In an environment of subdued demand and a strong Swiss franc, the Bossard Group faced declining sales. Sales in financial year 2024 decreased by 7.7% to CHF 986.4 million (prior year: CHF 1,069.0 million). In local currency, the decline amounted to 5.8 percent.
Adjusted for acquisitions, sales in local currency were 7.0% lower than in the prior year. Sales development in the individual regions showed a mixed picture. While demand in Europe stabilised in the second half of the year, America experienced a drop in sales and Asia saw satisfactory growth. Sales in the fourth quarter declined by 2.3% to CHF 236.6 million (prior year: CHF 242.2 million), a drop of 1.1% in local currency and an organic decrease of 5%
The restrained demand evident since the second quarter of 2023 was intensified by continuing customer inventory reductions and the strong Swiss franc. Bossard took advantage of the economic headwinds to make significant strategic progress. Technological expertise was strengthened, among others, through the successful introduction of the new IT platform in nine additional business units, market positions were expanded locally, and Bossard’s presence in growth industries was enhanced through organic growth and targeted acquisitions.
In Europe, Bossard posted a fourth-quarter growth of 6.1% to CHF 136.5 million (in local currency: +7.2%). Adjusted for acquisitions, growth in local currency amounted to 0.1%. The acquisitions in Belgium and France with Dejond Fastening NV and Aero Négoce International SAS laying the foundation for further growth in a new market and in the aerospace industry. The acquisition of the German Ferdinand Gross Group announced in mid-October also enables Bossard to further expand its already strong market presence in Germany and eastern Europe. The transaction was concluded at the beginning of January 2025.
In the final quarter of 2024, sales in America declined by 27.9% to CHF 51.1 million (in local currency: -27%). Lower demand, mainly due to weakening demand in the electromobility and agriculture sector, persisted through the end of the year.
Sales in Asia increased by 15% to CHF 49 million (in local currency: +16.%) in the fourth quarter. Business developments in the region were increasingly positive over the course of the year and continued to consolidate in the fourth quarter. In China, the first signs of growth became evident and demand in most of the other regional companies was likewise satisfactory. In India, Bossard benefited from the “Make in India” initiative and in Malaysia from nearshoring trends that had a particularly positive impact in the semiconductor and electronics industries.
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
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