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EOS Magazine

Marwin Ramcke, CEO, steht mit blauem Anzug und der rechten Hand in der Hosentasche in einem hellen Raum.

Interview: EOS Board on the 2023/24 financial year

7 min.
The EOS Board on the 2023/24 financial year: How business has developed in the regions, why sustainability remains a key focus area, and how EOS is optimally prepared for the future.
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ESG: EOS hat eine klare Agenda für umweltbewusstes und soziales Handeln. Expert*innen für Corporate Responsibility sorgen in den Landesgesellschaften für die Umsetzung der Strategie.

ESG experts promoting sustainability at EOS internationally

4 min.
Commitment to strategy: Sustainability is becoming a success factor for financial companies. ESG experts at EOS are driving environmentally conscious and socially responsible action internationally.
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Innovationswettbewerb: Das Gewinnerteam stellte eine Künstliche Intelligenz (KI) vor, die eigenständig Callcenter-Anrufe entgegennehmen und abgeben kann.

Innovation contest: When employees shape the future with AI

3 min.
Now for the third time, EOS was calling on its employees to take part in the innovation contest. The goal: promoting international collaboration and enhancing performance.
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Faires Inkasso: Ein säumiger Verbraucher wickelt seine Zahlung einfach und anonym übers Smartphone ab.

Fair debt collection: A question - EOS has concrete answers

3 min.
The central question in responsible debt collection is: How do we handle defaulting consumers? As EOS demonstrates, there is more than one good answer to this question.
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Unbesicherte Forderungen: Eine Grafik zeigt zwei Personen, die gemeinsam eine Rechnung betrachten.

Unsecured receivables: How EOS stabilizes companies.

3 min.
Whether they are a bank, energy utility, telecoms or e-commerce firm, EOS helps businesses from a wide range of sectors to reliably plan ahead by purchasing their unsecured receivables.
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Kollecto+ ist das digitales Inkassosystem von EOS.

Digital debt collection system: The success story of Kollecto+

3 min.
Almost half of EOS national subsidiaries work with Kollecto+. The digital collection system is making great strides and offers customers and consumers alike many benefits.
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Porträtfoto von Stephan Ohlmeyer, Mitglied im EOS Board, und Jan Ottenbreit, Head of Division Central Europe.

New EOS region Central Europe: “We’re creating openness to new goals”

3 min.
Better knowledge transfer and greater openness to new business areas are what EOS aims to achieve with the new Central Europe region.
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Illustration mit einer Frau die vorm Computer sitzt und einen Roboter anguckt.

RPA: Improving quality with software robots at EOS

2 min.
“Programmed revolution”: The EOS Group is optimizing its digital receivables management with robotic process automation, freeing up staff for more complex and creative tasks.
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Der Cybersicherheitsexperte Janusch Skubatz, Chief Information Security Officer der EOS Gruppe, mit braunem Haar und weißem Hemd

Not sure about generative AI? The balance between innovation and risk.

4 min.
Generative AI offers companies enormous potential. The Otto Group reduces these risks with its in-house ogGPT tool. The EOS Group also benefits from this.
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Eine Studie zeigt: Potentiale von KI in Risk & Finance noch ungenutzt.

Survey reveals: AI potential not being exploited in risk and finance.

2 min.
A survey reveals that generative AI like ChatGPT offers companies potential applications in numerous areas. In the area of risk and finance, it also harbors untapped potential.
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Ein Foto zeigt ein heruntergekommenes Gebäude im kroatischen Režanci. Ein „Stranded Asset“, das EOS Kroatien dem Markt zurück führt.

Stranded assets: EOS creates solutions for unusable real estate.

2 min.
The number of unusable properties is growing, partly as a result of increasing requirements for sustainability. EOS is developing new areas of expertise to bring stranded assets like these back onto the market.
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Ein Gruppenfoto zeigt die EOS Geschäftsführer (v.l.n.r.) Andreas Kropp (Deutschland), Justus Hecking-Veltman (Finanzen), Marwin Ramcke (Vorsitzender der Geschäftsführung), Carsten Tidow (Osteuropa) und Dr. Andreas Witzig (Westeuropa).

