Executive Summary

The B&C Group, a core shareholder of Lenzing AG and majority stakeholder in Semperit AG Holding and AMAG Austria Metall AG, takes a long-term strategic approach to its investments. It aims to keep these companies' research centers and headquarters in Austria permanently, distinguishing itself from short-term investors. B&C actively supports global expansion projects, emphasizing sustainability to enhance value, address ecological and societal challenges, and promote Austria as a stable business hub.

Goal

The project is divided into two parts. First, determining drivers that enable companies in Austrias Industrial Sector to succeed. Second, identifying industries that best leverage the previously identified value drivers as well as specific companies within these industries that serve as examples for successful Austrian companies.

Methodology

The methodology followed a three-step process. First, a Value Driver Analysis was conducted using extensive market research, consulting reports, and expert interviews to identify 12 key value drivers in Austria's industrial sector. Next, the Industry Identification phase applied a scoring system based on the identified value drivers, utilizing insights from WKO reports and expert interviews to rank the top five industries with the highest potential. Finally, the Company Identification phase identified 42 specific investment opportunities using resources such as the Hidden Champions Report, the Orbis database, and detailed assessments of market and industry potential.

Results

The analysis revealed 12 key value drivers shaping Austria's industrial sector. These include digitalization, ESG standards, the implementation of Industry 4.0, and green technologies, which are critical factors for future-oriented transformation. Other essential drivers include the availability of skilled labor, research activity, and the quality of infrastructure, which collectively determine the competitive edge of industrial locations. Additionally, financial systems, bureaucratic efficiency, energy costs, labor costs, and the pricing of CO₂ emissions emerged as significant cost and regulatory factors.

Based on these value drivers, the industries with the highest potential for value creation and investment opportunities were identified. These include the gas and thermal energy industry, the metal technology industry, the

automotive industry, the chemical industry, and the construction industry. These sectors demonstrate strong alignment with the key value drivers and present promising opportunities for strategic investment and long-term growth.

Cooperation Partner

• B&C Industrieholding GmbH

• Universitätsring 14, A-1010 Vienna

• T: +43 (0) 1 531 01 - 0

• E: office@bcholding.at

Contact Person

• Martin Schild - M.Schild@bcholding.at

• Johannes Riedl - j.riedl@bcholding.at

Student Team

• Leo Sollereder

• Leo Raab

• Vincent David Juhnke

• Jonas Adrian Crnic
   

Project Manager

• Monsorno, Benjamin

• Horvath, Dorothee