FTD is an educational publishing company in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 1902 to support schools run by the Maristas Brothers throughout the country. Its name is an acronym for Frère Théophane Durand, a former director of the Maristas Brothers.

The Marist Province of South-Central Brazil (PMBCS), which includes Goiás, São Paulo, Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraná and Santa Catarina, and the Distrito Federal, runs many businesses. FTD specializes in a wide range of textbooks and learning materials, from pre-school to technical training at middle school level (with FTDtec) to training courses for illiterate adults, as well as literature, atlases and dictionaries, owns the FTD Sistema de Ensino learning system, and runs its own printing plant.

Key Company Developments 2013

Financial

Revenues grew to 469 million BRL and EBITDA reached 59 million BRL in 2013, recovering from declines in 2012, when FTD Editora reported a revenue decline of 20 million BRL and a 50% drop in profits (down to 36 million BRLfrom 69 million BRL in 2011).

The government purchases 80% of FTD’s production at high discounts, which explain why 55% of the company’s revenues come from the private market.

Ownership, Mergers & Acquisition, Internal Organization

There were no major management or structural changes to the company in 2013.

International

Although FTD has largely focused on the Brazilian market, it is beginning to consider international partnerships and expansion, particularly in Europe.

Digital

FTD Digital produces e-books, digitally enhanced educational books, and other educational materials such as online tests and class planning apps. FTD also operates its own digital store.

In 2013, FTD sold 13.7 million BRL in digital products to the Brazilian Federal government under the 2014 National Textbook Program (PNLD).

Bestselling Products

FTD’s bestselling products are those selected by the government. In 2013, FTD sold 30.3 million copies of books to the federal government with total sales of 188.8 million BRL. Despite a reduction in government purchases, overall sales grew by 16%.

Earlier Developments

A CEO position was created in 2011, and the management reshuffling continued into 2011. The Product Management Department and the Digital Media Department.was created in 2012.

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