2022/23 fiscal year: The Board of the EOS Group takes stock.

4 min.
In this interview, the members of the Board of the EOS Group talk about the positive developments in fiscal 2022/23, employees, diversity, and the responsibility of debt collection companies.
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Cyber Security hat für EOS höchste Priorität. Dafür baut das Unternehmen einen internationalen Schutzschirm auf.

EOS Group relies on cutting-edge technology for data protection.

2 min.
Using cutting-edge technology, EOS protects the data of customers and consumers from attacks by criminals. The new cyber-shield “Iron EOS” makes this an even faster and more efficient process.
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Mitarbeiter*innen fördern. Ein Foto zeigt eine Frau und einen Mann bei einem entspannt wirkenden Gespräch in einer Aufenthaltsfläche – als Symbolbild für eine Unternehmenskultur, in der Mitarbeiter*innen selbstbestimmt handeln.

Empowerment: How EOS attracts and retains employees.

3 min.
Supporting and encouraging people ensures growth: EOS has created numerous programs that enable employees to grow both personally and professionally.
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Ein Porträtfoto zeigt Cristi Musat, Managing Director EOS International BVG und „Kopf“ des Projekts Kollecto+

Debt collection software: More efficiency thanks to standardized system.

2 min.
In the Kollecto+ collection system, all EOS companies pool their knowledge and experience, and in doing so improve the efficiency of the entire Group.
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 A graphic shows several people communicating with each other through email, conversations, and letters.

How EOS makes debt collection responsible and fair.

3 min.
EOS stands for fair and respectful receivables management. The debt collection company accomplishes this with technology that simplifies processes for consumers and with trained staff.
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Ein Foto zeigt Hände, die Figuren von Schüler*innen auf einem Spielfeld bewegen. Darunter steht der Text: Finanzbildung: Wer früh den richtigen Umgang mit Geld erlernt, ist später besser vor Überschuldung geschützt.

Financial literacy: How EOS is committed to improving financial skills.

4 min.
A lack of financial education can accelerate the path to excessive personal debt, especially among young people. With its debt collection expertise, EOS supports financial literacy programs that aim to counter such developments.
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Eine Fotomontage zeigt ein Auto, das auf der rechten Spur einer asphaltierten Straße durch eine grüne, weite Landschaft in Richtung Sonnenuntergang fährt. Auf der entgegenkommenden Spur ist der Asphalt vollständig abgetragen.

International debt collection: EOS handles receivables management globally for Hertz.

3 min.
Cross-border receivables present both logistical and legal challenges. Car rental company Hertz relies on the expertise of EOS for its international debt collection.
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Eine Illustration zeigt einen Mann und eine Frau in Businesskleidung, die einander die Hände schütteln. Im Hintergrund ist eine Weltkugel mit mehreren Ortsmarken zu sehen – und eine stilisierte Gewinn- und Verlustrechnung.

International debt collection: How EOS processes receivables worldwide.

3 min.
EOS is active in 180 countries with its own companies or selected partners. Banks that regularly sell cross-border debts to EOS also profit from this network.
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Eine Grafik illustriert die finanzielle Verunsicherung von Frauen angesichts der Krise: Eine Frau mit Taschenrechner schaut auf eine Rechnung und fasst sich besorgt an den Kopf.

Study: Is money still ‘men’s business’?

3 min.
Who saves more, who makes decisions more confidently, and who has greater financial reserves? An EOS study reveals how differently men and women handle financial issues – and suggests possible reasons.
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Debt in Europe due to inflation: consumers having to tighten purse strings.

Study: One in five people is taking on debt as a result of inflation

4 min.
How have rising prices affected the financial situation of consumers? An EOS study reveals that many people have had to take on debt to compensate for inflation.
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Schulden in Europa durch Inflation: Das Geld der Verbraucher verfliegt.

Survey reveals: Young people want more financial education.

4 min.
Do you think young people have no desire to deal with their own finances? As a recent survey shows, this is certainly not the case. The level of interest is great – as are their fears for the future.
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Inflation auf Rekordniveau gefährdet Unternehmen: Eine ansteigende Kurve.

Record inflation threatens companies.

