Hubert Burda Media

In 2014 Hubert Burda Media grew as expected with consolidated external revenues of €2.456 billion (€2.75 billion adjusted for special circumstances resulting from the deconsolidation of zooplus AG). A series of strategic initiatives in every business area shaped the previous fiscal year. For the magazine-based media brands, Burda implemented long-term measures to secure profitability and developed new digital products as well as additional income opportunities. The Group’s focus remained on organic revenue and earnings growth for the existing digital companies. Core strategic decisions for 2014 included reducing holdings in zooplus AG, which led to the company’s exit as a fully consolidated Burda business.

Burda acquired shares in several foreign media companies to establish itself and expand into growth markets such as India, Southeast Asia and Brazil. However, the political and economic developments in Russia, Ukraine and the surrounding regions had a negative impact on Burda’s international media business, even though in some cases the company was able to improve its market position within those countries. The structurally shrinking gravure printing business sees opportunities for growth primarily outside of Europe.
CEO Paul Bernhard-Kallen: “Burda made good progress during the last fiscal year toward its goal of becoming an international consumer media company. In 2015 we will invest predominantly in businesses with high growth potential in the international consumer internet market. We will also continue to develop innovative products in-house in every area of our company – products that will delight, inspire and help our customers.”

Burda plans to achieve steady positive growth for its media business by consistently strengthening its technological capabilities across the entire company and developing innovative, customer-oriented products and business models.

Burda’s portfolio currently consists of around 500 media products worldwide. Sales through individual purchases and subscriptions, advertising, commissions and retail comprise the Group’s key sources of revenue. Burda considers itself a “home for entrepreneurs” and is therefore a network of independently operating businesses. The Group employed 10,374 people at the end of 2014.