Who Owns Knorr-Bremse Company?

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Who Really Owns Knorr-Bremse?

Unraveling the Knorr-Bremse SWOT Analysis is just the start; understanding its ownership is key to unlocking its future. From its innovative beginnings in 1905 to its current global presence, Knorr-Bremse's journey is a fascinating study in corporate evolution. Discover the pivotal moments that shaped the 's ownership and its impact on its strategic direction.

This deep dive into explores the shift from its founding by Georg Knorr to its current status as a publicly traded entity. We'll examine the impact of its IPO on October 12, 2018, and the roles of key . Learn about the and its global footprint, including its headquarters in Munich, Germany, and its impressive financial performance, including its market capitalization as of June 2025.

The story of Knorr-Bremse begins in 1905 with its establishment by Georg Knorr. Understanding the initial ownership structure is key to tracing the evolution of the Knorr-Bremse company. This overview will delve into the founders and early ownership details of Knorr-Bremse.

Georg Knorr, the founder, played a pivotal role in the early ownership of the company. His background in railway braking systems was instrumental in the company's initial focus. Knorr's influence shaped the company's direction from its inception.

The company's evolution from its founding to its current status involves several key ownership changes. These shifts reflect the company's growth and adaptation to market conditions. The early ownership structure laid the groundwork for Knorr-Bremse's future.

Founding

Knorr-Bremse GmbH was founded on January 19, 1905, in Berlin.

The founding involved Georg Knorr and Ludw. Loewe & Co. AG.

Georg Knorr, an engineer, had extensive experience in railway braking systems.

Initial Ownership

Georg Knorr held almost half of the initial share capital.

The initial share capital was 800,000 marks.

Knorr was appointed the sole managing director.

Merger and Transformation

In 1911, the company merged with 'Continentale Bremsen-GmbH'.

The merger formed Knorr-Bremse Aktiengesellschaft (AG).

This marked a significant change in the company's structure.

Post-Knorr Ownership

After Georg Knorr's death in 1911, Johannes P. Vielmetter acquired shares.

Ludw. Loewe & Co. AG remained the majority shareholder initially.

Vielmetter later became the majority shareholder.

Shift in Control

In 1926, Ludw. Loewe & Co. AG sold its holdings.

The sale was to a Shareholders' Syndicate led by Johannes Vielmetter.

By 1941, Vielmetter was the majority shareholder.

Key Individuals

Georg Knorr was the founder and initial driving force.

Johannes P. Vielmetter played a crucial role in later ownership.

Ludw. Loewe & Co. AG was an early investor.

Early Ownership Details

Understanding the early ownership of Knorr-Bremse, including its founders and early shareholders, provides insight into the company's development. This information is crucial for anyone researching the Knorr-Bremse company, its history, and its current structure. For more context on the competitive landscape, you can review the Competitors Landscape of Knorr-Bremse.

• Georg Knorr, the founder, initially held a significant portion of the shares.
• Ludw. Loewe & Co. AG was an early investor, influencing the company's direction.
• Johannes P. Vielmetter later became the majority shareholder, shaping the company's future.
• The shift in ownership reflects the company's growth and strategic changes.

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The evolution of Knorr-Bremse's ownership structure reflects significant shifts over the years. Initially, the company faced challenges, leading to a pivotal moment in 1985. Heinz Hermann Thiele, then on the Executive Board of Knorr-Bremse AG, began acquiring a majority stake. With support from Deutsche Bank, Thiele gradually increased his holdings through Knorr-Bremse Kommanditgesellschaft.

By 1988, the Thiele family had consolidated their control, owning 100% of Knorr-Bremse AG's shares. This marked a critical transition, setting the stage for future developments. The company's journey towards its current ownership structure involved strategic decisions that shaped its long-term trajectory.

