Prescon group to hit 150m euros

The Brasov-based Prescon group of firms has budgeted a 50 percent higher turnover for this year, according to businessman Ioan Neculaie, owner of the group.

The Prescon Group comprises several firms in the construction materials market, the road transportation market and the hotel industry (Piatra Mare four-star hotel of Poiana Brasov). Recently, Prescon”s portfolio increased by inclusion of Roman Brasov truck producer.

Neculaie, who bought stock in the Pro Brasov association, now has an approximate 80% share in Roman truck producer.

“Last year, the group”s turnover was unchanged from 2004, standing at around 100 million euros, but in 2006, due to the contracts signed by Roman Brasov and to the rising demand for construction materials, turnover is likely to surge by 50 percent,” Ioan Neculaie, chairman of Prescon group, told ZIARUL FINANCIAR.

One of the factors behind Prescon”s growth is likely to be the resumption of works for the Transylvania highway.

“I am going to propose to Bechtel representatives to buy trucks from Roman Brasov,” states Neculaie.

Roman Brasov last December signed a contract worth 130 million euros with the US Defence Ministry, according to which the Americans will acquire around 1,000 trucks. The first order of about 150 trucks, will be delivered by Roman Brasov this May.

Roman Brasov in 2004 registered gross income standing at 360.7 million RON (89 million euros).

The figure was derived after the Emergency Ordinance 115 of October 24th, 2003 was implemented. In line with the respective ordinance, the company was exempted from the payment of overdue budgetary debts, interests and penalties, of obligations resulting from the loans the Banca Comerciala Romana granted it with the guarantees of the former APAPS (the current State Asset Resolution Agency). The accounting revenues the company derived from these debt cancellations were also tax exempt.

The Prescon group has become a strong player in the construction materials industry, particularly with concrete-mixing stations, and pre-engineered product manufacturing capacities, developed by Prefa SA, as well as the lime production from its plant in Stejaris. Prescon trading company was set up in April 1990.

catalin.lupoaie@zf.ro