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Financial Year 2024: Weleda Achieves Record Turnover and Significantly Improves Profitability

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Arlesheim/Schwäbisch Gmünd, 2 April 2025

  • Turnover increased by 8.3% to EUR 456.2 million.
  • Operating profit (EBIT excluding special effects) more than doubled from EUR 13.4 million to EUR 28.3 million.
  • Both business units – Natural Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals – delivered strong growth worldwide.
  • Strategic growth drivers: internationalisation, digitalisation, innovation, and premiumisation.
  • CEO Tina Müller: “2024 was a year of renewal for Weleda – and a very strong year for us economically. Our strategy of growth with responsibility is working.”
  • CEO Tina Müller: “We have once again started the new financial year with strong momentum. We will continue our sustainable growth path with many innovations.”

Weleda AG, the global market leader in certified natural cosmetics and anthroposophic medicines, can look back on a very successful 2024 financial year. Turnover rose by 8.3% to EUR 456.2 million (previous year: EUR 421.2 million) – the highest in the company’s history. At the same time, Weleda significantly improved profitability, more than doubling its operating profit (EBIT excluding special effects) to EUR 28.3 million (previous year: EUR 13.4 million).

Both business units and all regions worldwide contributed to dynamic growth. In Natural Cosmetics, sales rose by 8.2% to EUR 367.9 million (previous year: EUR 340.1 million), while the Pharmaceuticals unit increased sales by 8.7% to EUR 88.3 million (previous year: EUR 81.2 million). “2024 was a year of renewal for Weleda – and a very strong year for us economically. Our positive performance shows that our strategy of growth with responsibility is working,” says Tina Müller, CEO of Weleda AG. “We have taken the right steps to further strengthen our competitiveness and resilience. Our focus on the four strategic growth drivers of innovation, premiumisation, digitalisation, and internationalisation is proving effective.”

International expansion – core D-A-CH region shows strong recovery

In 2024, Weleda continued to expand its international business, achieving double-digit sales growth in major markets such as Asia and the USA, as well as in Eastern Europe, Southern Europe, and the Benelux countries. The company also returned to a clear growth trajectory in its core D-A-CH region after several challenging years. In Germany – the company’s largest single market – sales rose by 6.2%. In Switzerland, turnover increased by 7.4%. This positive development in the D-A-CH region was supported by the successful launch of new webshops in both countries in spring 2024.

Weleda demonstrated strong innovative capacity in 2024. New products such as the rejuvenating Blue Gentian & Edelweiss facial care and the extended Rosemary hair care line were key growth drivers in the cosmetics segment. In the pharmaceuticals segment, the strategic focus on core product categories – eye health, stress & sleep, and digestion – had a positive impact on performance. Eye preparations in particular contributed to growth, with a 32% increase in sales.

Reduced complexity – increased efficiency

At the beginning of 2024, Weleda implemented a new organisational structure, introducing dedicated business units for Natural Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals and giving them greater entrepreneurial responsibility. Strong central functions were also created, and expertise consolidated across the company. “The new organisational structure has made us faster, more efficient, and more effective, which benefits our customers worldwide,” says Tina Müller.

Sustainability by conviction

Amid ongoing transformation, Weleda remains true to its core values. Sustainability continues to underpin its business model. The company actively supports biodiversity, healthy soils, and the circular economy. In 2024, Weleda sharpened its sustainability strategy and set ambitious new targets. The company aims to achieve net zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2040, and to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 80% by that time.

Stable growth through innovation

The future of Weleda will be shaped more than ever by innovation. The recently introduced multi-generation skincare line minLen is the first in a new series of product ranges in Natural Cosmetics launching in 2025. With this line, as well as the new Weleda Cell Longevity facial care, the company is moving further into the premium segment and expanding its distribution channels. Both product lines will be available in perfumeries.

Weleda is also strengthening its innovative capabilities in Pharmaceuticals. Under the name Futurum, an interdisciplinary team has been formed to further develop anthroposophic medicines, strengthen their scientific basis through research, and introduce new application formats to benefit patients.

A modernised brand for long-term success

The strategic evolution of Weleda is also reflected in its modernised brand image, designed to appeal to younger target groups. The company has refreshed its visual identity, including the logo, to make it more contemporary and premium. The logo is now accompanied by a word mark that highlights the company’s values and origins: “Natural Science” or “Swiss Natural Science”. Weleda products remain certified natural, while the company continues to draw on its own research and development to optimise the power of medicinal plants for maximum effectiveness and vitality-enhancing benefits. The new brand identity will be rolled out across markets throughout 2025.

