Growth in Sales and Profit for Van Leeuwen in 2011

ZWIJNDRECHT, The Netherlands, April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

. worldwide increase in net sales of 28%

. expansion through acquisitions and organic growth

. investments in specialisms, products and network

The Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group achieved significant growth in sales and improvement in its result in 2011. The company sold more volume to existing customers and gained market share. Worldwide, Van Leeuwen expanded its specialisms, products and network, in part through strategic acquisitions.

The net result came out at € 12.6 million, an improvement of € 4.8 million compared with 2010. Net sales increased by 28% to € 611 million and tonnage sold increased by 14%. The operating result improved by 50% and amounted to € 13.1 million. Solvency remained strong at 42%. The total number of employees went up from 1030 at the end of 2010 to 1197 at the end of 2011.

The international company, trading in steel pipes and pipe products, focuses on both the industrial and energy markets. In the European industrial market, it achieved a significant increase in volume, especially in the mechanical engineering and hydraulic sectors. The company was also successful in the global energy market, with projects in the growing market for offshore and subsea activities.

In the first six months of 2011, Van Leeuwen benefited from healthy market demand. Conditions deteriorated worldwide after the summer, especially as a result of the international credit crisis and its effects on investment levels. The energy market saw growth led by the greater demand for oil.

Van Leeuwen seeks to grow through acquisitions of specialists and by geographical expansion in order to strengthen its position in relation to various market segments. With the acquisition of Teuling Staal and Jean Wauters Aciers Spéciaux, it has expanded its product range to include (super) duplex and bar steel respectively. In addition, the company's existing international network of branches has been strengthened and expanded worldwide.

Despite more difficult market conditions, the company sees sufficient opportunities for further growth. Chairman of the Board of Directors Peter Rietberg says: "We have an outstanding product range, there is enough market potential and the company is financially strong. We therefore expect to achieve good results in 2012 as well."

Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group

The Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group is an international trading company specializing in in steel pipes, and pipe and tube applications. The company is active in virtually all industrial sectors. The company was founded in 1924. The Group has fifty branches spread throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and North America.

http://www.vanleeuwen.com

SOURCE Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group