3 min.
Record inflation and rising energy prices threaten the purchasing power of companies and their ability to invest: Here is how you can mitigate the effects.
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Vertreter:innen der Branche beraten sich über die Zukunft des Inkasso.

For fair debt collection: EOS engaging in associations

4 min.
EOS has joined forces with other debt collection service providers to form associations. Their aim: to provide a standardized framework of action for the industry that treats everyone involved fairly.
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Finanzbildung ist Verantwortung: Mädchen sitzt am Laptop und nimmt an Online-Unterricht teil.

How EOS is committed to a debt-free world.

5 min.
In order to curb excessive personal debt, EOS is taking responsibility and is committed to improving financial literacy in society.
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EOS im UN Global Compact: Alisha Kumar und Sibylle Weingart kümmern sich bei EOS um das Thema Corporate Responsibility.

EOS in the UN Global Compact: Taking CR to the next level.

6 min.
Joining the UN Global Compact is helping EOS to devise a strategy for its corporate social responsibility. How can the goals of the initiative be applied to your own business?
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Technology highlights of the EOS Group: overview of all trends.

From analytics to security tools: The tech highlights of the EOS Group.

3 min.
Year after year, EOS invests in new technological trends. Four examples show how EOS clients, and consumers, can now benefit from these technologies.
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EOS Geschäftsbericht 2021/22: Besicherter Forderungskauf bei EOS

Interview: “The secured receivables market is all about relationships”

6 min.
EOS has greatly expanded its expertise in the processing of non-performing secured loans in recent years. Experts from two EOS countries share their experiences and provide insights into two very different markets.
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cellular-telephone, push-button, switch, lighter, appliance

Identity theft: How machine learning protects against online fraud.

6 min.
When goods are ordered under a false name, retailers are often left with the costs. RISK IDENT has developed a software that uses artificial intelligence to put a stop to identity fraud in e-commerce.
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Digitalisierung als Chance: Jürgen Borgartz schildert, was Digitalisierung für ihn bedeutet und gibt einen Einblick in den Mehrwert der digitalen Transformation bei EOS.

Digitalization as an opportunity.

7 min.
Jürgen Borgartz, Managing Director of EOS Deutschland, describes what digitalization means for him and provides insight into the added value of the digital transformation at EOS.
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Das ist die neue Marke EOS: Marwin Ramcke präsentiert sich und das neue EOS Logo.

The new EOS brand: Pioneering and more dynamic and digital.  

3 min.
In this interview, CEO Marwin Ramcke talks about the mindset behind the brand and what it means for the company’s business partners.
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Portrait von Marwin Ramcke,Geschäftsführer der EOS Group und zuständig für Osteuropa.

Interview with new EOS CEO Ramcke: “We are going to set new benchmarks.”

4 min.
Marwin Ramcke leads the EOS Group as new CEO. In this interview he reveals his plans for the future and discusses the challenges he sees managers facing today.
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Vielfalt bei EOS: Tijen Onaran, Diversity-Expertin

Diversity drives success: “not (just) a women’s issue”

5 min.
Diverse teams are more successful, says diversity expert Tijen Onaran. In this interview she reveals how companies can create diversity and equal opportunities in the workplace.
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Internationales Inkasso: Inkasso-Experte Raymond Pappot läuft durch das niederländische Almere.

International debt collection: How the EOS Cross-border Center works.

5 min.
Through the establishment of its Cross-border Center 10 years ago, EOS found a way of recovering money across national borders. Since then, a strong global network of partners has been created.
Learn more
Finanzbildung für Kinder: Eine Schülerin betrachtet ihren Finanzplan.

Social responsibility: EOS puts financial education on the curriculum.

4 min.
Through the finlit foundation, EOS is committed to improving financial literacy to help counter excessive personal debt. The foundation’s first initiative is focusing on children.
Learn more
Robotic Process Automation: Kollegen und Kolleginnen und Kollegen in einem Meeting.

The six biggest misconceptions about debt collection

4 min.
Debt collection companies use disreputable practices and are only worth engaging if you are a big company anyway. There are a lot of such misconceptions about debt collection. We’ve looked at the most persistent ones.
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Inkasso beauftragen: Geschäftsmann steht nachdenklich inmitten einer Geschäftsmetropole.

