DKSH celebrates best year

Switzerland-headquartered DKSH has announced the “best results ever in the company’s almost 150-year history”, posting a 2010 post-tax profit of SFr 121m ($140.4m) from total sales worth SFr 10bn. “2010 was dedicated entirely to the thorough implementation of our growth strategy aimed at continuously strengthening our position as the leading provider of market expansion services throughout Asia,” says president and CEO Jörg Wolle. “Priority is being given to organic growth, i.e. enhancing existing businesses and entering into new partnerships with suppliers and customers. Its blanket presence in Asia allows DKSH to replicate successful partnerships within the region.”

In terms of new business wins, the company’s performance materials business unit has been appointed by Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients (AAFI) to distribute its pharma and personal care product range in Vietnam. “DKSH has dedicated sales and marketing teams in Vietnam, offering the capability to effectively distribute across the industries,” DKSH says. “Moreover, DKSH provides value-added services, including state-of-the art formulation laboratories and good storage practice (GSP)-certified distribution centres. Having already represented AAFI in the Vietnam food and beverage industry, the addition of pharma and personal care bring all AAFI regulated products under the distribution of DKSH.”

The news comes shortly after the same business unit signed an agreement to distribute Diversey’s sanitation and hygiene products for the beverage, dairy, brewing, food processing, seafood and pharmaceutical industries in Vietnam. “We are delighted that Diversey has chosen DKSH as its market expansion services partner in Vietnam,” says DKSH vice-president, developing markets, Jeff Moore. “The combination of DKSH market reach and Diversey’s broad range of hygiene solutions are a perfect match. We always strive to improve the support of our business partners along the entire value chain with a portfolio of integrated services, tailor-made to fit their needs. The relationship with Diversey is a perfect example.”

In other news, Bernhard Schmitt has been named as DKSH’s new CFO. He succeeds Stuart Davy, who is retiring from active business for personal reasons. “It is extremely satisfying that we have been able to fill the position of CFO from within our own ranks,” says Wolle. “With his in-depth understanding of our complex business model, Bernhard Schmitt is a safeguard for professional process and risk management, including efficient cost controls – key success factors for a rapidly growing and transaction- driven group like DKSH.”

www.dksh.com