4th Quarter 1997 and prospects for 1998
Lysaker, 3 February 1998
The Norman Group had net revenues of NOK 35.38 million in the 4th quarter, an increase of 36% on the 3rd quarter. The operating result improved by NOK 10 million from NOK -12.95 million in the 3rd quarter to NOK -2.98 million in the 4th quarter. The Board is pleased with the development in the operating result for the 4th quarter and is satisfied that a solid foundation for accelerated growth in 1998 has been established. Norman expects an increase in revenue growth in excess of market growth and a healthy operating profit for 1998, because of good market acceptance of new products.
New products have been developed and released, and continue to achieve excellent test results. Sales of newly released products such as Norman Security Server and new versions of Norman Virus Control have proven revenue potential and test installations promise significant sales opportunities.
In 1998, Norman has the aim of strengthening its position in the European market through increased market share. New companies have been established in the second half of 1997 in the UK and Sweden where significant distribution, bundling and OEM agreements have been signed with Prestel and Dennis Bergström, and others are in the pipeline. Managing director, Gunnel B. Wullstein explains that negotiations are also at an advanced stage with a major Benelux distributor of data security products. Norman’s position in Europe will be further strengthened through its distribution agreements in France and Denmark.
Enclosed is a summary of the preliminary financial statements for the 4th quarter and for the year to 31 December 1997.
For further information, please contact Gunnel B. Wullstein, Managing Director, Norman Data Defense Systems Holding ASA, tel +47 67 58 99 30 / www.norman.no
Norman Data Defense Systems is one of the world’s leading companies within the field of computer security. With products for risk analysis, virus control, access control, encryption, back-up, firewalls and data recovery, the company plays an important role in the data industry. Norman’s products have more than 6 million users. Norman Data Defense Systems has approximately 200 employees and is represented by subsidiaries and strategic alliances in USA, Europe, Asia and Australia. The company is headquarted at Lysaker outside Oslo, Norway.
