04.06.2025

The Turnaround of the Otto Group: A Successful Model for the Future

The term “turnaround” refers to the successful restoration of a company’s financial health after a difficult phase. A new major shareholder can play a crucial role by not only providing financial resources but also offering strategic impulses. An example of a successful turnaround is the Otto Group, which achieved a remarkable turnaround in the fiscal year 2024/25.

Otto Group: A Successful Turnaround Example

The Otto Group, a globally operating trading and service group, has achieved an impressive turnaround in the fiscal year 2024/25 after two challenging years. This success was driven by stable revenue development and a significant increase in profitability. Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) rose to €276 million, compared to €8 million in the previous year.

Factors of Success

  1. Strategic Realignment: The management board of the Otto Group has set new strategic priorities aimed at medium- to long-term growth and high profitability. This realignment also includes the furniture and living segment, which is expected to play a major role in the future.
  2. Leadership and Management: The new chairperson Petra Scharner-Wolff plays a vital role in implementing these strategies. Strong leadership is crucial for the success of a turnaround.
  3. Financial Stability: The Otto Group has maintained stable revenues and even slightly increased them, indicating effective management of profitability and liquidity.

Importance for Investors

The turnaround of the Otto Group is of great significance for investors as it demonstrates that companies facing difficulties can be brought back on the path to success through targeted measures and strategic realignments. This can strengthen investor confidence and open up new investment opportunities.

Role of a New Major Shareholder

A new major shareholder can significantly contribute to the revitalization of a company by providing capital and strategic expertise. They can set impulses for a realignment and provide the necessary resources to improve financial performance.

However, regarding the Otto Group, there is no specific information that a new major shareholder was directly involved in their turnaround. The success of the Otto Group is mainly attributed to its internal strategy and leadership. Nevertheless, the example of the Otto Group shows that a turnaround is possible through targeted measures and strategic realignments, which can be of great importance for investors.