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Aptech says US slowdown may hurt growth

Aptech Ltd expects the slowdown in the US economy could affect growth prospects of its software and training businesses.

This was stated in the director's report for 2000, without elaboration.

Aptech had not given any guidance for future performance when it released January-March results in April which saw software and consulting revenue fall 69.5 per cent as the company reduced local clientele -- which contributed to most of its revenue last year, and increased export-thrust.

Key peer NIIT has predicted its operating profit could fall 30-40 per cent this year because of the slowing global economic growth and a general downturn in sentiment in the tech sector.

Aptech's training and education business contributed 71 per cent to its turnover last year and its software business chipped in the rest.

The training division is targeting three sectors for growth -- retail education for career purposes, corporate training and multimedia education, the report stated.

Aptech's working professionals training division -- Asset International on Monday announced a new course for Enterprise Computing built around Sun Microsystems' Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition.

Enterprise Computing refers to the integration of various computing systems acquired by firms over the years.

Aptech will also pursue acquisitions to enhance its expertise in more industries and technologies, and to get new clients, the report said.

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