By IBI Magazine

French boatbuilder the Beneteau Group has reported growth in earnings for 2007-2008, with income from ordinary operations representing 14.3 per cent of sales, but is preparing for a downturn in 2009.

On a comparable basis — excluding this year's sales of Beneteau's Microcar and Wauquiez brands and with mobile home firm IRM incorporated over 12 months in 2007 — consolidated sales come out at €1,055.4m for 2007-2008, an increase of 8.2 per cent on the previous year.

Income from ordinary operations totalled €151.4m, representing 14.3 per cent of sales and up 9.6 per cent in relation to 2006-2007. Beneteau's boat business grew its operating income by 8.5 per cent to €129.6m, representing 15.2 per cent of sales (compared with 15.1 per cent last year).

The group acknowledges the impact of the credit crisis on the marine industry and is preparing itself to 'outperform the market by 5-10 points'. Beneteau will accelerate the release of its new models, part of which, initially planned for 2010, will be brought forward to the 2009 season.

Beneteau divides its business between boatbuilding and leisure homes, which represent around 80 per cent and 20 per cent of the group's turnover respectively. The group is present in over 50 countries, with 6,000 employees at 24 production sites.