Bischof+Klein has maintained trusting and stable relationships with regional and national banks within the German financial sector for many years. An essential element of these partnerships is regular dialogue concerning current business developments – particularly with regard to the Group’s strategic orientation.

The extended group of banks currently encompasses nine banks, seven of which constitute a mainstay of our financing structure in the context of a syndicate. This syndicate provides extended financial scope by means of a syndicated loan agreement and thus offers additional flexibility as well as a stable liquidity reserve.

Whilst meetings were primarily conducted individually with the respective banks in the past, we established a new dialogue format three years ago: the joint bankers’ meeting. Since then, we have been inviting the partner banks involved in the syndicated loan agreement to engage in structured dialogue on an annual basis.

Bankers’ meeting 2025 at Bischof+Klein Konzell

At the request of the syndicate, this year's meeting was held at Bischof+Klein Konzell. To kick off the meeting, plant manager Armin Kienberger provided an in-depth overview of the history, development, current status, and future focus of the plant.

This was followed by a look back at the 2024 financial year with our CFO Karsten Pax. The banks received the presented figures and assessments very positively. The achievements of the workforce and the jointly achieved result were particularly highlighted. Karsten Pax subsequently presented the budgetary planning for the coming five years. Despite the continuing tense geopolitical and global economic situation, the banks expressed confidence that Bischof+Klein will be able to achieve its ambitious planning targets. In recent years, the GROUP has repeatedly demonstrated its adaptability and resilience – this is exactly what the current expectations are based on, despite the fact that disruptive factors are increasing rather than decreasing.

Tour of the company and personal dialogue

Once again, one of the banks' main objectives was to familiarize themselves with our business operations on the ground. Following the official part, deputy plant manager Martin Huber gave the participants a tour of the production department. State-of-the-art machinery, efficient processes and the plant’s particular technological strengths were presented.

As was the case the previous year at Bischof+Klein Lengerich, the guests appeared to be deeply impressed – not only by the technical equipment, but above all by the commitment of the employees. Their high degree of attention, openness, and willingness to engage in conversation during the tour gave everyone involved an entirely positive impression.
 

What is a syndicated loan agreement?

A syndicated loan agreement is a special form of financing in which several banks come together to jointly provide a company with a substantial loan. Each bank therefore only assumes part of the risk. All regulations and conditions are documented in a joint agreement so that clear rules apply to all of the parties involved.

For the company, this means that there is a central line of credit with fixed procedures and contact persons – even if multiple banks are involved. A “lead bank” is responsible for coordination and ensures that everything runs smoothly. A syndicated loan agreement is particularly sensible when major investments or long-term financing are involved and a single bank would not be able or willing to finance everything on its own.