19.01.2009

Manitou confirms pull out from Intermat

Manitou has confirmed in a statement this morning that it will not be exhibiting at this year’s Intermat exhibition in Paris. The statement comes after its surprising absence from Fridays ‘Pre Intermat’ event with the world’s constriction press.

The statement reads:

“In the context of an abrupt reversal on the construction market, which emerged in the second half-year of 2008 and which intensified at the end of the year, the Manitou Group has put in place a number of action plans designed to prepare for a particularly difficult year in 2009.

Traditionally present as an exhibitor at the Intermat trade fair, the
Manitou Group has today taken the decision to cancel its registration and to re-examine the assignment of its communications budget in favour of more targeted actions, preferring to receive its clients and prospective clients at its different production sites or within the framework of private receptions."

Marcel Claude Braud, Manitou’s chief executive added: “This decision comes at a time when the financial climate and market situation are quite exceptional and we are constantly having to adapt to them both, as much in terms of our structures as our sales activities. It is in showing responsibility that we will succeed in ensuring the longevity of our Group, while remaining loyal to our clients.”

Vertikal Comment

As one of France’s leading cosntruction equipment manufacturers Intermat has been an important event for Manitou and as such it typically spends heavily on the show. Clearly the company feels that given its status in the French market, a more modest display was either not practical or too risky.

As we have highlighted in our latest editorial, the decision on whether to carry on as usual, attend more modestly or pull out is not an easy one. Manitou will have deliberated long and hard over this, with Friday’s event setting a deadline for its decision.

The company will be missed