Global Projects Contributed Significantly to Overall Sales Van Leeuwen

- ZWIJNDRECHT, the Netherlands, April 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- . Solid performance under challenging market conditions  . Slight growth in sales in part due to acquisitions and projects  . Benefit from spread across regions and market segments  The Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group achieved a solid performance under challenging market conditions.  Sales grew slightly in 2014, in part due to acquisitions and projects. The global network was expanded, among others in Brazil.   Van Leeuwen's sales amounted to € 643 million in 2014, a slight increase compared to 2013. The tonnage sold increased by 7% compared to 2013. The operating result and the net result amounted to € 11.9 million and € 7.7 million, respectively. Solvency remained strong at 41.5%.   The international company, active in the trade and distribution of steel pipes and tube products, benefited from its spread across regions and markets. Various markets in which Van Leeuwen operates were affected by difficult economic conditions or political instability. Demand in the West European industry was weak, and from October, the low price of oil affected the energy market. Various Van Leeuwen companies, however, achieved good results, particularly in the Netherlands, Central Europe, Asia and Australia. In 2014, Van Leeuwen continued to develop its global network of stock locations, service and treatment centers. Capacity is expanded by the new warehouses in the Czech Republic and Malaysia. The Brazilian company Tubexpress, and Combulex B.V. in which Van Leeuwen acquired the remaining 50% of shares at the beginning of 2014, contributed to the Group's sales. In addition, a significant part of sales was generated on the basis of deliveries to global energy projects, for which various companies in Van Leeuwen's global network cooperated. Peter Rietberg, Chairman of the Management Board: "In spite of difficult market conditions, Van Leeuwen achieved a solid performance in 2014. Our sales growth is achieved through our global network and project and logistics management expertise, and is for a large part based on framework contracts for major energy projects. We expect to benefit from this in the future as well." Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group  The Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group is an international trading company specializing 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, North and South America. http://www.vanleeuwen.com Photos are available via this link. Further information:  Ingrid den Hartog Manager Corporate Communications Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group e-mail [email protected] +31-78-625-23-32 cell phone +31-6-23-14-71-18