Fashion brand Bogner sees new ownership with Katje's significant stock purchase
Katjes International Expands into Luxury Fashion with Bogner Acquisition
In a significant move, the Katjes Group, known for its confectionery business, has ventured into the luxury goods segment by acquiring a majority stake in Germany's largest family-owned luxury fashion brand, Bogner. The acquisition, confirmed by various sources, adds another well-known brand to Katjes' portfolio, which includes successful brands like Buebchen, Theramed, and Shirin Beauty in the Personal Care sector.
The Katjes Group financed the acquisition partly through a potential tap of its existing corporate bond, indicating financing details but not revealing the actual acquisition price. Despite extensive research, the specific purchase price for the majority stake in Bogner remains undisclosed in the available sources.
Bogner, a brand focusing on sports and leisurewear, is a significant addition to Katjes' portfolio. The company, which has undergone a restructuring process under the guidance of restructuring expert Arndt Geiwitz, will continue to be partly owned by the Bogner family, retaining 40% of the shares.
Willy Bogner, a former ski racer and filmmaker, led the brand until 2019, stepping back at the age of 77. In a statement, he noted that success in business, like in sports, comes from assembling the best team and knowing when to step aside for the team's and the shared goal's sake.
Tobias Bachmüller, managing partner of Katjes International, expressed confidence in their ability to profitably develop brands outside their original business. He stated that the acquisition further enhances the value of the Katjes Group.
The Katjes Group generated sales of 393 million euros last year, with an EBITDA of 45 million euros. On average, the company employed 1,100 people last year. In the 2024/25 financial year, the Bogner Group achieved a net sales figure of almost 200 million euros and is profitable.
As the Katjes Group continues to expand its brand portfolio, the acquisition of Bogner marks a strategic move into the luxury fashion industry, demonstrating the company's commitment to diversification and growth.
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The acquisition of Bogner, a luxury fashion brand, by the Katjes Group, conventionally known for its confectionery business, signifies a shift towards the fashion-and-beauty sector, expanding their portfolio beyond Personal Care products. The funding of this acquisition is partly sourced through the potential tap of Katjes' existing corporate bond, suggesting a connection between the fashion industry and finance.
In light of the acquisition, Katjes International's confidence in profiting from ventures outside their original business is evident, indicating a commitment to business diversification and growth.
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