Debt collection: When is it worth outsourcing it?

5 min.
Why is it beneficial for companies to engage a debt collection service provider? And when is the best time to do so? We asked an expert.
Learn more
Hohe Investitionen in Westeuropa: Dr. Andreas Witzig, Geschäftsführer der EOS Gruppe und zuständig für die Regionen Westeuropa und Nordamerika.

Investments: EOS achieved a high level of revenue in Western Europe.

4 min.
Investments in debt purchases: Dr Andreas Witzig, Member of the EOS Group’s Board of Directors, on the development of revenues in the Western European and North American regions.
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EOS Kollecto+-Board: Thomas Walter, Vertreter der Hamburger EOS Technology Solutions.

A fresh approach to collaboration: The EOS Kollecto+ Board.

5 min.
The Kollecto+ Board is lifting cooperation at EOS to the next level. The international team is responsible for the ongoing development of web-based cloud-ready software in 12 countries.
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Kollecto+: eine webbasierte und cloudfähige Software für Forderungsmanagement.

From silos to cloud: How EOS is shaping the future with Kollecto+

3 min.
A single software platform for a dozen countries? EOS experts explain how that can work without anyone losing out. The web-based, cloud-ready solution is called Kollecto+.
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basket, envelope, packet, cotton, brick

This is how you collect debt abroad.

3 min.
EOS has partners in more than 180 countries who know all the legal and cultural intricacies of the debt collection business
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A project team discusses target groups around the whiteboard.

At EOS, Big data won’t work without humans guiding it.

It’s not just about technology, it’s about people developing a data-driven mindset, the Center of Analytics team explains.
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Press releases

EOS Group, IFC Partner to Resolve Non-Performing Loans, Boost Lending in Poland

Hamburg, March 14, 2024

  • New €275 million facility to purchase and resolve NPLs in Poland
  • Project will build resilience of banking sector and foster new lending
  • Strong focus on environmental, social and governance aspects

A new €275-million platform in Poland will help financial institutions resolve their non-performing loans (NPLs), freeing up capital for new lending, allowing individuals and businesses to restore their creditworthiness, and bolstering the country’s banking sector.

Co-funded by IFC and EOS Group (EOS), the new facility focuses on the acquisition and resolution of non-performing loans of retail clients, small and medium enterprises, and real estate-owned assets (REOs) held by financial institutions in Poland. The new facility incorporates environmental and social standards into its NPL resolution practices, in line with IFC's Performance Standards. These include objectives such as preventing environmental damage when working with real estate, ensuring borrowers are treated fairly and responsibly.

"Together with our partner IFC, we are delighted to be able to expand our cooperation in the important NPL market in Poland and thus strengthen our activities as a sustainable investor," said Carsten Tidow, Managing Director of the EOS Group and responsible for Eastern Europe. "As one of the largest and most active NPL markets in Eastern Europe, Poland is a particular focus for EOS. In addition to the positive contribution to the Polish economy, the consideration of environmental, social and governance aspects continues to play a major role in the selection and resolution of NPLs."

The new facility is part of IFC’s Distressed Asset Recovery Program (DARP), which focuses on the acquisition and resolution of distressed assets across emerging markets. The $9.1 billion global investment program includes commitments of $3.2 billion on IFC’s account and $5.9 billion mobilized from private sector investors.

The project will be the third engagement of IFC and EOS, following the creation of a facility in 2010 to purchase and resolve unsecured retail NPL portfolios, and a €129 million regional facility to help financial institutions resolve their NPLs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Romania, and Serbia in 2022.

"IFC is a market leader in distressed asset acquisition and resolution in emerging markets,” said Ariane di Iorio, Global Head of Distressed Assets Investments at IFC. “By supporting distressed assets markets in our target countries sustainably and ethically, we help financial institutions return to their core lending businesses and normalize NPLs so borrowers can become creditworthy again.”

