EOH is pushing ahead with its growth strategies of moving gingerly into Africa, as well as other technology areas such as cloud computing and connected devices.
CEO Asher Bohbot says EOH is pushing further into Africa, although it is doing so cautiously. "We are making our move with lots of little steps."
EOH has activities in 22 countries, although these teams are still small, and also works through partnerships, says Bohbot. He notes the African endeavour is still early in the curve, and the group is getting involved slowly so that if it has a misstep, it will be small.
The listed company, which has 7 500 staff members - a figure that doubles every two years - still sees room to grow in the local market as it only has between 5% and 10% market share, says Bohbot. He notes growth areas include industrial technology, business process outsourcing (BPO) and the technology behind the so-called Internet of things. "We need to be smart and know how to make money out of [the Internet of things]."
Bohbot explains that industrial technology - in areas such as manufacturing processes, water and energy systems - is also of interest on the African continent. He adds the group is developing new products for the BPO sector, in which it is a relatively new entrant.
New areas for EOH include the "digitisation of everything" in which business processes are converted so they can be accessed online, explains Bohbot. He adds the company is already involved in device convergence, which marries aspects such as lighting, access control and security.
Consistent performer
EOH's business units are "looking okay" on all fronts and the group is working to enhance its vertical skills, says Bohbot. The company is set to soon enter a closed period as its financial year comes to an end this month, with results expected to be published in about two months' time.
Traditionally, the company has grown its top line by around 40% since listing, while profit after tax gains on a similar basis. Its growth is usually due to organic gains and the small acquisitions it consistently makes.
Bohbot says the group will keep buying smaller entities across all areas of the business where it makes sense and a need within the company is filled. He notes its purchases, which he sees more as new companies joining the fold, must make sense for all parties.
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