CHILE – While it was a year that faced a challenging environment, with slower economic growth in several of the markets where it operates, the Falabella Group reached revenues of USD 12.464 million, an increase of 13.6% over the previous year, due to the balance struck between organic and inorganic growth.

In 2014 the company’s gross revenues amounted USD 4,394 million, which implies an increase of 13.7% against 2013, while EBITDA was USD 1,674 million.

The major milestone of the year for the Group was in the area of home improvement, with the acquisition of the Maestro chain in Peru. Which added 30 stores, significantly expanding the presence in that country and contributing to the development of this market. With this step, Sodimac continued to deepen its regional leadership. The Home Improvement business unit is present in Chile, Peru, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil, and since the beginning of March 2015 also in Uruguay. Homecenter Sodimac, Sodimac Constructor, Imperial, Homy, Dicico and Maestro are the six banners of the Unit. According to market analysis conducted internally by the Group and based on information from government entities, the market share in this segment is around 27% in Chile, 13% in Peru, 13% in Colombia, 1% in Argentina and less than 1% in Brazil.

In 2014 the Group opened 31 stores at the regional level, exceeding the plan announced earlier this year. Eight Falabella department stores opened in the region and nine home improvement stores of the different formats were opened in the region. As for supermarkets, there were 14 openings in the region during 2014.

“In a year marked by slower economic growth, exchange rate gains and higher inflation, we continue to extend our operations by putting focus on increasing efficiency and costs control. This enabled us to achieve sales of USD 12.464 million, 13.6% more than in 2013, with an increase in income of 4.7%. Of note is the growth in operations outside Chile, which already represent 40% of our revenues, reflecting our multinational profile”, said Sandro Solari Donaggio, CEO of SACI Falabella.

In January 2015, Falabella announced a new organic growth plan for the next four years, which projects to 2018 a total investment of USD 4,363 million. 53% of investments in the period will go to the opening of 140 new stores and 11 shopping centers in 6 countries where the company is present. Moreover, investment resources for expansions and renovations will be doubled and which will reach USD 915 million over the next four years. With it the Group seeks to develop the full potential of existing points of sale, providing the best experience to consumers. Finally, 26% of the investments will be used to strengthen its logistics and technological capacity, which is focused on improvements in efficiency and productivity as well as enhance the online operation.