Positive result for 'the Facultatieve Group' in 2008

Despite the global financial crisis, 'the Facultatieve Group' ended 2008 with a positive result of € 675,490 after tax. Although the result was lower than in 2007, Henry Keizer, President & CEO of 'the Facultatieve Group', said “we are delighted with this positive result. It shows just how strong and flexible our Group is.” Growth 'The Facultatieve Group' posted a turnover of € 69,092,078 in the year under review, almost matching 2007. Keizer: “Through our insurance arm, Facultatieve Verzekeringen, we too are exposed to lower investment returns. If we disregard that division, then we enjoyed growth of nearly € 3.6 million. Its major global diversity of operations makes 'the Facultatieve Group' a powerful and reliable partner. And a unique one. The positive development of all our subsidiaries has the capacity to largely compensate for the negative investment results.” In 2007, 'the Facultatieve Group' facilitated more than 10,000 ceremonies. The various crematoria of 'the Facultatieve Group' carried out 11.65% of all cremations in the Netherlands. Global developments 'The Facultatieve Group' not only recorded positive expansions in the Netherlands in 2008, but also strengthened across the globe. For example, Facultatieve Technologies posted excellent results as it became clear that, where the (local) authorities are tightening regulations on cremation and other incineration plant, many organizations are increasingly looking for a partner with experience and stability. Hygeco International (now fully part of 'the Facultatieve Group') has displayed substantial growth in the field of Post Mortem Assistance. Development of the Group's German operations was very impressive: this was thanks to Krematorium Memmingen (Bavaria), Krematorium Niederrhein Willich (opening this year), the acquisition of Funeralia GmbH, and the founding of TransRep International – which specializes in the (international) transport of deceased persons. The founding of TransRep International perfectly compliments the operations of Hygeco Post Mortem Assistance, which with 15,000 shipments a year is one of the largest European service providers in this field.