Stability with Gebrüder Weiss

Gebrüder Weiss (GW) has recorded moderate growth with a preliminary turnover of EUR 990 million, acquired primarily during the first three quarters. All of the planned investments of around EUR 49 million were implemented with a stable equity ratio of over 50 percent. Cash flow lies significantly above EUR 50 million.

„The healthy financial basis of Gebrüder Weiss is of particular significant during these difficult times. We are approaching the current challenges with courage, consistency and confidence” says chairman of the board, Wolfgang Niessner. „Initial calculations reveal that we made a net turnover of EUR 990 million last year. This means a growth of 4.5 percent” continues Niessner. 

Looking at this value creation in detail: the largest share of 40% was gained by the surface transport division, of which 28% was accounted for by international surface transport. An additional 13% was generated by the air and sea freight transport. The logistics division also played an important role, accounting for 26%. In addition to shipping and logistics, the parcels division forms an additional component of the company’s success. The Gebrüder Weiss parcel service offers DPD services in most Austrian states. „Last year, we increased out parcels turnover to EUR 126.2 million” says head of department Peter Kloiber.

„We are continuing with our EUR 100 million investment programme in Central and Eastern Europe for now. This year, we are opening a new logistics site in Bucharest and Senec. Concepts for Belgrade, Sofia and Zagreb are in the testing phase and we will reach a decision this year” says the chairman of the board. Overall, an investment of EUR 34 million is envisaged for this year. A new logistics terminal in Maria Saal will also be finalised in Austria and part of the company headquarters in Vorarlberg will move to a new site.

Financial director Wolfram Senger-Weiss, who is also responsible for the Mergers and Acquisitions department, adds: „As part of our organic growth strategy, we consider company take-overs to represent a sensible option for expansion. Last year, we expanded our presence on the Swiss market in particular. In Zürich, we took over the Freight Factory and Aersped at the start of 2008 as well as DescaTrans and MSV in Basel later in the year”. In December 2008, the new GW logistics centre in Pratteln near Basel went on stream: „We now offer our customers a complete range of services on the Swiss market” continues Senger-Weiss. „We have also expanded our surface transport business on the Czech market with the take-over of the Hellman surface transport organisation” reports the financial director.