Advisor role taken by Hengeler Mueller for significant financing by Katjes International in German fashion brand, BOGNER.
Katjes International Acquires Majority Stake in Luxury Fashion Brand Bogner
In a significant move, family-owned Katjes International has acquired a 60% majority stake in the Munich-based luxury fashion and sportswear brand Bogner. The Bogner family will retain the remaining 40% of shares, ensuring their long-term involvement in the business.
The deal, announced in August 2025, is expected to close in September pending regulatory approval. Tobias Bachmueller, Managing partner of Katjes International, expressed their plans to expand their brand portfolio into the luxury goods segment with Bogner.
Bogner, founded in 1932, is best known for its collections under the "Bogner" and "Bogner Fire + Ice" brands. In its fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, the company generated nearly €200 million ($232 million) in sales and remained profitable, showing 7% revenue growth in 2023/24 and improved operating profit.
The transaction terms were not disclosed, but Katjes plans to finance the acquisition via corporate bonds. The Bogner Group, which employs over 670 people in around 50 countries, will continue to operate independently with headquarters in Munich.
Arndt Geiwitz, Chairman of the Bogner advisory board, commented on the company's success and position in the lifestyle and luxury sports fashion segment. He expressed optimism about the future, stating that the strengthened capital base would drive international growth, innovation, and brand expansion, focusing on luxury sports and leisurewear segments.
Florinda Bogner, a representative of the Bogner family, was pleased with the strong new partnership with Katjes International. She expressed confidence in their shared vision for sustained growth and innovation while preserving Bogner's independence and brand identity.
The Frankfurt-headquartered law firm Hengeler Mueller advised on the sale, with a team including corporate and M&A partners Daniel Wiegand and Hans-Jörg Ziegenhain, senior associates Moritz Weidemann and David Negenborn, associates Maximilian Schulze and Alexander Bömer, tax partner Matthias Scheifele and senior associate Carina Kämpf, financing partner Henning Hilke and associate Simon Tänzer, antitrust partner Sarah Milde Lodde and associates Simon Staimer and Larissa Ruch, and IP/IT partner Matthias Rothkopf and senior associate Patrick M. Schmidt.
Katjes International, known for confectionery and care brands such as Bübchen and Theramed, is making a strategic move to diversify into luxury apparel with this acquisition. The deal marks their entry into the luxury goods sector, aligning with their strategy of profitable brand growth across European consumer goods.
The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close by the end of 2025. There is no anticipated impact on the Bogner Group's operations or employees. Katjes International has proven success in the personal care segment with brands like Bübchen, Theramed, and Shirin Beauty, and this investment is a testament to their commitment to developing brands in the consumer goods segment in Europe.
Katjes International's strategic move into luxury apparel with the acquisition of a majority stake in Bogner marks their entry into the luxury goods sector. The Bogner brand, known for its collections in the luxury sports and leisurewear segments, will benefit from Katjes' expertise in profitable brand growth.
Despite the change in ownership, Bogner's operations and employees are expected to remain unaffected, ensuring continuous success in the luxury sports and fashion industry.
