The Haniel Group recorded revenue of EUR 4,431 million in 2023, which corresponds to growth of 5 per cent compared to the previous year. Almost all portfolio companies contributed to the revenue growth.
At EUR 270 million, the operating profit is 13% below the previous year's level. This is due to the lower earnings contributions of the portfolio companies Emma and TAKKT compared to 2022, both of which faced a market environment with lower demand due to the prevailing macroeconomic influences in 2023.
Earnings before taxes fell from EUR 101 million in the previous year to EUR -51 million in the past financial year. In addition to the lower operating result, a change in the accounting treatment of the Ceconomy shares and higher interest rates in particular had a negative impact on earnings before taxes. Earnings after taxes improved from -108 million euros in 2022 to -75 million euros in 2023.
Enkelfähig: performance and sustainability
Haniel manages a portfolio of independent companies with the aim of increasing the value of the investment portfolio over the long term and with a focus on sustainability. To this end, the Holding Company is building up a diversified portfolio of investments in companies from different sectors and at different stages of maturity and aligning these with clear performance and sustainability criteria.
In 2023, Haniel continued to work consistently on its transformation and initiated the next phase of further development. To this end, Haniel further strengthened the Growth Capital division with investments in climate venture capital funds and direct investments in the clean tech sector, for example at Aerones, Ecoworks and 1KOMMA5°. In addition, the portfolio company CWS Fire Safety further expanded the safety technology area with a bolt-on acquisition.
Reorganization of management and Supervisory Board
With Maximilian Schweiger taking over as Chairman, Haniel has completed the long-term planned generational change on the Supervisory Board in 2023. Maximilian Schwaiger, who has been a shareholder representative on the Supervisory Board since 2020, succeeded Doreen Nowotne, who stepped down from the Supervisory Board as planned after five years. There were further changes to the Management Board. In addition to Thomas Schmidt, who left the company by mutual agreement in autumn 2023, Dr. Florian Funck also left the company at his own request after more than two decades. On October 1, 2023, Henk Derksen, an internationally experienced financial expert, took over the position of CFO. Dr. Alexandra Albrecht-Baba joined the Management Board on February 1, 2024. The lawyer, who has been Head of Legal & Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) at Haniel since 2022, will take over the second management position on an interim basis until the current CEO succession process has been completed.
Outlook: Increase operating performance
Haniel expects a slight increase in organic growth in all portfolio companies for the 2024 financial year. At the same time, an increase in operating profit is expected for the Haniel Group.
