New Wave Group Annual Report 2020 English | Page 11

NWG // ABOUT THE GROUP
Growth in net sales and result for the year
Net sales Result for the year
SEK million
SEK million
7 500
450
7 000
6 500
400
6 000
350
5 500
5 000
300
4 500
4 000
250
3 500
200
3 000
2 500
150
2 000
1 500
100
1 000
50
500
0
0
97
98
99
00
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
New Wave Group ' s values
New Wave Group is a decentralized organization and the Group ’ s values are its guiding principle . We are dedicated to uphold and spread New Wave Group ’ s values within the Group and particularly when acquiring new companies . New Wave Group does its utmost to find inexpensive , simple solutions and adheres to the motto “ a penny saved is a penny earned ”. Some of the other key values are ;
# It takes hard work to outperform competitors
# Employees must have the conviction to take initiative and to learn from their mistakes in a decentralized organization
# Customer focus is a central principle for the organization as a whole and imperative to doing our utmost
History
New Wave Group was established in 1991 in Sweden and Norway and in 1994 in Finland . In these markets , the Group ranks as the market leader in promowear . In 1996 Craft was acquired , which established sales in the retail sales channel . New Wave ' s share , Series B , was listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange in 1997 . With its 2001 acquisition of Sagaform , New Wave Group moved into promotional gifts , which generated substantial synergies with the Group ’ s other promo activities . In 2003 , New Wave Group developed its own workwear concept under the Projob brand and sealed the venture with the acquisition of Jobman . Following its launch in workwear , New Wave Group is currently the only supplier to cover all three segments ( promowear , promotional gifts and workwear ) in the promo sector . To further strengthen the Group ’ s promotional gifts and giveaways assortment the Orrefors Kosta Boda Group was acquired in late 2005 . Cutter & Buck was acquired in 2007 and secured a sound foothold in the North American market . The Group ’ s presence in North America was further strengthened during 2011 when AHEAD and Paris Glove were acquired , and 2013 when the distributor of Craft ’ s products was acquired . CSR and sustainability have always been and remain an important part of our business . In 2015 , Cottover was launched , which is eco-labeled and sustainability-produced promowear . In recent years , the Group has focused on improving the level of service and expanding the product range within existing brands , including Craft Teamwear .
The Group has gradually expanded and set up organizations in Europe , North America and Asia . New Wave Group has established sales organizations and its own subsidiaries in 18 countries . Sales in non-Swedish markets make up about 74 % of the Group ’ s sales and amount to SEK 4,540.8 million . Sweden and the United States are the Group ’ s most important markets and together they constitute 44 % of the Group ’ s turnover .
ANNUAL REPORT // 011