Katjes joins Willy Bogner GmbH and secures a majority stake.
Katjes International GmbH & Co. KG, the investment company of the German confectionery manufacturer of the same name, takes over 60 percent of the Munich clothing provider, Bogner announced on Friday. The Bogner family sells the majority of their company shares, but remains involved in the company in the long term at 40 percent. Based on a strong capital structure, the company’s growth is now to be promoted.
“The entry of Katjes International is a milestone for the future of our brands Bogner and Fire+ICE,” says Bogner CEO Daniel Hiendlmeier, who has been holding the management for a little more than a year. “Katjes International shares our vision of innovation and brand management – and has a deep understanding of our identity. The participation opens up great opportunities for the brand, our employees and partners: inside.”
Bogner should continue to act legally and organizationally after Katjes’s entry. The company’s headquarters also remains in Munich.
In the 2023/24 financial year, the company was able to increase its sales to a new record value and also make progress in the operating result. The proceeds were 187.6 million euros for the period, which corresponds to growth of seven percent in the previous year.
“The transaction strengthens our capital base and creates an excellent foundation to promote our international growth and expand global customers: internal bonds,” adds Bogner’s CFO Frank Wiesner. “The step confirms the radiance of the Bogner brand and the success of our strategy in recent years.”
Katjes extends portfolio with luxury goods
Katjes International invests in various brands, especially from the Consumer Goods area. The company includes the confectionery providers Sperlari, Piasten and Harlekijnjes. With Bogner, the company is now expanding its portfolio with the luxury goods segment, explains Tobias Bachmüller, managing partner of Katjes International.
“We have proven with our successes in the Personal Care area – with Bübchen, Theramed and Shirin Beauty – that we can further develop brands outside of our original business,” said Bachmüller. The further development of brands in the Consumer Goods segment in Europe is our strength and is in line with our long-term strategy. With Bogner we expand our brand portfolio to the luxury goods segment and continue to upgrade it. ”