Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
German multinational chemical and consumer goods company, known for adhesives, laundry, and home care products including Persil, Schwarzkopf, and Loctite.
Company Type
public
Founded
1876
Headquarters
Dusseldorf, Germany
Stock
Frankfurt: HEN3
About Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
Henkel operates through two main business segments: Adhesive Technologies and Consumer Brands. The Adhesive Technologies segment is the world's largest manufacturer of adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings, serving industries including automotive, electronics, packaging, and construction. Brands in this segment include Loctite, Technomelt, and Bonderite.
The Consumer Brands segment combines laundry and home care products with beauty care offerings. This segment includes iconic brands such as Persil (laundry detergent), Schwarzkopf (hair care), Dial (soap), and Purex (laundry). The segment benefits from Henkel's strong distribution networks in both developed and emerging markets.
Henkel employs approximately 48,000 people worldwide and operates production facilities and research centers across Europe, North America, Asia, and Latin America. The company's global presence and diverse brand portfolio provide resilience against regional economic fluctuations and changing consumer preferences.
History of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
Henkel was founded on September 26, 1876, by Fritz Henkel in Aachen, Germany. The company initially focused on producing a universal detergent based on silicate, a revolutionary product for its time. In 1907, Henkel introduced Persil, which became the world's first self-activated laundry detergent and established the company as a leader in the home care market.
Throughout the 20th century, Henkel expanded globally through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. The company entered the adhesives market with the acquisition of Loctite in 1996, which became the foundation for its Adhesive Technologies division. Henkel also expanded into beauty care through the acquisition of Schwarzkopf in 1995, adding a premium hair care brand to its portfolio.
The company underwent significant restructuring in 2022, combining its Laundry & Home Care and Beauty Care divisions into a single Consumer Brands segment to better serve the retail market. This restructuring reflected changing consumer habits and the growing importance of omnichannel retail strategies.
In recent years, Henkel has focused on sustainability initiatives, including reducing carbon emissions, increasing the use of renewable energy, and developing more environmentally friendly products across all business segments.
Brands Owned by Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA owns 0 brands in our database.
Stock Information
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Henkel family control provides long-term strategic stability and vision continuity
- +DAX inclusion provides visibility and access to capital markets
- +Diversified business segments reduce dependence on any single market
- +Strong brand portfolio with market-leading positions in multiple categories
- +Global manufacturing and R&D footprint provides geographic diversification
Considerations
- -Family ownership structure may limit strategic flexibility compared to widely held companies
- -Intense competition in both consumer goods and industrial adhesives markets
- -Dependence on global supply chains creates vulnerability to trade disruptions
- -Consumer goods segment faces pressure from private label and discount retailers
- -Industrial adhesives business is cyclical and tied to manufacturing activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
Is Henkel publicly traded?
Yes, Henkel trades on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under ticker HEN3 and is included in the DAX index. The Henkel family maintains a controlling stake through a pooled shareholding arrangement.
Who founded Henkel?
Henkel was founded in 1876 by Fritz Henkel in Aachen, Germany. The company has remained under family influence for over 140 years through successive generations.
What brands does Henkel own?
Henkel owns Persil, Schwarzkopf, Loctite, Dial, Purex, Pritt, and many other brands across its Adhesive Technologies and Consumer Brands segments.
What is Henkel's annual revenue?
Henkel reported sales of approximately 21.6 billion euros in fiscal year 2024 across its two main business segments.
Where is Henkel headquartered?
Henkel is headquartered in Dusseldorf, Germany, where the company maintains its corporate offices and global management functions.
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