Patrick Bensabat, CEO of Business & Decision, comments: “Despite a considerable decline in certain markets, Business & Decision has successfully resisted the worst effects of the crisis thanks to its international presence, high quality of clients, detailed knowledge and expertise in its different sectors of activities, and the commitment of its managers in resolving economic difficulties.”

Revenue by geographical area

Business & Decision recorded revenue of €58.8m in the first half in France, representing an organic decline of 4%. This figure illustrates the difficult economic environment which has affected our business.

International activities provided revenue of €60.1m, a growth of 8% compared with 2008, at constant exchange rates, of which 1.4% is organic. The improvement in performance from our international activities stems from the fact that the worst of the crisis affected these countries prior to its impact in France, and these sectors had already reached rock bottom.

Revenue by service line

With 7% annual growth, Business Intelligence generated 64% of revenue for the first half of the 2009 financial year.

CRM recorded a decline of 3.9%, representing 22% of H1 revenue.

E-business experienced a decline of 1.2%, representing 14% of the revenue for the first half of the 2009 financial year.

Outlook

Difficult market conditions teamed with the effects of globalization have provided on the one hand a limited short term vision for the Group, but on the other have offered significant potential business opportunities to accelerate the company’s success in becoming a global player. The Business & Decision Group continues to execute the plan to address the economic slow-down.

These efforts are aimed at improving operational margins by controlling direct and indirect costs, and by increasing the production of business within its nearshore and offshore sectors in order to operate as one united group.