Consumer goods: Henkel CEO Knobel expects further company acquisitions

Düsseldorf - The consumer goods conglomerate Henkel is considering further acquisitions, according to its CEO, Carsten Knobel. Speaking to the Rheinischen Post, Knobel revealed that the company has agreed on or closed deals for acquisitions valued at around five billion euros in recent months. This move aims to bolster Henkel's two key areas: Adhesive Technologies and Consumer Brands.

While the company believes that these sectors have significant growth potential, it is also exploring how further acquisitions could strengthen its position. Key factors for such purchases include strategic fit, availability, and financial attractiveness. Knobel stated that if these conditions are met, Henkel would proceed with acquisitions.

Henkel is facing the impact of high oil prices, even though the company is not as energy-intensive as traditional chemical firms and does not use crude oil as a direct raw material. Knobel noted that the company is experiencing a noticeable cost increase due to energy as well as purchased raw materials and intermediates. Rising consumer prices for products like Persil are becoming increasingly difficult to implement, as consumers only accept such hikes when products undergo specific innovations.

For industrial customers, higher prices for adhesives are more feasible, but they are expected to revert to reductions once oil prices stabilize. Hence, the volatility in the current market scenario poses a challenge for the company.