Ship Varta, once in turmoil, has resumed its normal operations following a critical period.
Varta AG Steers Towards Profitability and Sustainability
Varta AG, a leading battery manufacturer headquartered in Schwäbisch Gmünd, has successfully navigated its restructuring process and is now focused on a new course of high-margin core businesses and future-oriented battery technologies.
The restructuring, initiated in response to a turbulent year, was completed in April 2025 under the StaRUG law. This significant step has had a positive impact on Varta's financial performance, with the company posting a loss of 64.5 million euros in 2024, lower than the previous year's loss of 414.3 million euros.
The restructuring process was crucial in resolving a previous financial crisis marked by about €500 million debt and an equity wipeout. Major shareholders, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft and DDr. Michael Tojner, emerged as principal owners after debt write-offs and new investments around late 2024, providing the company with a stable shareholder base and strategic direction.
CEO Michael Ostermann emphasized the continuation of financial and operational realignment with a focus on innovation, profitability, and sustainable growth alongside employees. Varta's strategy now centres around expanding its Power Pack Solutions division, which develops customized battery solutions for industrial and commercial applications.
Moreover, Varta is entering new business and technology fields, including sustainable cell technologies, scalable modular storage systems, and energy infrastructure solutions. This strategic shift underscores Varta's technological relevance within the European market and its commitment to driving profitable growth.
Varta showcased its technology and product portfolio at The smarter E Europe 2025 trade fair, signalling its commitment to sustainable energy and innovative battery storage solutions. The company's revenue decreased slightly from 820.3 million euros to 793.2 million euros in 2024, according to its annual report. However, the report indicates a significant improvement in Varta's financial situation compared to the previous year.
In a statement, Ostermann asserted that Varta is aiming to maintain its new course, with a focus on continuity, strategic focus, operational discipline, and further development. The company is thus continuing its journey towards profitability and sustainability.
With its successful restructuring and strategic realignment, Varta AG is well-positioned to leverage its technological strengths and new shareholder support to renew growth in the industrial, commercial, and energy storage markets, particularly within Europe.
Varta AG's strategic shift now centers around expanding its core businesses, which include high-margin Power Pack Solutions and future-oriented battery technologies, as CEO Michael Ostermann emphasizes a focus on innovation, profitability, and sustainable growth.
In line with this new direction, Varta is venturing into new businesses and technology fields, such as sustainable cell technologies, scalable modular storage systems, and energy infrastructure solutions, underscoring its technological relevance within the European market and commitment to driving profitable growth.
