Atos Origin sees profits rise

In the UK, revenue grew 7.4 per cent

French IT services firm Atos Origin saw 2009 profits rise 8.5 per cent to €196m (£170m) from €181m in 2008 thanks to a strong performance by its UK operations.

In the UK, revenue grew 7.4 per cent due to the performance of managed services, while France remained steady and Germany and Benelux saw revenue fall.

The consulting and systems integration sectors saw revenue fall slightly.

Thierry Breton, Atos Origin chief executive, said: "Despite a declining economy in 2009, the Group achieved its objectives. The operating margin increased by more than 80 basis points and the cashflow generation improved to reduce the net debt by €165m."

The firm implemented a strict cost-cutting programme during the year which saw operating margins improved.

Rent and lease dropped by 15 per cent compared with 2008, travelling costs were down 16 per cent, and external expenses such as insurance, marketing and communication were reduced by 17 per cent.

The firm also had 1,900 fewer employees than at the end of 2008 (to 49,036) and reduced its number of subcontractors from 3,900 at the beginning of the year to 2,400.