“Ethical debt collection has always been at the core of our business, thus integrating sustainable investment into our processes is a natural next step,” said Dariusz Petynka, Managing Director of EOS Poland. EOS has been active in the NPL market in Poland for over 25 years. “Over the past few years, we have been fortunate to make very significant investments in NPL portfolios in Poland. The cooperation with IFC will allow us to strengthen our position as one of the leading players in the Polish market,” said Borys Drajczyk, Member of the Management Board, Chief Investment and Technology Officer at EOS Poland.

 

About IFC

IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, IFC committed a record $43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org

About EOS Group

The EOS Group is a leading technology-driven investor in receivables portfolios and an expert in the processing of outstanding receivables. With over 50 years of experience and offices in more than 20 countries, EOS offers smart services for receivables management worldwide. Its key target sectors are banking, real estate, telecommunications, utilities, and e-commerce. EOS employs more than 6,000 people and is part of Otto Group. For more information on the EOS Group, please go to: eos-solutions.com

About EOS Poland

EOS Poland is a team of experts specializing in the purchase and management of receivables. Using modern technological solutions, we provide financial services tailored to the needs of both our business partners and defaulting payers. We help to recover debts effectively, professionally and with due respect for ethical principles. We have been present on the Polish market since 1998.  As a member of the Association of Financial Enterprises in Poland, we operate in accordance with the Good Practice Principles. For more information on EOS Poland, please go to: eos-poland.pl

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EOS receives two Red Dot Awards

Hamburg, Germany, December 15, 2023

The EOS Group has won two Red Dot Awards 2023 in the Corporate Design and Typography categories. In spring 2022, the international financial services provider unveiled its new brand identity, which has now been honoured.

"We are thrilled to receive this award. The Red Dot Award is an incredible acknowledgement of our work," says Lara Flemming, Senior Vice President Communications & Marketing at EOS Holding GmbH. " Many of our colleagues made the relaunch possible and contributed to the successful transformation of our brand. This award belongs to them all."

The clear and dynamic design positions EOS at various touchpoints as a modern player in the European receivables management market. "We actively create change at EOS. With the relaunch, it was therefore crucial to show this attitude visually," says Lara Flemming.

The rollout of the new brand was made possible in various workstreams with colleagues in 24 countries. EOS received support for the brand relaunch from the Hamburg-based design agency Syndicate.

The Red Dot is one of the most prestigious awards for design quality. The international jury of the Red Dot Award Brands & Communication Design only awards this seal of quality to projects that impress them with their good design quality and creative performance in various categories. Further information on the award-winning EOS design projects: www.red-dot.org/eos-holding

About the EOS Group

The EOS Group is a leading technology-driven investor in receivables portfolios and an expert in the processing of outstanding receivables. With around 50 years of experience and offices in 24 countries, EOS offers smart services for receivables management worldwide. Its key target sectors are banking, real estate, telecommunications, utilities, and e-commerce. EOS employs more than 6,000 people and is part of Otto Group. For more information on EOS Group, please go to: eos-solutions.com

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EOS Group achieves top position in ESG rating

Hamburg, Germany, October 24, 2023

In the course of its successful internationalization strategy, EOS Holding GmbH, Hamburg, is reorganizing its regional responsibilities: At the beginning of the coming financial year on 1 March 2024, the German market will be merged into the new Central Europe region. In addition to Eastern and Western Europe, this will create another high-growth region with the markets of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Hungary.

In the course of this restructuring, a number of changes have been decided in the management team of the Otto Group's financial services provider: Dr. Stephan Ohlmeyer (55), a proven financial expert and insider of the industry, will join the Group on 1 November 2023. After a four-month handover period by the current Managing Director of Germany, Andreas Kropp (56), Ohlmeyer will take over the region Central Europe. After around 20 years in various management positions at the Otto Group, Andreas Kropp will in future be taking on new tasks outside the EOS Group at his own request.

"We would like to thank Andreas Kropp for his many years of commitment to EOS in a highly developed, important market for the Group," says Petra Scharner-Wolff, Group Executive Board Member for Finance, Controlling and Human Resources at the Otto Group. "Now the task is to build up the Central Europe region. With Dr. Stephan Ohlmeyer, we have found the ideal person for this task at EOS. He has been a companion in the industry for many years. His view from the outside together with his outstanding expertise as a financial expert bring new impulses at the right time."

