Rueil-Malmaison, 15 February 2010 - For the first time in two years, the turnover in the consumption of technical goods grows again in the fourth quarter of 2009 with an increase of +4.3% in terms of sales value.

In 2009, 28.6 billion Euros were spent in France on technical goods, a decrease of 1.3% compared to 2008. However, the fourth quarter marked a return to growth with a progression of 4.3% in turnover compared to fourth quarter of 2008, without reaching the level recorded in 2007.

Even with every sector, with the exception of consumer electronics and photo, returning to growth this quarter, only two sectors show positive results for 2009: Telecoms concludes the year up 10.5% after an excellent final quarter (+16.9%) while the results of small domestic appliances are steadfast in growth, ending the year up 4.1%. The sectors of major domestic appliances and information technology also return to growth after a long period while the area of office equipment and consumable continues its good results from the third quarter.