Biesterfeld AG, Hamburg, continues its expansion path

During the business year 2013, the Biesterfeld Group Hamburg continued its steady growth. In a challenging market environment, the group increased its revenue by 6.1% to around € 1.057 bn, thereby clearly surpassing the 1 billion euro line.

Despite challenging market conditions, the Biesterfeld Group was successful in expanding its market shares and increasing revenue. The operative profit (EBIT), at around € 29.4m, remained just below prior year's figure (€ 29.7m), which had been influenced by extraordinary items. Inconsistent price and margin trends – particularly in the plastics and natural rubber industries – as well as weak international trade stimuli affected the group's profit.

The Biesterfeld Group's positive business development was due in large part to the two business units, Biesterfeld Plastic and Biesterfeld Spezialchemie. The acquisition of Küttner GmbH in Germany and SMPC Production S.A in France, in addition to the joint venture Biesterfeld Nordic AB, founded in 2013, and the recently established Thai company Biesterfeld International Ltd., also had a positive impact on business operations.

"In the past year, we were successful in increasing our market share in Europe, expanding into new regions, and widening our portfolio with new products and product groups. We entered 2014 with renewed strength. The remarkable first quarter results affirm our strategy," said Birger Kuck, CEO of Biesterfeld AG. The Biesterfeld Group expects continued growth in 2014.

Biesterfeld AG is the strategic holding company of the Biesterfeld Group with its 100 year tradition in the chemicals business. The company is one of the leading enterprises in chemicals and polymer distribution with over 50 locations worldwide in Europe, the Americas, as well as in Asia. The family owned company will continue to focus on steady profitable growth within their core business divisions Plastics, Specialty Chemicals and International.

For further questions please contact:
Stephanie Winter
Tel.: +49 (0) 40 / 32008-374
Fax: +49 (0) 40 / 32008-478
s.winter[at]biesterfeld[dot]com

Biesterfeld AG
Ferdinandstrasse 41
20095 Hamburg
www.biesterfeld.com