Dr Stephan Ohlmeyer is regarded as an internationally renowned portfolio manager. After holding positions at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Lone Star and investment firms such as Intrum and Hoist, he wants to bring his expertise to the company for the next growth steps. "Ideal conditions were created for me to join the company: With the support of Andreas Kropp and the board colleagues from Western and Eastern Europe, I can build up the necessary internal know-how for the various markets in the coming months. Together with my international experience, we will quickly move the Central Europe region forward," says Ohlmeyer.

Further changes in the top management of the Group will also be implemented on 1 March 2024: The Managing Director of the Western Europe region, Dr. Andreas Witzig will leave the Executive Board at the end of the financial year after 17 years. The 57-year-old lawyer looks back on a career of around 20 years in leading positions in the Otto Group.

"Dr. Andreas Witzig has been able to develop the Western Europe region excellently over the past years. I would like to thank him very much for this. With Sebastian Pollmer, a great talent of the younger generation is taking over who has already become intensively acquainted with the markets", explains Petra Scharner-Wolff, Group Executive Board Member for Finance, Controlling and Human Resources of the Otto Group.

Sebastian Pollmer, Senior Vice President for the Region, will succeed as the new Managing Director of the Western Europe Region. The 39-year-old has gained outstanding expertise in the field of NPL transactions and evaluations after holding positions at Norddeutsche Landesbank and KPMG since 2016. "I am very pleased about the trust placed in me. There is still a lot of potential in the Western Europe region. From March 2024, my team and I will focus primarily on leveraging precisely this potential, especially in the area of digitalisation," he says.

"In these rapidly changing times and numerous uncertainties in the economy and politics, it is becoming increasingly important to consistently adapt as a company and to map diverse skills in the management team," Scharner-Wolff summarises. "I am convinced that with the current changes we are taking the right development step into the future, which will ensure the success of the Otto Group."

About the EOS Group

The EOS Group is a leading technology-driven investor in receivables portfolios and an expert in the processing of outstanding receivables. With around 50 years of experience and offices in 24 countries, EOS offers smart services for receivables management worldwide. Its key target sectors are banking, real estate, telecommunications, utilities, and e-commerce. EOS employs more than 6,000 people and is part of Otto Group. For more information on EOS Group, please go to: eos-solutions.com

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Hamburg, Germany, October 24, 2023

In the course of its successful internationalization strategy, EOS Holding GmbH, Hamburg, is reorganizing its regional responsibilities: At the beginning of the coming financial year on 1 March 2024, the German market will be merged into the new Central Europe region. In addition to Eastern and Western Europe, this will create another high-growth region with the markets of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Hungary.

In the course of this restructuring, a number of changes have been decided in the management team of the Otto Group's financial services provider: Dr. Stephan Ohlmeyer (55), a proven financial expert and insider of the industry, will join the Group on 1 November 2023. After a four-month handover period by the current Managing Director of Germany, Andreas Kropp (56), Ohlmeyer will take over the region Central Europe. After around 20 years in various management positions at the Otto Group, Andreas Kropp will in future be taking on new tasks outside the EOS Group at his own request.

"We would like to thank Andreas Kropp for his many years of commitment to EOS in a highly developed, important market for the Group," says Petra Scharner-Wolff, Group Executive Board Member for Finance, Controlling and Human Resources at the Otto Group. "Now the task is to build up the Central Europe region. With Dr. Stephan Ohlmeyer, we have found the ideal person for this task at EOS. He has been a companion in the industry for many years. His view from the outside together with his outstanding expertise as a financial expert bring new impulses at the right time."

Dr Stephan Ohlmeyer is regarded as an internationally renowned portfolio manager. After holding positions at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Lone Star and investment firms such as Intrum and Hoist, he wants to bring his expertise to the company for the next growth steps. "Ideal conditions were created for me to join the company: With the support of Andreas Kropp and the board colleagues from Western and Eastern Europe, I can build up the necessary internal know-how for the various markets in the coming months. Together with my international experience, we will quickly move the Central Europe region forward," says Ohlmeyer.

Further changes in the top management of the Group will also be implemented on 1 March 2024: The Managing Director of the Western Europe region, Dr. Andreas Witzig will leave the Executive Board at the end of the financial year after 17 years. The 57-year-old lawyer looks back on a career of around 20 years in leading positions in the Otto Group.