Knorr-Bremse went public on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange on October 12, 2018. As of January 2025, the Heinz Hermann Thiele Familienstiftung remains the largest Knorr-Bremse owner, holding 58.99% of the shares. The remaining 41.01% is held by other institutional and private investors, forming the free float. Institutional investors hold approximately 70% of the company's shares, as of October 2023. Key institutional Knorr-Bremse shareholders include Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (2.99% as of December 2023), Norges Bank Investment Management (2.37% as of December 2024), MFS Investment Management (2.35% as of January 2025), DWS Investment GmbH (2.15% as of January 2025), CPP Investment Board (1.69% as of March 2024), The Vanguard Group, Inc. (1.26% as of January 2025), and BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. (0.87% as of January 2025). This blend of family and institutional investment influences strategic decisions and ensures stakeholder involvement. If you're interested in understanding how the company approaches its market, you might find insights in the Marketing Strategy of Knorr-Bremse.

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The current board of directors of Knorr-Bremse AG oversees the company's governance, working in tandem with its ownership structure. While specific details about each board member's affiliation with major shareholders, founders, or independent seats aren't fully available, the Heinz Hermann Thiele Family Trust, as the majority shareholder, has representation on the Supervisory Board. Stephan Sturm, CEO of the Heinz Hermann Thiele Family Trust, was elected to the Supervisory Board at the Annual General Meeting on April 30, 2025, joining Julia Thiele-Schürhoff as a representative of the Family Trust.

At the Annual General Meeting on April 30, 2025, Stephan Sturm succeeded Dr. Theodor Weimer. The board's composition reflects the influence of the major shareholders, particularly the Heinz Hermann Thiele Family Trust. Understanding the board's structure is key to grasping the dynamics of Knorr-Bremse's corporate governance and how it aligns with the interests of its shareholders.

Knorr-Bremse's voting structure generally operates on a one-share-one-vote basis, common for publicly traded companies. However, the significant stake held by the Heinz Hermann Thiele Familienstiftung, at 58.99% as of January 2025, gives the family trust considerable voting power and influence over major corporate decisions. The virtual Annual General Meeting held on April 30, 2025, saw 90.22% of the share capital represented, indicating strong shareholder engagement. For more insights into the company's strategic direction, consider reading about the Growth Strategy of Knorr-Bremse.

Understanding Knorr-Bremse's Board and Voting Power

The board of directors and voting structure at Knorr-Bremse are key to understanding the company's governance.

• The Heinz Hermann Thiele Family Trust holds a significant ownership stake.
• Stephan Sturm and Julia Thiele-Schürhoff represent the Family Trust on the Supervisory Board.
• The Annual General Meeting in April 2025 saw high shareholder representation.
• The voting structure is primarily one-share-one-vote.

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Over the past few years, Knorr-Bremse has been actively optimizing its portfolio as part of its BOOST 2026 program. This strategy includes both divestments and acquisitions to strengthen its market position. As of January 2025, the company had successfully completed several sales, including Kiepe Electric, Safety Direct, GT Emission Systems, and R.H. Sheppard. The sale of GT Emissions Systems was finalized on January 22, 2025. These divestments have already achieved more than 60% of the revenue volume targeted for sale by 2026.

In addition to these divestments, Knorr-Bremse made an acquisition in 2024, enhancing its presence in the rail market. The acquisition of Alstom Signaling North America (now KB Signaling) in September 2024 expanded its footprint in the control, command, and signaling (CCS) sector within the North American market. This demonstrates a strategic focus on both streamlining certain areas and expanding in others to drive growth and efficiency.

Regarding , the Thiele family, through the Heinz Hermann Thiele Familienstiftung, remains the primary , holding a majority stake of 58.99% as of January 2025. The company's Annual General Meeting on April 30, 2025, approved a dividend increase, reflecting strong operational performance. The renewal of CEO Marc Llistosella's contract reinforces continuity in the company's strategic direction. The company projects revenues between €8.1 billion and €8.4 billion and an operating EBIT margin between 12.5% and 13.5% for 2025. Free cash flow is anticipated to be between €700 million and €800 million for the same period.

Key Development

Portfolio optimization through divestments and acquisitions.

Ownership Structure

Thiele family maintains majority stake.

Financial Performance

Strong dividend increase and positive financial outlook for 2025.

Strategic Direction

CEO contract renewal ensures continuity.

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