“We have set the course for long-term success in every respect. We have again started the new financial year with strong momentum and will continue on our growth path with many innovations,” says Tina Müller.

About Weleda

Weleda AG is a Swiss public limited company headquartered in Arlesheim, near Basel. Active in over 50 countries, Weleda employs around 2,200 people worldwide. It is the world’s leading manufacturer of certified natural cosmetics and anthroposophic medicines. Weleda cultivates six of its own biodynamic gardens and is especially committed to promoting biodiversity and maintaining healthy soils. Weleda is a certified B Corp.

Media contact

Yvonne Samaritani

Group Corporate Communications Officer

Weleda AG/ Dychweg 14/ CH-4144-Arlesheim

[email protected]

More information about Weleda can be found at www.weleda.com

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Paraguay President Santiago Peña Resigns Amid Bank Collapse

Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña resigns amid a bank collapse impacting millions, sparking a major financial crisis.

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Paraguay President Santiago Peña Resigns Amid Bank Collapse

On November 5, 2026, Paraguay’s political landscape was dramatically reshaped as President Santiago Peña resigned amid a severe financial crisis. This crisis, characterized by the collapse of a major bank, has left millions of Paraguayans with frozen savings, triggering widespread financial instability across the nation [The Guardian, November 2026]. The resignation came after intense public pressure, reflecting the profound impact of the banking sector’s failure on the country’s socio-economic fabric [The Guardian, November 2026].

The immediate catalyst for Peña’s resignation was the unprecedented bank failure that exposed significant vulnerabilities in Paraguay’s financial system. This collapse not only froze millions of savings but also drew international scrutiny to the country’s fiscal management [BBC, November 2026]. The banking debacle underscored the systemic issues within Paraguay’s financial institutions, raising questions about regulatory oversight and governance that have yet to be fully addressed.

Peña’s decision to step down was formally communicated through an official announcement, marking a pivotal moment in Paraguay’s political history [BBC, November 2026]. This move was largely seen as a response to growing unrest and a loss of confidence in his administration’s ability to manage the crisis effectively. The president’s resignation has opened a leadership vacuum at a critical juncture, as the nation grapples with stabilizing its economy and restoring public trust.

The international community has been closely monitoring the developments in Paraguay, with the bank collapse serving as a cautionary tale of financial mismanagement [BBC, November 2026]. While specific international responses were not detailed, the situation has likely prompted discussions on the need for stronger financial governance frameworks in similar emerging markets. The crisis has highlighted the interconnectedness of global financial systems and the potential repercussions of inadequate oversight.

As Paraguay faces this economic turmoil, the focus now shifts to the interim leadership and their strategies to mitigate the crisis’s impact. Restoring the public’s access to their frozen assets will be a priority, alongside implementing reforms to prevent future financial collapses. The path forward will require decisive action from both domestic policymakers and international financial bodies to ensure stability and confidence in Paraguay’s banking sector.

The ripple effects of this financial crisis extend beyond Paraguay, as regional economies assess their vulnerabilities to similar shocks. The need for robust risk management practices and transparency in financial dealings is underscored by this situation. Paraguay’s experience may serve as a catalyst for broader financial reforms within the region, promoting resilience against potential economic disruptions.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of Paraguay’s response to the crisis. The interim leadership’s ability to navigate these challenges will set the tone for the country’s economic recovery and political stability. Observers will be keenly watching for signs of progress as Paraguay seeks to rebuild its financial credibility and restore normalcy for its citizens.

Peña’s resignation, though a significant political event, is just the beginning of a complex recovery process for Paraguay. The nation’s future hinges on its capacity to implement necessary reforms and regain the confidence of both its people and the international community. The lessons learned from this crisis will likely inform future policy decisions, shaping Paraguay’s path toward economic resilience.

In the aftermath of this crisis, Paraguay’s financial system will inevitably undergo scrutiny and transformation. The global financial community will be attentive to how Paraguay addresses its systemic issues, with the potential for this situation to become a case study in crisis management and reform. The developments in Paraguay may influence how emerging economies structure their financial governance in the years to come.

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FBI Identifies North Korea as Culprit in $6.3 Billion Binance Crypto Hack

FBI attributes $6.3B Binance crypto hack to North Korea, raising security concerns. Binance covers 90% of losses.

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FBI Identifies North Korea as Culprit in $6.3 Billion Binance Crypto Hack

In a striking attribution of cyber malfeasance, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has named North Korea as the perpetrator behind a colossal $6.3 billion hack on Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges. This revelation underscores persistent cybersecurity vulnerabilities and intensifies geopolitical tensions already fraught with complexity [The Guardian, November 2026].

