Agen confirms plans to strengthen the media sector
In its 2007 annual report, published on Tuesday, Agen Holding reaffirmed its previously stated commitment to the media sector and announced various measures. Revenue in the publishing division rose from 12 million Swiss francs in 2006 to 13 million Swiss francs in 2007, while the loss decreased from 800,000 to 350,000 Swiss francs.
As part of the 2007 annual report published on Tuesday, Agen Holding confirmed its previously announced commitment to the media sector. The independence and autonomy of the press division is to be promoted by opening up the capital to new strategic shareholders, according to the press release. The Board of Directors has also instructed Crédit Suisse to examine the various development options with the management and employees of the business newspaper Agefi. In terms of turnover, 90 percent of the holding company is active in the healthcare sector and 10 percent in the press sector. Overall, the holding company was able to increase its turnover and slightly reduce its loss. Between 2006 and 2007, total sales rose by just under five percent from 124.5 to 130 million francs, while sales in the media sector increased from 12 to 13 million francs. The Group's loss amounted to CHF 3.23 million. The loss in the press division fell from CHF 800,000 (2006) to CHF 350,000 (2007). The company anticipates sales of CHF 15 million and EBITDA of CHF 1 million for the press division in 2008.
