansson explains. Competence Villages built to match the needs of the customer "We see our job as a partner and have therefore created a concept we call Competence Villages. This entails creative team work in a network governed from the outside by the needs of the customer," continues Hans Johansson. These virtual organisations also open completely new forms of co-operation for Semcon's employees with specialist competencies. Competence Villages are already established within Bluetooth, Lab View and Embeded Systems and we are currently working on a number of projects for the telecom industry. For more information please contact: Hans Johansson, MD tel: +46-31-721 08 66, mobile: +46-70-591 43 34 or Bengt Nilsson, Finance Executive, mobile: +46-70-447 28 68 ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/05/05/20000505BIT00360/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/05/05/20000505BIT00360/bit0002.pdf