"Dr. Andreas Witzig has been able to develop the Western Europe region excellently over the past years. I would like to thank him very much for this. With Sebastian Pollmer, a great talent of the younger generation is taking over who has already become intensively acquainted with the markets", explains Petra Scharner-Wolff, Group Executive Board Member for Finance, Controlling and Human Resources of the Otto Group.

Sebastian Pollmer, Senior Vice President for the Region, will succeed as the new Managing Director of the Western Europe Region. The 39-year-old has gained outstanding expertise in the field of NPL transactions and evaluations after holding positions at Norddeutsche Landesbank and KPMG since 2016. "I am very pleased about the trust placed in me. There is still a lot of potential in the Western Europe region. From March 2024, my team and I will focus primarily on leveraging precisely this potential, especially in the area of digitalisation," he says.

"In these rapidly changing times and numerous uncertainties in the economy and politics, it is becoming increasingly important to consistently adapt as a company and to map diverse skills in the management team," Scharner-Wolff summarises. "I am convinced that with the current changes we are taking the right development step into the future, which will ensure the success of the Otto Group."

About the EOS Group

The EOS Group is a leading technology-driven investor in receivables portfolios and an expert in the processing of outstanding receivables. With around 50 years of experience and offices in 24 countries, EOS offers smart services for receivables management worldwide. Its key target sectors are banking, real estate, telecommunications, utilities, and e-commerce. EOS employs more than 6,000 people and is part of Otto Group. For more information on EOS Group, please go to: eos-solutions.com

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Hamburg, Germany, July 26, 2023

  • Significant increase in investment volume in Eastern and Western Europe
  • Even stronger focus on international collaboration and digitalization
  • Corporate Responsibility (CR): Combined Annual and Sustainability Report based on Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards for first time
The EOS Group enjoyed strong growth in the 2022/23 financial year. Europe’s leading investor in non-performing loans, debt and real estate portfolios, and expert in the processing of outstanding receivables, achieved an EBITDA of EUR 445.9 million in fiscal 2022/23. A major factor in this success was the significant increase in investment volume of EUR 668.6 million (in the previous year) to EUR 1.2 billion, with EOS investing in both secured and unsecured receivables.

Outstanding operating performance

The expert processing of existing NPL portfolios (non-performing loans) from previous years also contributed to the increase in earnings and revenue in fiscal 2022/23. Marwin Ramcke, CEO of the EOS Group, had this to say: “Given the international political and macroeconomic situation at the beginning of the financial year, this kind of growth was not foreseeable. That we were able to achieve such a result in these turbulent times is due in particular to the dedication of our around 6,000 employees.”

The broad positioning of the EOS Group with 24 national subsidiaries in Europe has also had a positive impact on the overall result, says Justus Hecking-Veltman, CFO of the EOS Group. “Our diversification gives us enormous stability as a group of companies. We are not dependent on individual markets. Our longstanding expertise as a purchaser of NPL portfolios, but also our patience in certain markets, have paid dividends in this financial year,” says Hecking-Veltman. 

Eastern Europe builds on previous year with high investment level 

With a share of 42 percent, Eastern Europe is the strongest performing region within the EOS Consolidated. Compared with the previous year, the Eastern European subsidiaries were even able to increase their revenue by around 50 percent. “With an investment volume of around EUR 400 million, we were also able to build on our high figures from the year before,” says Carsten Tidow, the member of the Board responsible for Eastern Europe. This is exemplified not just by the renewed high investments in Greece, Poland and Croatia, but also by a small country like Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the secured NPL portfolio business was heavily expanded.

Western Europe quadruples investment volume 

At EUR 612 million, the EOS Consolidated managed to more than quadruple its investment volume in Western Europe. This is attributable above all to the markets in France and Spain, says Dr. Andreas Witzig, member of the Board with responsibility for Western Europe. In this conjunction, Portugal is also of particular note: “Although our company there was only founded in 2022, today more than 20 colleagues are active in the Portuguese NPL market and have been able to complete their first NPL purchases.” The implementation of Kollecto+, the Group’s own debt collection software, which is already in use in eight EOS countries and creates relevant synergies, also contributed to the company’s good start. 
 

