Abrisud wins an award for its company strategy at Bercy

Thursday 10 June 2010: after 9 months of audits in 112 French companies, involving 300 analysts, the Company Strategy Prize was awarded to ABRISUD, along with 4 other finalist companies.

The prize, awarded under the patronage of the Ministry of the Economy, Industry and Employment and the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, was handed over yesterday, Wednesday 9 June, in the presence of Patricia Barbizet and Charles Beigbeder, joint presidents of the jury.

Every year, the Company Strategy Prize brings together companies of all sizes and ages, from start-ups to worldwide groups. ABRISUD was competing for the 1st time in the “GROWTH” category (sales of between 10 and 50 million €).

Recognition for ABRISUD’s directors - Jean-Pierre CHARPENTIER - CEO and François-Xavier DESGRIPPES - MD, whose strategic choices have helped the company to rise within 5 years to its position as European leader for pool enclosures. A tremendous achievement in a difficult economic context.

ABRISUD was originally a family company in Toulouse, employing 6 people, founded in 1994 and specialising in the manufacture of low pool enclosures (curved).

In September 2005, Jean-Pierre CHARPENTIER and François-Xavier DESGRIPPES, former directors of FRANCE LOISIRS and JACADI, bought the small firm and introduced a development strategy based on:

- external growth : 2 companies bought in 4 years to cover the full range of enclosures (Aquasimplex in 2007 specialising in standing-height enclosures / Swim All Seasons in April 2010, specialising in fixed standing-height enclosures and aluminium extra-wide enclosures)

- control over the entire production chain(from construction to After-Sales Service)

- Made in France (factories in the Gers, and in Beauvais and Roubaix)

- Innovation : 3 % of sales dedicated to R&D to launch at least 2 innovations a year.

A unique pace in the sector

- Internationalisation : nearly 50% of pool enclosures sold in Europe every year are ABRISUD. In 2010, the company has a presence in 11 countries, with 15 sales branches.

- An original, effective policy based on direct purchase marketing and customer relations.