Calida Holding AG expects slightly lower sales - divestment of ERLICH TEXTIL

Consumer sentiment remains very depressed in the current year in view of rising interest rates and partly high inflation as well as ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. The difficult general conditions have severely impacted the planned development of the start-up ERLICH TEXTIL, which was acquired in February 2022. The development of sales has deteriorated to an extent that makes the continuation of ERLICH TEXTIL no longer strategically sensible for the CALIDA GROUP. The impairments (goodwill and brand among others) totaling CHF 23-25 million will be made on 30 June 2023. ERLICH TEXTIL is reported as a discontinued operation.

Brands CALIDA, AUBADE and LAFUMA MOBILIER as a solid foundation
The CALIDA brand performed remarkably well. Thanks to an increase in sales, CALIDA will be able to further strengthen its market position. The brands AUBADE and LAFUMA MOBILIER were confronted with a consolidation phase in the first half of 2023 after a strong growth phase and record results and will have to accept a temporary decline in sales. Sales remain well above preCOVID pandemic levels. Both brands continue to enjoy an extremely loyal customer base and remain highly profitable. The US lingerie brand COSABELLA, acquired in 2022, performs well in the current year and increases sales year-on-year. Nevertheless, sales are still significantly below the expectations.

Upcoming strategy review and settlement of the CEO succession
Against this background, the ACCELERATE 2026 growth strategy will be subjected to an in-depth review in the coming months. Slight organic growth and the financial target of an EBIT margin of 10% are considered ambition levels, as is the attractive dividend policy with the goal of continuously increasing the dividend.

The current CEO of the CALIDA GROUP, Timo Schmidt-Eisenhart, will leave the company at the end of June 2023. From 1 July 2023, Felix Sulzberger will act as executive Chairman of the Board of Directors on an interim basis. Thomas Stöcklin will be appointed Lead Independent BoD member (Board Director) as of 1 July 2023.


Contact:
Calida Holding AG
investor.relations@calidagroup.com
Juerg Staehelin, IRF
Phone: +41 43 244 81 51
staehelin@irf-reputation.ch

--- END press release Calida Holding AG expects slightly lower sales - divestment of ERLICH TEXTIL ---

  CALIDA AG (company entry)

  Calida Holding AG erwartet leicht tieferen Umsatz - Devestition von ERLICH TEXTIL (news article in german on swiss-press.com)