LONG-TERM COMMITMENT
2010 was a critical year for SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT. The Group returned to growth and improved its profitability with Group share of net income up 40.1%. 2010 was also marked by completion of SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT’s friendly takeover of Agbar, which now gives it a second European pillar in the water sector. This deal completes the collaboration that began over 30 years ago, and illustrates our philosophy of long-term development based on partnership. The Group has bolstered its position as a major global player in environmental businesses.
The start of the 21st century was marked by strong gains in awareness: awareness of the need to preserve resources and invent different models to ensure the sustainable development of our economies. What are the living conditions of Earth’s 7 billion inhabitants, two-thirds of whom now live in cities? What access do they have to essential services? These are the questions at the heart of our business lines. To address them, naturally we have developed considerable expertise, based on our unique experience of over 150 years. We thus place innovation and listening at the very heart of our strategy. This year, once again, our teams have developed new solutions for our clients to help them make advances in their water and waste-management activities.
SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT offers GDF SUEZ environmental services know-how. We have developed a balanced model to address major energy and environmental challenges: one-third energy, one-third gas, one-third energy and environmental services. This allows us to deliver to our clients local industrial services of unequaled quality. The many synergies that have been developed between teams are a true growth driver and the outlook for the coming years is excellent. The expertise we have acquired year after year in our businesses gives us a specific responsibility, of which we are proud: helping people to live in harmony with the planet.
Gérard Mestrallet Chairman of the Board of Directors