The DÉKUPLE Group, European experts in communications and data marketing, reported sales of 155.4 million euros for the first nine months of 2024, up +6.8% on the same period in 2023. Gross margin amounted to 121.7 million euros, up +3.5%. Digital marketing activities continued their strong momentum, with gross margin growth of +14.1% compared to the first nine months of 2023.
Bertrand Laurioz, Chairman and CEO, comments: “ In the third quarter of 2024, DÉKUPLE confirmed the strength of its business model in a slowing economy, with sales up +3.0%, bringing cumulative growth for the first nine months to +6.8%.
Our Digital Marketing activities, which now account for 64.0% of our consolidated sales (versus 58.8% a year ago), are continuing their growth momentum despite a more cautious economic climate. Gross margin rose by +14.1%, underpinned by our consulting activities, the expansion of our agencies and marketing solutions, the internationalization of our sales and the integration of new areas of expertise, such as those of Groupe Grand Mercredi and Le Nouveau Bélier agency since summer 2023, as well as those of Ereferer since summer 2024.
Our portfolio businesses are continuing to invest in acquiring recurring customers, even though the Magazines business recorded a decline in sales of -7.5%, penalized by an unfavorable consumer environment. Our Insurance business, meanwhile, is benefiting from the enhancement of our supplementary health insurance offering, supported by an innovative and differentiated marketing approach.
We continue to expand our Digital Marketing skills, accelerate synergies and leverage our innovation capabilities, particularly in Artificial Intelligence, to offer solutions tailored to our customers’ specific needs. In terms of external growth, the recent acquisition of GUD.Berlin, a German communications agency, is accelerating our international expansion, while that of CoupdePoing, a BtoB specialist, is strengthening our presence in the loyalty market, with new international prospects.
This quarter illustrates DÉKUPLE’s resilience despite economic uncertainties. More than 1,000 employees are mobilized to realize our ambition of becoming the European leader in data marketing. Thanks to their commitment and our financial strength, we are ready to meet the challenges ahead, and are confidently moving forward towards another year of profitable growth, true to our commitment to innovation and performance.”
OUTLOOK
In a slowing economic climate in the second half of 2024, the DÉKUPLE Group remains resilient and is pursuing its “Ambition 2025” strategy aimed at becoming a European leader in data marketing. Backed by its solid financial resources, the Group is maintaining its investments in the Magazines and Insurance businesses to develop its recurring revenue-generating portfolios. At the same time, the expansion of our Digital Marketing offerings continues through organic growth and strategic acquisitions. The Group continues to explore growth and acquisition opportunities, in France and abroad, in order to strengthen its capacity to support its customers’ development.