Villeroy & Boch Group meets all its targets

With the integration of Ideal Standard, consolidated from 1 March 2024, the Villeroy & Boch Group has achieved revenues of €1.42 billion.

Villeroy & Boch posted record-breaking results in 2024 including revenues of €1.42 billion (+57.6% compared to 2023). This growth was primarily due to the acquisition of Ideal Standard in March 2024, which enabled the Mettlach-based Group to strengthen its global presence and expand its product portfolio. The company also improved its operating EBIT by 10% from €88.7 million to €97.6 million.

The integration of Ideal Standard was the overall focus of the Group’s activities in 2024, which concentrated on developing a joint strategy and an optimised and integrated organisational structure.

“With the integration of Ideal Standard, we’ve created a new company that has successfully positioned itself on the market under the umbrella of the Villeroy & Boch Group with two strong brands, clearly defined strategies for growth and an international organisation,” commented CEO Gabi Schupp. “Ideal Standard complements Villeroy & Boch’s business model. All assumptions regarding the complementary strengths in terms of product portfolio, sales channels and regional presence have been confirmed and increased the Group’s competitiveness.”

Gabi Schupp, CEO of Villeroy & Boch Group, with CFO Dr. Markus Warncke

The Bathroom & Wellness Division surpasses €1 billion

With the integration of Ideal Standard, the Bathroom & Wellness Division generated revenues of €1,098.9 million (89.7% up on 2023). Ideal Standard companies contributed revenue of €512.1 million from 1 March 2024 onwards. The results are notable even when adjusting for acquisitions. Despite the continued subdued development of the construction sector, Villeroy & Boch managed to slightly exceed the previous year’s sales level. The Bathroom & Wellness Division generated an operating profit (EBIT) of €65.2 million in 2024, up €7.9 million or 13.8% over the previous year.

The new Group benefits from the complementary strengths of the two brands.

The first benefit is an expanded product portfolio, which in addition to high-end ceramics now includes Ideal Standard’s expertise in fittings, a segment where Villeroy & Boch has tripled its market share.

The second is diversified sales channels: while Villeroy & Boch is positioned in the premium segment, Ideal Standard targets the smart premium segment, excelling in large-scale projects in the public, healthcare, hospitality and residential sectors.

The third benefit is a strategic geographical expansion, with Villeroy & Boch historically strong in Central and Northern Europe and Asia, while Ideal Standard is well established in the UK, Italy and the Middle East/North Africa region. In 2024, the new Villeroy & Boch Group doubled its revenues outside Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Dining & Lifestyle Division remains stable

Despite sluggish consumer demand, the revenue of the Dining & Lifestyle Division remained stable in 2024 at €319.3 million. While sales through brick-and-mortar stores declined (except for the Group-owned retail shops, which remained stable), the project business for hotels and restaurants and e-commerce delivered positive performances.

The division’s operating EBIT reached €32.4 million (+3.2% compared to 2023).

Investments and outlook

In the 2024 financial year, the Villeroy & Boch Group invested a total of €58.3 million in tangible and intangible assets. The focus of investment was on the modernisation and automation of the production sites of both divisions and on brand presence with the opening of Villeroy & Boch World and the outlet at the Group headquarters in Mettlach, Germany, as well as the modernisation of company-owned retail shops in Germany and abroad.

With over 12,000 employees and a presence in more than 140 countries, the Group is well positioned to create lasting value for employees, customers and shareholders. The forecasts for the 2025 financial year are for an increase in consolidated revenue in the high single-digit percentage range and a moderate increase in operating EBIT. The rolling return on net operating assets in 2025 is expected to remain at 2024 levels.

The two brands together at ISH 2025

“Inspire More. Create More. Together.” was the motto marking the first joint presence of the two brands at ISH 2025 in Frankfurt. In a spacious exhibition space characterised by minimalist luxury and a welcoming atmosphere, the brands celebrated their shared passion for design, innovation and craftsmanship.

The bathroom concept developed by designers Christian Haas and Gesa Hansen emphasised textures and natural materials: solid wood furniture, satiny polished 3D tiles and ceramic washbasins in natural shades. The chosen hues of warm anthracite and light sand produced flowing transitions, depth and elegance, creating a comfortable and relaxing monochrome ambience. This approach transforms the bathroom into a timeless design space that combines both aesthetics and functionality.

The concept of luxury is also being redefined. In place of passing fads, the focus is shifting towards durability, quality and sustainability.

“The most important trend is the shift away from trends - towards things that last,” says Christian Haas. “More than ever, today’s designers need to follow an ethical and responsible approach and make sustainability the centre of their vision,” adds Roberto Palomba. “Respect for the environment is not an option, it is essential for a more mindful, harmonious and respectful future for our planet.”

Did you find this article useful?

Join the CWW community to receive the most important news from the global ceramic industry every two weeks