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Carentoir, January 29, 2008 Annual sales increase by 19% to €43.3 million CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL SALES | | (in € millions) | | 2007 | 2006 | Change | | TOTAL | Hercules | 27.6 | 21.9 | +26.03% | | Thrustmaster | 15.7 | 14.4 | +9.03% | | | 43.3 | 36.3 | +19.28% |
Following a fourth quarter without growth due to an unfavorable comparison period (the same quarter of the previous fiscal year saw growth of 70%), the Guillemot Corporation Group posted sales of €43.3 million for fiscal 2007, representing an increase of 19%.
The year 2007 also witnessed a very good progression in terms of profitability. The year enabled the Hercules and Thrustmaster product ranges to display steady progress and allowed the Group to grow its market share, resulting in a 26% increase for Hercules and a 9% increase for Thrustmaster while at the same time boosting the gross margin, which will have a highly positive impact on income.
Hercules achieved good increases in sales of speakers, WiFi products and digital music solutions throughout the year. Its talent for innovation has allowed it to rank among the top four suppliers in its main markets.
During the first half of fiscal 2008, Hercules will launch new releases in each of its product lines:
Ø WiFi: This spring, Hercules will launch a new range of WiFi accessories in the latest N standard, which provides significant advances in performance with respect to both transfer rates and range.
Ø Digital music: With the market displaying an interest for ever more professional products, the Group unveiled its new DJ Console Rmx (a digital audio console designed for semi-professional and professional DJs) at the 2008 NAMM Show in California. Making use of its expertise in the digital audio domain, Hercules is able to offer a compact, truly professional DJing solution with first-rate performance and ergonomics.
Ø Webcams: Hercules will launch two new webcams during the first half of the year, adding to its current product lines which have been meeting with growing success among consumers.
In 2007, Thrustmaster entered the market for the latest generation of game consoles and posted very good sales for its first accessories for Nintendo Wii™ and Nintendo DS™. In 2008, the Group will expand its product ranges to fully benefit from the strong growth displayed by these new consoles.
Prospects for 2008
The Group is aiming for sales growth in excess of 10% and further increases in terms of profitability in fiscal 2008.
Guillemot Corporation is a designer and manufacturer of interactive entertainment hardware and accessories. The Group offers a diversified range of products under the Hercules and Thrustmaster brand names. Active in this market since 1984, the Guillemot Corporation Group is currently present in 10 countries including France, Germany, the UK, the United States, Canada and Italy and distributes its products across more than 20 countries. The Group's mission is to provide innovative, high-quality products which increase the performance and fun experienced by gamers and music lovers. Contact: Guillemot Financial Information - Tel: +33 (0) 2 99 08 08 80 - Fax: +33 (0) 2 99 93 20 80 – www.guillemot.com
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