2008 Good for DHV Group

Net turnover was EUR467.7 million, in increase of 18% compared to 2007. Net profit reached EUR9.4 million, against EUR6.0 million the year before, an increase op 57%.

Internationalisation

The DHV Group strengthened its profile through a number of leading projects. These include master planning for the ecological coastal city of Caofeidian in China and completion of the LEED gold-certified R&D Campus for DSM in Shanghai, a prime example of sustainable building. Subsidiary NACO was awarded high-profile aviation projects in Europe, the Middle East, Russia, China and Africa. SSI in South Africa is upgrading two sections of the Gauteng freeway around Johannesburg, and strategic partner Delcan was awarded a seven year contract in a joint venture for the extension of the Toronto subway, as well as the independent engineering services contract for the Metropolitan Transport Authority of New York. In the Netherlands, DHV remains active in major national highway and rail expansions programs.

The Group's profile was further strengthened by its acquisition of several specialist companies. South African mining consultancy Turgis joined in 2008 and is showing good results. Partnership with the North American aviation consultancy InterVISTAS means that the DHV Group is now active in the aviation market on all continents. In Europe, DHV continues to expand its activities in Poland and the Czech Republic. With the acquisition of the Polish company Hydroprojekt, DHV became the largest player in Poland's water market. Infocus, a Dutch company specializing in construction management and consultancy also joined the Group in 2008.

Innovation

Several projects highlighted the DHV Group's innovative strength. The company successfully rolled out its patented Nereda water treatment technology in the Netherlands, Portugal and South Africa. The concept of 'building with nature' was selected as one of the options to be further investigated for the sustainable renovation of the Netherlands' Afsluitdijk (Dutch Closure Dike). The Rodenrijseweg Tunnel, designed by architect Marius van den Wildenberg, won the European Concrete Award 2008. DHV was the structural engineering consultant on this prestigious project.

Prospects

Despite the current market uncertainties, the DHV Group began 2009 with a well-filled order book. The company will focus on providing high value services that meet the rapidly changing needs of its clients. Internal priorities include cost reduction, improved cashflows, further integration of new members, and ongoing critical assessment of its business portfolio. With these, the Group expects to be able to increase its market share again in 2009.