Henkel CEO Carsten Knobel announced plans for additional corporate acquisitions, stating that mergers and takeovers are a crucial element of the company’s growth strategy. Speaking to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, the chairman of the major DAX group noted that its Düsseldorf-based manufacturer-known for brands like Persil, Pril, Pritt, and Schwarzkopf shampoo-has already acquired five companies in recent months for a combined value of approximately €5 billion.
Knobel asserted that Henkel maintains sufficient financial capacity for more purchases. He emphasized the strength of the company’s finances, saying, “Our balance sheet is super solid; we have hardly any debt, despite having spent five billion euros on those five acquisitions.” While he confirmed the company will review any targets that are strategically appropriate and financially appealing, he made it clear that hostile takeovers would be rejected.
In addition to his business commentary, Knobel advocated for greater patience toward the federal government. He urged people to allow Friedrich Merz and his administration time to operate. Warning critics, he suggested that they should also consider the signals being sent both domestically and internationally, particularly given the possibility of a new governmental crisis developing just one year into the term.
