La banque d'un monde qui change 2004 - BNP Paribas

5051INTERNATIONAL RETAIL BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICESContract Hire andFleet ManagementThe European market for long-term rentalof car and light truck fleets continued to expand,with nearly 5% growth year-on-year in thenumber of rented vehicles.Arval far outpaced market performance witha 12% increase in the size of its rental fleet.The company gained market share in most ofthe countries where it is established, particularlyin Italy, Spain and Germany. With its rentalfleet of 433,000 vehicles, Arval had total assetsof EUR 5.3 billion as at 31 December 2004.In 2004, in line with a trend toward marketintegration, Arval carried out two transactionswhich bolstered its position in Europe:• acquisition of the Arma group, whose fleetnumbered 20,000 vehicles at 31 December 2003,most of them in Benelux countries;• buyout of the 45% minority interests in ArvalItaly.Arval also continued to expand its geographicalcoverage, with the two goals of respondingto growing demand for global solutions fromlarge international groups and taking advantageof local development potential. A new subsidiarywas set up in Slovakia.Difficult market conditions are causing companiesto seek further efficiency gains in all areas ofmanufacturing and retailing. That is why Artegy’sinnovative solutions, which provide a broadrange of services through a network of externalspecialists, are drawing new customers thatwant to optimise their transportation functionat the operating, financial and accounting levels.In 2004, Artegy began its internationaldeployment by creating a first subsidiary in theUnited Kingdom. As at 31 December 2004, Artegymanaged a total of 14,800 heavy goods vehicles.As the information technology market picked upslightly in 2004, Arius continued to develop itsdesktop asset management business, recording5.6% revenue growth. Arius is focusing onits core business and seeking to develop highervalue-added services, while continuing to pursuesynergies with the French Retail Banking network.