Other key figures include consolidated sales revenue of EUR 1,211 million, a growth of 6%, and EBITDA of EUR 185 million, an increase of 16%, compared to 2017.

“2018 was an exceptional year. The year closed with record-breaking numbers for our Group. And we achieved these results despite the fact that, during the last part of the year, we felt the first symptoms of a slowdown, which is still underway in 2019,” commented Angelo Radici, President of RadiciGroup.

“At any rate, I think I can safely say that we are going to have a first half with stable margins despite the contraction in sales volumes. The second half of the current year is going to be a bit tougher. Nevertheless, the outlook calls for positive results, even if surely lower than in 2018. The global scenario in which our companies operate is most certainly affected by the uncertainties caused by the US-China import tariffs battle and by general geopolitical instability.

“Another factor weighing heavily on our business is the contraction in the automotive market. We are trying to handle this difficult situation by putting a lot of effort into research and innovation aimed at widening our product portfolio, by adding materials with low environmental impact and creating new market opportunities catering to the growing environmental concerns of companies.”

In this context, the Group is continuing to pursue its strategy of focusing on its core strategic businesses, such as chemicals for nylon production, engineering polymers and synthetic fibres, also made from renewable source materials. The goal of the Group’s strategy is to improve its competitive position and achieve an overall balance among the geographical markets where it operates, in order to reduce dependency on single markets.

“Our improved net financial position like all our capital ratios compared to 2017, our relationships of mutual trust with financial institutions and our absolutely sound financial condition have put us in the position to be ready for any growth opportunities that come along, without the need to resort to external capital financing,” said Alessandro Manzoni, CFO of RadiciGroup.

“In 2018, we made capital investments of over 50 million euros and, for 2019, we have planned the same amount. Our goal is to maintain our high level of technological excellence to keep our company competitive yet safeguard the environment.”

www.radicigroup.com