The 2025 fiscal year presented significant challenges for the BÜFA Group. In particular, geopolitical developments, a generally subdued economy, and persistently challenging political and regulatory conditions posed major challenges for many companies in the chemical industry. The resulting market uncertainties placed an additional strain on the industry. Nevertheless, thanks to its diversified portfolio across the three business segments — Chemicals, Cleaning, and Composites — as well as its locations throughout Europe, BÜFA was able to maintain sales at a stable level.
“The market environment in 2025 was characterized by high volatility. This made it all the more important that we were able to continue supporting our customers with high delivery reliability, deep industry expertise, and dependable service,” explains Ralf Ramke, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the holding company. This positioning proved to be a key success factor, particularly in the first quarter of 2026: the war in the Middle East led many customers to increase their stockpiling. BÜFA was able to consistently meet the increased demand, thereby reaffirming its role as a steadfast partner for customers and business partners.
The BÜFA Group’s consolidated revenue for the 2025 fiscal year stands at EUR 337 million. The company recorded volume growth in parts of its business segments, particularly in the chemicals trade. Total Group volume increased by 10 percent overall. At the same time, significantly higher costs for raw materials, supplies, and transportation impacted earnings performance.
“Our strong equity ratio continues to provide us with the necessary financial and operational flexibility to act in a stable and forward-looking manner even in challenging times. Group-wide, the ratio stands at around 60 percent of total assets,” Ralf Ramke continues.
100 Days as New CEO – Shaping Change with Clear Values
In terms of personnel, the CEO transition marked an important milestone: Dr. Moritz Fichtmüller has been at the helm of the corporate group for about 100 days. The transition was prepared over the long term by the shareholder family and accompanied by a handover period of several months with the former CEO.
“At BÜFA, I have found a company that has exceeded my expectations in many ways—through its corporate culture, the extraordinary support of the shareholder family, and its deep roots in the region,” says CEO Dr. Moritz Fichtmüller. “My first days in my new role were immediately marked by the effects of the Iran crisis. This made me all the more impressed by the commitment and flexibility our employees demonstrated, showing just how capable and resilient BÜFA is.”
Dr. Moritz Fichtmüller, an internationally experienced industry expert, is committed to continuity in the strategic direction while simultaneously pursuing the targeted further development of the corporate group. The focus is on expanding the portfolio in growth sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, energy, and agriculture, as well as strengthening digital capabilities, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence.
In addition to the strategic development of its business divisions, BÜFA is continuously working to optimize internal processes and structures. The goal is to further increase the group’s efficiency, strengthen cross-divisional collaboration, and position the organization to remain competitive and profitable in the long term.
“We are fully committed to our locations in and around Oldenburg and intend to strengthen them over the long term,” emphasizes Dr. Moritz Fichtmüller. “At the same time, we benefit from our international presence with locations in several European countries. This proximity to our markets and customers makes us more economically stable and strengthens the resilience of the entire group. Close collaboration with local partners and authorities is crucial for the further development of our regional locations. Competitive framework conditions and consistent reduction of bureaucracy remain key factors for the region’s economic development.”
With its stable financial position, a diversified business model, and a clear focus on customer orientation, sustainability, and economic strength, the BÜFA Group considers itself well-positioned to continue navigating challenging market phases with foresight and reliability in the future. Its independence as a family-run business forms an important foundation for long-term action, future-oriented investments, and stable partnerships.
