Cryo-Save Group N.V. - Q3 trading update - On track with implementation of "Fit for Future" turnaround plan
Cryo-Save Group N.V. (Euronext: CRYO, 'Cryo-Save', or 'the Group'), the leading
international stem cell storage company and the largest family stem cell bank in
Europe, announces its trading update for the quarter ended 30 September 2013.
The third quarter was characterized by the commencement of the full
implementation of the turnaround plan "Fit for Future", which was announced
together with the publication of the midyear results in August. This
comprehensive turnaround plan will enable the Group to swing back to
profitability by year-end, based on driving awareness aimed at the consumer,
improving the effectiveness of all sales channels in combination with strict
cost saving programs, improved working capital management and disposal of loss-
making foreign operations. The turnaround plan will lead to a sustainable
profitable future and a healthy upside from the next wave of growth of stem cell
therapy.
The implementation of the identified cost saving measures aimed at reducing the
break-even level before the end of the year is well on its way. By the end of
September, the implemented actions covered already approximately 70% of the
total turnaround plan.
Q3, 2013 shows an operating loss before depreciation and amortization of €0.3
million. This operating loss was affected by additional legal and consulting
expenses of approximately €0.8 million. Despite this operating loss, the Group
was able to improve its cash position from €5.3 million by the end of June 2013
to €5.4 million by the end of September 2013, predominantly as a result of the
working capital improvement measures as part of the turnaround plan.
The impact of the turnaround plan on the new client acquisitions is expected to
be seen as of Q4, 2013. This will be the result of a new marketing approach
addressing directly the end clients as well as a further professionalization of
the commercial operations. A newly implemented key account management approach
focused at the medical community will be complemented by a strong attention to
the end-consumer (B2C). The optimal deployment of social media as well as other
innovative sales channels will be the key marketing tools in that sense.
Evi Mattil, Chief Commercial officer and Chief Executive officer a/i, commented:
"We are satisfied to see that the results of the "Fit for Future" turnaround
strategy are materializing, enabling Cryo-Save to swing back to profitability by
year-end."
"As expected, new client acquisitions continued to be impacted by the difficult
economic situation in our key markets during the 3(rd) quarter. While this
slowdown of revenues affected our operating results the implementation of the
top line recovery measures is on track and in line with the "Fit for Future"
turnaround plan."
Click here for full press release in PDF:
http://hugin.info/143308/R/1740409/584484.pdf
This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of
Thomson Reuters clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that:
(i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and
other applicable laws; and
(ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and
originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Cryo-Save Group N.V. via Thomson Reuters ONE
[HUG#1740409]