The breach, now recognized as the largest of its kind, has sent shockwaves through the digital asset community, raising urgent questions about the robustness of current security protocols within the crypto industry [Al Jazeera, November 2026]. Despite the significant financial blow, Binance has demonstrated resilience by covering a substantial 90% of the losses, reflecting its commitment to maintaining user trust and stability [The Guardian, November 2026].

Binance’s response to the hack has been proactive, involving collaboration with international law enforcement agencies to pursue recovery of the stolen assets. A spokesperson from the exchange affirmed, “We are working closely with law enforcement to recover the funds,” indicating a strategic approach to mitigate the consequences of this unprecedented breach [The Guardian, November 2026].

The scale of the hack, valued at $6.3 billion, places it squarely in the spotlight of global financial and security discussions. It serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in digital finance systems, particularly as they become more entwined with global economic infrastructures [Al Jazeera, November 2026].

North Korea’s involvement in such a high-profile cybercrime reflects broader geopolitical dynamics, where state-sponsored hacking has become a tool for economic gain and political leverage. This attribution by the FBI further complicates diplomatic relations and underscores the need for coordinated international responses to cyber threats [The Guardian, November 2026].

The incident has not only affected Binance but has also sent ripples across the broader cryptocurrency market, prompting investors and exchanges to reassess their security measures. The hack’s magnitude highlights the urgent need for enhanced protective measures and industry-wide collaboration to fortify digital asset exchanges against future threats [Al Jazeera, November 2026].

In the wake of this cyber assault, Binance’s robust response and coverage of losses may set a precedent for how exchanges handle such adversities in the future. It also emphasizes the critical role of transparency and accountability in maintaining user confidence and market integrity [The Guardian, November 2026].

As the situation unfolds, the interplay between cybersecurity and international politics will likely intensify, with potential repercussions for regulatory frameworks governing digital assets. The hacking incident serves as a catalyst for ongoing debates about the balance between innovation and security in the realm of cryptocurrency [Al Jazeera, November 2026].

Looking forward, the focus will remain on how Binance and other cryptocurrency platforms adapt to these evolving threats. Their ability to enhance security protocols and foster international cooperation will be crucial in defining the future landscape of digital finance. The world will closely monitor these developments, particularly as they relate to North Korea’s cyber capabilities and intentions [The Guardian, November 2026].

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Naboo Expands with Acquisition of UK Events Platform Pro-ven

Naboo has acquired UK M&E spend specialist pro-ven, which becomes Naboo UK, keeping all 20 staff and its founder.

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Naboo Expands with Acquisition of UK Events Platform Pro-ven

Naboo, the Paris-based meetings and events (M&E) spend management platform, announced on 27 October 2026 that it has acquired pro-ven, a UK specialist in venue sourcing and event procurement, for an undisclosed sum. The companies say the combination creates the world’s largest pure-play provider of M&E spend management and venue sourcing.

Founded in 2005, pro-ven helps corporate and association clients manage meetings and events spending through venue and supplier sourcing, contract negotiation, approval workflows, invoicing and payment management. It generates around €30 million in annual transaction value and brings enterprise clients including Unilever, Virgin Media and Sony. Following the deal, Naboo says the combined business will manage around $300 million (€268 million) of meetings and events spend.

Under the terms of the deal, pro-ven’s Hertfordshire office becomes Naboo’s UK headquarters and the business will operate as Naboo UK. All 20 pro-ven employees are being retained, and founder and managing director Julian Laxon will stay on to help grow Naboo’s UK presence. Existing pro-ven clients keep the same account teams and commercial arrangements, while gaining access to Naboo’s AI-driven technology platform and international network.

Naboo says the acquisition was financed equally through equity and borrowing. It follows the company’s $70 million (€58.7 million) Series B round in February 2026, led by Lightspeed Venture Partners with participation from existing investors Notion Capital, ISAI and Ternel.

The UK is not a new market for Naboo, which has operated there since 2024. CEO and co-founder Maxime Eduardo said the deal is primarily about accelerating growth in what he called a huge market for the company and adding enterprise customers. “Together with pro-ven, that is the leader we are building,” he said.

The acquisition caps a busy period for Naboo, which recently unveiled a new brand identity and opened its first Asia-Pacific office in Singapore, following its expansion into North America with offices in Montreal and New York.

Sources: Business Travel News; EU-Startups; CIT World; The Business Travel Magazine.

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