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in autumn 2013 a plan to allow the Group’s employees
to purchase shares on favourable terms. The plan offers
employees the opportunity to purchase Prysmian shares at a
discount of up to 25%, funded in the form of treasury shares.
The plan’s first purchase window has been very successful,
with applications received from more than five thousand
employees, who have invested a total of almost Euro 8 million
to date.
Extensive participation has also been reported in other major
initiatives launched by the Group to develop the potential of
its human capital. Five hundred employees have taken part in
the technical and managerial training programmes organised
by the Prysmian Academy. The Build the Future programme
to induct high potential talents into the business has involved
fifty young people from around the world.
Focus on growth
Our Group’s vocation is that of a global player with a clear
mission of growth. Over the past few years we have pursued
this goal with perseverance and determination, knowing that
growth and ability to manage change represent the most
effective and concrete strategy for a group like Prysmian,
answerable to a wide spectrum of stakeholders for whom we
create value.
This is why we have invested in both organic growth, as
outlined earlier, and external growth, confirming our Group’s
ability to act as a business aggregator.
The acquisition of Draka has marked a radical turning point.
This has been a complex, difficult-to-execute project, which
is now approaching its end with the integration almost
completed. But above all, we have returned to a well-balanced
and solid financial situation. Following the acquisition of
Draka, the Group’s debt amounted to about Euro 1,400 million,
which has now returned to optimum levels, thanks to our
ability to contain costs while continuing to generate strong
cash flow. This allows us to look to the market, knowing
that we are in a position to take advantage of any new
opportunities for growth.
VALERIO BATTISTA
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PRYSMIAN GROUP
