Hidden (World) Champion from North Rhine-Westphalia
We are extremely pleased to have been selected as a "Hidden Champion" by the University of Trier as part of a scientific study. The study was conducted by the Research Center for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses at the University of Trier on behalf of the Ministry for Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digitalization and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Hidden champions are defined as globally leading SMEs (top 3 in their industry across Europe to world market leaders) with annual sales of between 2 million and 5 billion euros and relatively low public visibility. In addition to a strong niche focus, the key success characteristics of hidden champions are a pronounced export orientation and close proximity to customers, close employee relations and continuous innovation work. Coupled with a generally high equity ratio, these companies strive for the greatest possible independence. Hidden champions usually also have significantly higher profitability, measured in terms of their overall profitability (return on assets).
The study (german language) can be viewed at: https://www.wirtschaft.nrw/sites/default/files/asset/document/hidden_champions.pdf
