JoWooD highscore in 2009

Turnover improved last year for Styrian software and computer game producer JoWooD Entertainment AG, the company reported today (Fri).The firm said its net profit had risen by 50 per cent from 1.005 million Euros in 2008 to 1.504 million Euros in 2009.Earnings before interest and taxes (Ebit) rose by 24.8 per cent year on year to 2.47 million Euros, and turnover was around 25 million Euros, roughly the same as in 2008.The firm attributed the improved results to its new business model focusing on the publication and distribution of computer games.JoWooD said it expected higher turnover and profit in 2010.Final results for 2009 will be announced on 30 April.JoWooD said last October that it was considering acquisitions in France and the UK.Company board chairman Albert Seidl said he was prepared to spend seven to 10 million Euros in France alone for “a business that is the result of a spin-off by one of the largest US publishers.”JoWooD, based in Liezen, is present in markets in Germany, Switzerland, Spain and the USA.The firm has produced a string of popular PC games such as “Die Völker” (The Nations) and “Industriegigant” (Industry Giant).