“Figures after the first half show we are on schedule with what we set out to achieve in 2015, that is 5% growth on the year-ago period,” Cezar Rapotan says.
Arabesque operates a network of 34 stores and warehouses, 18 of which in Romania, and the rest in Ukraine, Serbia, Bulgaria and the Republic of Moldova.
The company ended last year with 1.5 billion lei (EUR338 million) revenue, flat on 2013, according to its Finance Ministry filings, which only show the deliveries in Romania. Group-wide, its revenue stood at about RON1.8 billion, as its international operations generate about 18% to 20% of its sales.
“The slightly upward trend of the market in the first half is mainly because of the increase of the residential segment, stimulated by bank loans and good weather for construction,” Rapotan says.
Arabesque has a fleet of more than 1,000 trucks for country-wide deliveries.
“We invest more than RON10 million in the development of the vehicle fleet, in specialized equipment, and IT communications every year. Another priority for us is the development of the online sales channel.”
Arabesque’s business consists of construction supplies distribution and do-it-yourself operations. DIY is a market dominated by another Romanian business, Dedeman, held by the Pavel brothers in Bacau.
(English version by Loredana Fratila-Cristescu)