Cisalfa Group, turnover over 1.1 billion (+10%) by the end of 2026
Ebitda improved; 30% of sales are realised in Germany
by Enrico Netti
3' min read
3' min read
This is the balance of the first year of presence in Germany, and on the accounts of the Cisalfa Group, a brand specialising in the sale and distribution of clothing, footwear and equipment for sport and leisure, the weight of the German market is growing. Today, Berlin contributes 30% of the total turnover in the fiscal year 2024-2025 that ended last February. Thus, revenue reached EUR 1 billion, compared to over EUR 700 million in the previous period. Ebitda also improved and stood at around 105 million with a growth of 5 million.
"After the acquisitions of the German Sport Voswinkel and SportScheck (both in 2024, ed.), we are in the top ten of European sports retail players with around 250 points of sale between Italy and Germany, of which more than 75 stores in 12 states. There are more than 5,800 employees in the two markets, and this year more than EUR 30 million will be invested in this commercial network in terms of digitalisation and omnichanneling, in addition to the opening or restructuring of more than ten shops between Italy and Germany in the coming months.
As is the case for all businesses, the continuing consumer crisis is weighing on them. "We have noticed a slowdown in spending by Italian consumers frightened by the current international macroeconomic instability in March and April," Zanoletti continues. "We are recording a recovery in consumption in May favoured by our actions to engage our customers. As far as the categories are concerned, we have not recorded any particular changes compared to last year, but casual athleisure, which combines fashion and sport, is emerging thanks to the versatility of garments that are suitable for both everyday life and physical activity".
In Europe in the sportware segment the German market plays a key role and after more than 24 months of recession and political instability the worst seems to be over. In this market Cisalfa is in the midst of a consolidation cycle and the aim is to open a couple of shops by the end of the year. 'However, we are always open to evaluating and above all seizing opportunities should they arise, also in the market area of neighbouring Austria and Switzerland,' explains Zanoletti.
Hence the strategy of increasing margins and strengthening the key companies of the Group, consisting of seven companies, "with a particular focus on consolidating SportScheck in the German market and the Intersport Superstore brand in the Italian one," adds Zanoletti. The landing in Germany took place last year thanks to a 115 million loan, of which 65 million from UniCredit and 50 million from Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, with a Sace guarantee on the portion dedicated to internationalisation.
