The Azkoyen Group closed the third quarter of 2006 with a significant increase in its profits. After tax results increased to 6.53 million euros, 430 percent more than during the same period the year before

The Azkoyen Group (AZK) has completed the sale of the coffee activities that belong to its subsidiary in Portugal, the company CHCH – Compañía de Hostelaria e Consumo Hispanolusa, Sociedade Unipessoal, Lda, of whose capital it holds 100%.

The EBITDA reaches a figure of 10.6 million euros, representing an increase of 43.6%.
Profits after taxes exceed 4.4 million euros.
The Azkoyen Group increases its sales by 21.2%.
Most of this growth has centered on the payment systems business, a strategic segment for this Group.

The Azkoyen Group closed the first half of 2006 with a significant increase in profits. As a result, the before-tax earnings have grown to 5.53 million euros, 137% more than during the same period the year before, while earnings after taxes have exceeded 4.42 million euros, representing an increase of 117%. In a similar manner, the Group has recorded a significant increase in EBIT, with an increase of 133.1% over the same period the year before, reaching 7 million euros

Sales have grown at a double-digit rate over the previous year.
In 2006, the goal is to reach an EBITDA exceeding 20 million euros.
Tobacco Vending machines represent less than 10% of the business figures.

During a meeting with analysts today at the Madrid Stock Exchange, the Azkoyen Group presented its Strategic Plan for 2006-2009, which anticipates strong growth in its business lines

The Company anticipates revitalization in sales after the new Tobacco Law comes into force.
All business segments show increases over the previous year, with the exception of tobacco vending machines and payment systems, in spite of the fact that the total sales evolution shows a drop of 5.29%.

Azkoyen increased its social capital charged to unrestricted reserves, an operation performed through the issuance of totally unrestricted shares at a proportion of one unrestricted share for every twenty-five old shares.

In addition, it will promote the Hotel and Restaurant Service Business.
It will complete its product range, meeting demands.
It will invest more than 10 million euros in R+D over three years.
Sales, EBITDA and benefits will grow at a double digit rate.

AZKOYEN INCREASES THEIR BILLING BY 22.4%, REACHING 98 MILLION EUROS
The Company has earmarked 3.8 million euros for R+D, the equivalent of 4% of its billing.
The Payment Systems unit doubles its business volume.