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Liquorice and SME bonds: Katjes inspires students in the Audimax!
Find out how companies like Katjes benefit from SME bonds and what opportunities this financing model offers.
Liquorice and SME bonds: Katjes inspires students in the Audimax!
The students of Niederrhein University experienced an exciting event when Stephan Milde, finance manager at Katjes International, invited them to the Audimax. With bags full of licorice as an incentive and reward for the listeners, he took those present into the world of medium-sized bonds. During his lecture, organized by Professor Bernhard Müller, the complex topic was clearly explained and stimulated lively discussions.
Milde, who is not involved in production but rather in the acquisition of companies across Europe, explained how Katjes has been successfully using SME bonds to attract investors since 2011. This form of financing allows the company to borrow capital for four years, which is then repaid. The success of this strategy was clear, as both Katjes and the investors were able to record profits. The latest bond in particular, which was also offered to private investors for the first time on the company website, attracted enormous interest and exceeded all expectations.
Successful bond issues
In 2023, a total of only 24 bonds were issued with a placement volume of 788 million euros, with Katjes International having a significant share of 110 million euros. Milde reported on an intensive information tour in which around 100 potential investors who wanted to invest far more than 110 million euros were approached. These impressive figures show that the SME bond is gaining a foothold in the corporate landscape as a young but promising financing model.
Milde and Müller emphasized the importance of this form of financing, which, despite past setbacks, is considered a valuable addition to conventional forms of financing and investment. The practice of acquiring bonds requires not only strategic thinking, but also negotiation skills, especially when it comes to interest rates. Katjes continues to rely on this model and plans to continue the successful strategy in the future.