21
May
2008
|
11:25
Europe/Berlin

Beiersdorf CEE Holding agrees partnership with the logistics provider Kuehne + Nagel

During recent weeks intensive discussions were held with professional services providers concerning the optimisation of Beiersdorf’s logistics in the CEE region. The aim was the takeover of the company’s Central and Eastern European logistics centre in Vienna, along with its complete workforce, and the subsequent initiation of structural measures to accommodate further growth in the CEE region.

Today, Beiersdorf CEE Holding GmbH has signed a contract with the globally operating logistics provider, Kuehne + Nagel, which foresees the transfer of operations at the Vienna logistics centre to the new business partner. Kuehne + Nagel will take over all 59 of the centre's employees for its operations.

According to Dr. Ulrich Schmidt, the Beiersdorf CEE Holding Managing Director, "In Kuehne + Nagel, we have found a highly capable partner with whom we can meet the growing demands in European competition in an optimum manner and thus implement our concepts for south-eastern Europe in the medium-term. Efficiency and flexibility were the predominant factors in our selection of the ideal partner, together with decisive, long-term perspectives for our employees."

These positive sentiments are echoed by Dirk Reich, member of the Kuehne + Nagel International AG management board, who is responsible for contract logistics, "We are delighted that following Germany, we will now be co-operating with Beiersdorf in the CEE region and can provide the Beiersdorf CEE Holding with efficient support during the accomplishment of its ambitious targets. We are certain that both parties can profit from the newly founded partnership."


Beiersdorf CEE Holding - a growth region with future potential  

From its headquarters in Vienna, the Beiersdorf CEE Holding not only looks after Austria, but also administers subsidiaries in the Czech republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria.   

In 2007, with its familiar brands such as NIVEA, Eucerin, Labello, atrix, Basis PH and 8x4, Beiersdorf CEE Holding achieved sales of around EUR 311 million and thus became the second largest region within the Beiersdorf Group. Only two years ago, the CEE region was the fifth largest behind Germany, France, Italy and North America.   

In spite of positive sales and market share gains in Austria, over 70 per cent of Beiersdorf CEE Holding revenues are now obtained in the CEE region outside Austria. Moreover in recent years, the economic dynamism of the CEE region has been mirrored by market growth rates, which were partially in double figures.