Electrocomponents plc, the world's leading high service distributor of electronics and maintenance products, has today issued its interim management statement for the year ending 31 March 2013 which covers the first quarter ended 30 June 2012
In the first quarter Group sales were at a similar level to last year. The International business declined by 2% and the UK grew by 5%; 2% of which was accounted for by Raspberry Pi(1). Within International, Continental Europe grew by 1%, North America declined by 4% and Asia Pacific declined by 3%.
During the quarter maintenance, which represents almost 60% of Group sales, grew with automation and control performing well, whilst electronics declined slightly. eCommerce continues to grow and is our customers' preferred channel, with around 54% of our revenues transacted online during the quarter.
There have been no significant changes to the Group's strong financial position during the period.
Ian Mason, Group Chief Executive, commented:
"Sales are at a similar level to last year despite strong comparators and a challenging economic environment. We are mindful of the macroeconomic environment and, as we have demonstrated in previous years, we are able to respond quickly to changing conditions.
We are well-positioned compared to the numerous, smaller distributors against whom we primarily compete, who do not have the advantage of our global scale and reach. We are therefore continuing to invest in our strategic priorities to leverage these advantages."
