Joachim Drees, CEO of Haniel: “2025 was a year of momentum and focus for Haniel. We improved our operating profit while simultaneously laying the foundation for our strategic development. Our new corporate strategy builds on strong core investments and expands our portfolio in a targeted manner with a multi-asset pillar. It creates a robust basis for broad risk diversification and ensures sustainable value creation for Haniel and our portfolio companies. This approach is our compass for the years ahead and gives us the flexibility we need to succeed in a persistently demanding market environment.”
Advancing portfolio optimization
In 2025, Haniel took important steps to sharpen the focus of its portfolio. Key measures include the sale of the remaining Metro shares as well as the announced divestment of the stake in CECONOMY to Chinese company JD.com. The closing of this transaction, expected in the second half of 2026, will further strengthen Haniel’s capital structure.
A revaluation of goodwill – particularly in the North American business of portfolio company TAKKT – resulted in the recognition of impairment losses in 2025, which affect profit after taxes. By contrast, the public takeover offer for CECONOMY by JD.com caused a significant increase in value, more than offsetting the negative impact on earnings, and is reflected in equity.
Solid foundation for the future
With its further improved capital structure, its confirmed investment-grade rating and a clear strategic direction, Haniel considers itself well positioned to meet the challenges of a demanding market environment. Together with its portfolio companies, Haniel will maintain the focus on profitability and growth initiatives in fiscal year 2026, while continuing to advance the strategic implementation.
