The ElectronicPartner confederation is satisfied with its stable performance in the 2011 financial year: central sales were clearly consolidated in the core and anchor German market at the prior-year level with EUR 1.645 million. The results are positive given the fact that the core segment of the consumer electronics market was declining overall and, according to the GfK research institute in Germany, showed an overall reduction by 6 per cent. Sales outside Germany in 2011 were EUR 488 million and, therefore, lower than the 2010 result. Despite the extremely tense consumer and economic situation in some countries, ElectronicPartner achieved a sound result in Europe.
“We aimed for stability in 2011 – and that is what we have achieved”, commented Dr. Jörg Ehmer, spokesman for the ElectronicPartner management board. “Such healthy business performance proves that we, together with our more than 5,000 business owners, are on the right track strategically.” Ehmer sees the company as being on course for the coming year. “2012 got off to a good start; we have an excellent basis for the remainder of the financial year. The shut-down of the analogue TV system and European Football Championship will provide us with major impetus in the first half of the year. The great challenge will be to match this level of success in the second half of the year.”
Strong growth drivers
Growth drivers in the past financial year again came from the sector of telecommunications. The commission paid to members in 2011 was higher by around 30 per cent and amounted to around EUR 100 million. Another growth driver was the confederation’s exclusive-appliance segment: the number of exclusive goods sold rose to more than 300,000 in 2011 and turnover also increased. “In the further course of the year, we expect continuous growth in the area of televisions with large screen diagonals”, says Ehmer. “70/80-inch screens will slowly but surely find their way into people’s living rooms. At this year's International Funkausstellung, screens with OLED technology established a major trend and will very soon play a major role.” Another hot topic is sustainability. “Energy-saving is gaining ever greater significance. Consumers remain focussed on reducing the water and power consumption of white goods”, says Dr. Jörg Ehmer. “All these issues create a need for expert advice that our distributors can provide in optimum manner due to their technical expertise.”
Also responsible for the good position on the market are the strategic brands of ElectronicPartner. The specialist distributors of the EP:Confederation have also been able to address new target groups - partly thanks to social media. We have been helping EP:branded distributors to draw attention to their local presence using social media since 2011. Such assistance will be further intensified in the coming year and there will be more online advertising from EP: to emphasise the strengths of local shops. “The MEDIMAX chain of electronics stores remains on course for expansion”, says Ehmer. “But it is not a question of growth at any price, but the practice-proven critical evaluation of potential locations prior to establishment.” The confederation of comTeam systems manufacturers was able to take advantage of increased demand for IT products and also expand its position in the past year. The range of services has also been extended and is now opening up additional customer potentials.
Company anniversary
The confederation will be celebrating 75 years of success in 2012 under the motto “75 years of tradition and innovation”. There will be a significant increase in marketing expenses accordingly. This event will be the focus of many high-publicity promotions and campaigns. “We have, of course, every reason to celebrate the company’s anniversary”, says Dr. Jörg Ehmer. “The company has stood for trustful cooperation with its members, partners and employees for 75 years. The past decades have demonstrated the very great strength of this community. We look forward to shaping the future successfully together.”
About ElectronicPartner
The ElectronicPartner confederation with seat in Düsseldorf is one of Europe’s largest trading companies for consumer electronics and household electronics, IT and telecommunications. More than 5,000 entrepreneurs are organised within the strategic business fields EP: specialist trade, the specialist consumer-electronics line MEDIMAX and comTeam systems manufacturers. As a result, more than 200,000 ultimate consumers benefit every day from personalised service, competent advice and a high-quality range of products.
ElectronicPartner GmbH
Corporate Communications
Christiane Kohlmann
Mündelheimer Weg 40
40472 Düsseldorf
e-mail:: ckohlmann@electronicpartner.de
Telephone: 0211/4156-348
www.electronicpartner.de
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