Seidensticker: Family owners reinvest – Bentzinger becomes a shareholder

Seidensticker is setting the course for its next phase of development: the owning family is investing again and will remain the majority shareholder with an 80% stake. CEO Dr Silvia Bentzinger will become a shareholder with a 20% stake, the Bielefeld-based fashion group announced on Wednesday.

The shareholdings are allocated as follows: 60% to Gerd Oliver Seidensticker, 20% to Frank Seidensticker, and 20% to Bentzinger. Nicole Seidensticker-Delius is stepping down as a shareholder and is due to retire at the end of 2027, as planned.

“We see Seidensticker in a significantly stronger position today than a few years ago. The company is profitable, our brand is developing positively, and we also see attractive opportunities for further growth in the private-label segment,” says Gerd Oliver Seidensticker. With this renewed investment, the owning family aims to play an active role in shaping the next phase of development.

Bentzinger joins as a shareholder

Dr Silvia Bentzinger has been with the group since late 2008 and has led the Seidensticker brand as CEO since 2020. With her personal investment, she will now combine her operational responsibilities with a stake in the business. “I am convinced of the company’s long-term viability, the strength of our brand and the wide range of growth opportunities,” says Bentzinger.

Alongside the reorganisation of the shareholder structure, the company is also further developing its capital and financing structure. The existing financing is to be aligned to a sustainable, long-term footing. At the same time, the shareholders intend to continue implementing the existing restructuring plan. Additional equity, together with support from financing partners, is intended to strengthen the balance sheet and thereby contribute to long-term financial stability.

A temporary governance structure has been established with POLARIS Treuhand GmbH for the repayment of the existing financing. The previous CFO/COO, Dr Marc Barrantes, will support the process in an advisory capacity during this period. Operational responsibility remains with the management.

Growth plans and commitment to Bielefeld

The company’s strategy going forward will focus on profitable growth, strengthening the brand, and further developing the product and brand portfolio. With the recently launched premium line Seidensticker 1919, the company has expanded its range with a new menswear offering. Seidensticker also sees opportunities for further growth in international markets and distribution channels.

The company remains committed to its Bielefeld location. “With the new shareholder structure, we are also making a clear commitment to Bielefeld as our corporate base,” says Frank Seidensticker.

The Seidensticker Group was founded in Bielefeld in 1919 and employs just under 2,000 people worldwide. According to the company, it has a presence in 70 countries and operates production facilities in Vietnam and Indonesia.