Petromservice, the largest domestic provider of services and equipment for the oil and gas industry concluded last year with 178 million euros ($203 million) in turnover, slightly down in euros, while gross profit fell to 12.7 million euros, from the 20.4 million euros in 2002.
The company, which split from Petrom two years ago following the latter’s streamlining is still 70%-75% dependent on the orders of the state-run oil company and follows its development.
Petromservice, which currently employs more than 15,000 people, is 50% held by Petrom’s Employee Association headed by Liviu Luca, with the rest held by a number of 8,500 individuals. Liviu Luca represents both the interests of the Employee Association and of Petrom’s Free Union Federation, which own stakes in agriculture, in the banking and insurance sectors and in mass media. They also own up to 1% in Petrom, which is worth more than $24 million at the moment.
“We intend to see our business maintain in euros in 2004. The company has built a PR strategy and wants to launch a strong promotional campaign for Petromservice as an industrial brand on several channels: audio-visual, printed press, outdoor or even the organisation of some so-called business clubs, for branch managers and local business people to meet, as soon as possible,” Lorena Seceleanu, Petromservice’s spokesperson says. She did not care to provide any details on the campaign budget before its launch, adding an initial budget had been allocated that could be upped if necessary.
On the other hand, the company officials say they want a market survey conducted to gauge the specialised market’s opinion of the company, with a possible change in Petromservice name and logo considered depending on the conclusions drawn.
“We want to know how people see us! If one says Petromservice, does one mean service for Petrom?! We’ve thought of a change in name or logo because of the similarities between the two companies, but we want to see whether it prevents us from gaining new business,” Lorena Seceleanu explains.
The share of non-Petrom clients, either domestic or foreign is of about one quarter of the total orders. The domestic clients include OMV, Lukoil (gas station construction), Arcom (constructions), Distrigaz Sud and Apa Nova (construction of corporate buildings).
The company, however, remains dependent on Petrom and hopes the new owner of the oil company would not dismiss Petromservice as service provider.
adrian.mirsanu@zf.ro