Munich, January 7, 2013 – Compared to 2011, Munich fashion group LUDWIG BECK (ISIN DE 0005199905) increased gross sales of its flagship store at Marienplatz (including FÜNF HÖFE) by 2.9% to € 101.5m (2011: € 98.6m). This increase meets the board’s expectations. It thus achieved the branch-adjusted 2% to 3% gain in sales it was aiming for.
Taking into account the branches closed down in 2011 and 2012 (Augsburg 03/2011 and Olympia Mall 07/2012), the group was able to maintain its level of sales with € 103.2m (2011: € 103.3m).
Traditionally, the Christmas season is an essential factor for LUDWIG BECK ‘s volume of sales. Management indicated that the Christmas season, despite mild temperature during the time before Christmas, produced very pleasing results.
In 2012, parallel to centralizing the physical locations of the Group, LUDWIG BECK started its online business. Transferring the success strategy of the HAUTNAH department to www.ludwigbeck.de, the online store offers more than 6.000 upscale beauty products featuring 70 brands. Since its inception on December 4, 2012, it has performed according to expectations.
Dieter Münch, Executive Board member, LUDWIG BECK AG: “After exceeding existing markers with strong year-end results in times of an overall troubled economy we feel very optimistic for 2013.”
Based on the positive economic development, management confirms its earnings forecast for the 2012 fiscal year and assumes earnings before taxes (EBT) to clearly exceed € 11.3m.
Detailed figures and expectations for the new 2013 fiscal year will be presented at the company´s balance sheet conference in Munich on March 14, 2013. For more information about the corporation and its stock visit the company website at http://kaufhaus.ludwigbeck.de.
About LUDWIG BECK
Founded in the year 1861 as a button maker and dress trimmer workshop with four assistants and one apprentice, LUDWIG BECK, in the course of time advanced to one of the most innovative commercial enterprises in Germany.
Directly situated at Marienplatz in the heart of Munich, LUDWIG BECK, with a staff of approximately 500 and a 11,500 square meters sales area on seven levels offers an extraordinary product range mix including the latest fashion, exclusive leather goods and accessories, unique beauty products, fancy gift ideas, traditional sewing and knitting creations as well as delicious ear candies.
In 2011, LUDWIG BECK generated gross sales in the amount of € 103.3m and earnings before taxes (EBT) of € 11.3m.