Forte Company, one of the oldest IT system integrators on the Romanian market, sees the domestic information technology market consolidating around the time Romania joins the EU. The company has decided to increase its share capital, is contemplating floatation and planning to tackle foreign markets.
Forte Company has been in business for 14 years, but has chosen to keep a low profile thus far. It was among the top 20 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in terms of gross profit (104bn ROL - $3.1 million) in 2002, outrunning players such as Elvila, for instance, according to the national ranking compiled by the National Council for Private SMEs. At the same time, the company was one of the top four players in its industry, according to the national company ranking put together by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Romania.
"We had a strong start in 2004, by signing $12 million's worth in contracts in the first few days," Cristian Constantinescu, CEO and chairman of the board said.
The company saw $20 million total revenues last year and hopes to make 25-50% more in 2004.
"If I were not optimistic, I'd say we'll attain $25 million; if I look at the results so far, I think we're headed towards $30 million," Constantinescu told Ziarul Financiar.
Forte Company logged 77bn ROL ($2.3 million) net profit in 2002, according to the Finance Ministry.
Besides integration, Forte also provides communications services (data processing and transmission, Internet, e-mail) and deals in distribution of IT equipment and software products, design and development of software applications for business use, as well as technical support and IT systems maintenance services.
The company decided to drop the Ltd. status this year and become a joint-stock entity, which is "a preliminary step
