As in the past, the Services business segment, in which we are very well-positioned with our Industrial Services, Power Services and Facility Services divisions, will continue to hold the greatest potential for growth. In accordance with our strategy, we are growing not only organically, but continue to look for suitable acquisition opportunities. With the takeover of the industrial services activities of Norsk Hydro at the beginning of the year, we managed to significantly expand our business in Scandinavia and assume a leading position in this market.
Environmental protection presents our company with challenges, but more importantly, it brings with it opportunities for growth. Our engineering expertise is needed on many fronts, in sustainable construction, for example, or in securing the supply of drinking water in Australia. In all areas of our business we are developing resource-friendly and environmentally suitable products and services and are offering our clients solutions that optimize expenditure and consumption over the entire lifecycle of structures and plants. In real estate, increasing sustainability requirements are closely linked to the lifecycle approach. Our services in this area range from development and design through to the construction of projects as well as long-term operation and revitalization.
To not only discover opportunities on the market, but to consistently translate them into business success requires outstanding employees. Therefore, in the past year, we substantially expanded our personnel development. Intensive cooperation with select universities gives us access to highly-qualified potential employees and current research knowledge. We offer our employees interesting and diverse development possibilities and the chance to follow an attractive career path in our Group. This allows us to gain their commitment to Bilfinger Berger at the same time.
The Executive Board believes that our Company is very well-positioned for future developments. We will consistently pursue the path we have embarked on and continue our successful strategy. I look forward to receiving your continued support.
Sincerely yours,
Herbert Bodner
Chairman of the Executive Board
at Bilfinger Berger AG