And we are aware that we can do much more

IKEA is present in over 30 countries. What is your vision of the crisis

We remain cautiously optimistic about the evolution of our markets. At the height of the financial crisis, the fall of 2008, Ikea has continued to record overall growth of its activity. And even if it were in the bottom of the range of our estimates, it has allowed us to still win market share from everywhere where we operate. Since last summer, the trend of the slowdown is even reversed. In recent months our business has grown faster that we had imagined. This is not so surprising if one considers the positioning of our sign, has always been based on a good quality-price ratio. However, the rise of unemployment reminds us that the crisis has not finished to touch our economies, and we do not know until when Governments maintain their stimulus plans. This is the reason for which we must be careful of any complacency.

Before being called to the branch of the Ikea group, three months ago, you have to manage southern Europe and North America, mature markets areas. The growth of the group so will come not tomorrow rather emerging countries

We are not exactly the vision of the world. Over the last ten years, Ikea, it is true, it is implemented in countries such as the Russia and then China. Two markets which clearly represent a huge potential for growth continues for the group. But take the example of the France, random! We have tripled our sales at the same time. Our pace of development has not changed significantly in these markets that you qualify for mature, even if necessarily, this is faster in new countries.

IKEA is deemed to be a global brand, but it operates on very different markets. How can you offer a single offer standardized across all of the country where you are present

In fact, it is not. Our products are designed from a vision: create furniture and equipment of the House products accessible to the greatest number, to allow the middle class to develop their interior in a functional manner without sacrificing design. But we adapt our lines to the lifestyle of the people. I was in China a few weeks ago. We are present in our stores products as they can be installed in the apartment of the average Chinese. It is also true in France for kitchen furniture. You indeed have a very different way of Swedes of this room. We must take it into account. Finally, we are devoted to add any particular market-specific products and which are not included in the General catalogue of the group. Sometimes, some, such as sofa Clic-Clac launched in France, meet a worldwide success.

Each year, Ikea announced reductions in prices and, even if, as a private family business, it does not publish its accounts, its profitability remains very high. Figures published in the Swedish press mention some 19 billion euros of profits accumulated since the year 2000. Where is the secret

It is located in lmhult, there where is born the company there is 50 years, in the province of Smaland, a poor region in the South of the Sweden which left many emigrants to the United States, lack of resources. The founder of Ikea, Ingvar Kamprad, wanted to improve the living conditions of people in their interiors. And, like them, he had, and always keeps a very keen awareness of the value of things. From the beginning, this guide all our efforts, since the design of the products to the modes of distribution. At Ikea, we have the obsession of not wasting resources. However, traditionally, the furniture sector wasting many, because of its raw material, wood, the size of the products, their weight, etc. Hence the huge potential savings he had, and it is still, to create new consumer benefits while constantly improving quality.

IKEA did never appeal to financial markets. What perspective do you wear on their excess

This independence is also a hunch from the outset. Have the ability to go against the ideas of questioning established patterns, to be free and do not depend on the stock market.

It is a rule or it is simply because you have never had need

I will not deal with this issue, but it seems to me that it has always been very clear. In the same way, we have not reduced our investments despite the most severe recession known Ikea since there. Or we support losses for many years in some countries achieve profitability. It is one of the advantages that we, as leaders of Ikea. We can build on the long term. This also allows us to install our relationships with suppliers in the long term. Giving them the

possibility to participate actively in the creation of value, on condition however that we will be able to evolve in an adequate environment. From this point of view here, too, we operate differently from other companies. And we hope to go further.

The UN Climate Conference opens today in Copenhagen. His activity, Ikea is an important transmitter of greenhouse gases. What is your awareness of the problem

We used to say "low price but not at any price." It is really what guides us. Thus, contrary to conventional wisdom, 67 of our products are manufactured in Europe, where we carry out 80 of our turnover. In China, an essential part of what we sell is manufactured in China, and in the same way in Russia. I was recently in Brussels with other business leaders to meet with Mr Barroso, the President of the European Commission, to discuss ways to reduce greenhouse gases. No one knows what will come out of the Copenhagen Summit, and to what level of commitment will be the heads of State. This is why we have signed the Copenhagen communiqué on climate change calling for a clear vision and long term, with specific objectives, in particular on renewable energy. In Europe, we call such a real effort on intra-European transport on rail infrastructure. IKEA, which had its own railway company, had to close it because of their deficiencies.

Specifically, what are the actions that actually leads Ikea for sustainable development

Has always been the company is involved in the savings of energy and resources throughout the chain, since conception to commercialization of our products. We are working on the materials, the weight of the furniture, recycling or energy savings. These last three years, Ikea has sold about 50 million light bulbs low consumption per year. This represents energy savings equivalent to four central nuclear and a half. We can therefore influence the consumers, but we are also working to reduce our own emissions. We have half of the path towards our goal of a reduction of a quarter of these emissions. In addition, Ikea must work with 100 renewable energy. We are at 48, and we are the initiatives: the image of neutral emissions of CO2 shop which has opened in Malmö; or our decision to install photovoltaic panels on the roof of our warehouses and some points of sale. Term, our plan is to equip between 100 and 150. A tender was launched to install 320.000 metres square in France, where, on the other hand, we have to buy three fields of wind turbines. Another example: we have decided to gradually remove wood pallets, which take place and must be returned once made delivery, with savings of CO2 to the key. And we are aware that we can do much more.

IKEA is a large consumer of wood. What commitments you made against deforestation

Not less than 17 specialists in forest work full time at Ikea and we do regularly conduct audits at our suppliers. We have defined a code of conduct, entitled Iway, which sets minimum commitments. IKEA has thus renounced early use teak and remain very attentive to everything which could lead to deforestation. We use mainly 5 species (pine, birch, spruce, beech and Oak) and not exotic wood, the acacia and the bamboo, but it's more a plant. Our commitment is to increase our supply of certified timber, but we face a difficulty: only 5 of the world's forests are certified. Since 2002, we work in partnership with the WWF and we went from 8 to 18 of wood certified in Ikea. We have many projects in China, Russia, in Central Europe. It is a major challenge, in which we spend a lot of ways.

You could go to buy carbon certificates

I must say that we have not stopped our position on this subject. We need more, better understand how it works. It's complicated. One thing is certain: we are totally opposed to deforestation. Trees must be replaced.

A highly critical book about Ikea was published in Sweden by a former assistant to the founder, Ingvar Kamprad. What do you think

We decided to not comment on this book, and for many reasons. I I attach, for my part, to describe what, today, actually we do.

Do you regularly meet Ingvar Kamprad

Yes, several times a year. It is "senior advisor" to the Group's Management Committee. But, in fact, he advises all employees that it crosses!