Download the file. - Groupe Seb

Governance 01
A Group with
a LONG-TERM VISION
What were the most significant events of the past year?
2011 turned out to be a particularly active year for the Group from
every perspective. We successfully managed the relaunch of the
Moulinex brand in Europe and we continued our expansion in
emerging markets, in particular through acquisitions and our
increased stake in Supor. We enhanced our innovation tools by
creating an investment company, SEB Alliance, to acquire holdings
in start-up technologies. Finally, we diversified our financing sources
by launching our inaugural bond issue of €300 million... 2011 has
without doubt been a busy year for Groupe SEB!
Interview with the Chairman and CEO
THIERRY DE LA TOUR D’ARTAISE
In a more difficult economic context, how did Groupe SEB
manage to achieve such a strong performance in 2011?
Our results have been very satisfactory - sales, operating result from
activity, operating profit and net income all achieved record levels
last year. This performance is all the more remarkable when
compared with 2010, a year that was already exceptional. The year
was admittedly full of contrast, with a first half stimulated by
buoyant markets - with the exception of countries such as Greece,
Portugal and Spain - and slowed growth at the end of the year,
especially in Europe. Overall, however, we benefited from the
growth of our markets and new impetus from the launch of new
products, with gains in market share as well. At the same time, we
have been able to count on the responsiveness of all of our
employees, which has enabled us to control our costs. I would like
to take this opportunity to thank them.