- Dynamic development in all three divisions
- Higher than expected earnings
- Further increases in output volume and earnings planned
In 2007, our services business developed very well once again. The positive economic situation in many regions of the world led to lively demand in our markets. The segment recorded dynamic growth in all three divisions – Industrial Services, Power Services und Facility Services – and was able to increase earnings at a disproportionately high rate.
Output volume climbed by 25 % to €3,606 million. At €4,125 million, orders received were 23% higher than in the prior year. At the end of the year, order backlog exceeded the prior year figure by 24% and amounted to €2,844 million. EBITA exceeded our expectations with an increase of 46% to €180 million (2006: €123 million).
Organic growth in output volume amounted to 17%, and organic growth in earnings was at 33% .
The higher volume of business was linked to both an advance in capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment to €82 million (2006: €52 million) and an increase in the number of employees to 32,196.
