Bogner, the Munich-based luxury apparel and skiwear brand, has found a new majority investor in Katjes International, also based in Germany, known for its confectionery and body care products.
The signed contract with Katjes, based in Emmerich, includes the purchase of 60 percent of the shares in the Bogner Group. The remaining 40 percent will continue to be held by the Bogner family. Katjes itself is also family-owned.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The transaction is expected to be completed in September and remains subject to approval by antitrust authorities.
Katjes stated in a media release that, in its fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, Bogner generated sales of almost €200 million ($232 million). Katjes also said Bogner is profitable.
Bogner’s headquarters will remain in Munich and will continue to operate as a legally and organizationally independent company.
Katjes International, part of the Katjes Group, has primarily invested in confectionery and body care brands based in Western Europe. Bogner marks its entry into the luxury category.
“With our successes in the personal care segment with Bübchen, Theramed and Shirin Beauty, we have demonstrated our ability to successfully grow brands beyond our original business in a profitable way,” said Tobias Bachmüller, managing shareholder of Katjes International. “Expanding and developing brands in the European consumer goods segment is our strength and is fully aligned with our long-term strategy. The addition of Bogner marks our entry into the luxury goods segment, further strengthening our brand portfolio.”
Florinda Bogner, daughter of owner Willy Bogner Jr., said, “We are delighted about our strong new partner. In Katjes International, we gained a family-owned company that shares our values and is committed to investing in the future of Bogner alongside us. Together, we will continue writing the success story of our richly traditional brand.”
Willy Bogner Jr., whose father, Willy Sr., founded the namesake company in 1932, is its primary owner, along with his daughter. They serve on the company’s board but are not actively involved in day-to-day operations. Danel Hiendlmeier, managing director and chief brand officer of Bogner since May 2023, is expected to continue in his role.
Katjes’ investment reportedly provides Bogner with the opportunity to continue its future growth with an experienced partner and a strong capital structure. The family-run companies plan to jointly invest in the expansion and further internationalization of both the Bogner and Fire + Ice brands.
Hiendlmeier noted, “Katjes International shares our vision of innovation and brand management and brings a deep understanding of our identity. The partnership opens up great opportunities for the brand, our employees and partners.”
Arndt Geiwitz, chairman of the advisory board of Bogner, said, “Bogner has successfully transformed itself in the past few years and is now well positioned as a leading player in the lifestyle and luxury sports fashion sector. With Katjes International as a strong investor, Bogner is ideally equipped for the future.”
Frank Wiesner, managing director and CFO of Bogner, added, “The transaction strengthens our capital base and creates an excellent foundation for driving our international growth and expanding global customer relations. The move confirms the appeal of the Bogner brand and the success of our strategy in recent years.”
Last year, the Katjes Group generated a turnover of €393 million. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization amounted to €45 million. The company employs an average of 1,100 people.
Katjes’ confectionery brands include Sperlari, Treets/Piasten, Dallmann’s, Paluani, Harlekijntjes, Candy Kittens, Dulcioliva, and Carambar & Co. Its body care brands include Bübchen, Theramed, Vademecum, Licor del Polo, Antica Erboristeria, Denivit, N.A.E., Barnängen, and Shirin Beauty.
Image courtesy Bogner Fire + Ice