High competitive pressures in Germany

In the German market, the EOS Consolidated recorded a decline in revenue. The main reason for this was the intense competition, says Andreas Kropp, Managing Director EOS Germany. “The German NPL market is the most established of all NPL markets we operate in as a Group. There are a lot of competitors on the market that ensure a high price level for the debt portfolios. Being connected to our own debt collection system Kollecto+ is an important step for us, allowing us to become more efficient and improve our competitiveness,” Kropp continues. 

“Debt collection means taking responsibility”

For the first time, the EOS Group has published a combined annual report and sustainability report. It is based on the standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and shows how EOS supports the UN’s sustainability goals. 

“We have always said that debt collection means taking responsibility, so corporate responsibility has therefore long since been a major issue for us,” stresses CEO Marwin Ramcke. “We strive to become a little better every day. In this context, the GRI standards help us to make transparent how sustainable our actions are and what we are achieving in this area.” According to Andreas Kropp, this is not just a matter of traditional environmental issues. The fair treatment of defaulting consumers also plays a major role. “We want to help them become debt-free as quickly as possible. To this end we offer various services that allow people to pay anonymously at any time. In our German service portal, consumers can also set their own installment rates.” 

About the EOS Group

The EOS Group is a leading technology-driven investor in receivables portfolios and an expert in the processing of outstanding receivables. With around 50 years of experience and offices in 24 countries, EOS offers smart services for receivables management worldwide. Its key target sectors are banking, real estate, telecommunications, utilities, and e-commerce. EOS employs more than 6,000 people and is part of Otto Group.

For more information on the EOS Group, please go to: eos-solutions.com
EOS consolidated revenue by region 2022-23
EOS investments in debt purchases and real estate in 2022-23
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Hamburg, March 15, 2023

 

The Hanseatic Higher Regional Court (OLG) of Hamburg today upheld an action brought by the Federal Association of German Consumer Organizations against EOS Investment GmbH. According to the decision, the company must not require defaulting consumers to reimburse the collection fee, because despite engaging EOS Deutscher Inkasso-Dienst GmbH it has not suffered any reimbursable loss. EOS regards the decision as wrong and will appeal to the Federal Court of Justice. The judgment is not final.

“In our view, the Higher Regional Court of Hamburg has disregarded essential points in the proceedings,” explains Dr. Hendrik Aßmus, Head of Legal at EOS in Germany. “In all test cases addressed, there was indisputably a payment default. Costs are incurred during the processing of these receivables that are to be borne by the defaulting payer according to our understanding of the law. Ultimately, the defaulting payer has not met their obligation to pay the receivable in due time. The judgment therefore violates significant fundamental principles of German tort law, which is why we are having it reviewed by the Federal Court of Justice (BGH).”

A ruling by the Federal Court of Justice is not expected until 2024 at the earliest.

About the EOS Group

The EOS Group is a leading technology-driven investor in receivables portfolios and an expert in the processing of outstanding receivables. With over 45 years of experience, EOS offers customers in 24 countries around the world smart services for all their receivables management needs. Its key target sectors are banking, real estate, telecommunications, utilities and e-commerce. EOS employs more than 6,000 people and is part of Otto Group.

For more information on EOS Group, please go to: eos-solutions.com

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Hamburg, Germany, June 7, 2023

  • EOS receives the German Award for Sustainability Projects in recognition of the non-profit finlit foundation
  • Jury won over by the educational concept for handling money and debt
  • The financial education initiative “ManoMoneta” is already being implemented at elementary schools

 

The EOS Group has received the German Award for Sustainability Projects in recognition of the finlit foundation – a non-profit corporation. In the “Non-profit initiative” category, the jury acknowledged the commitment demonstrated by the foundation in helping to prevent excessive personal debt by teaching financial skills.

“It is important to talk about money, finances, and debt, but even more important to improve financial education, which is why we have established the non-profit finlit foundation. The German Award for Sustainability Projects confirms that our commitment is paying off and we are on the right track,” says Marwin Ramcke, CEO of the EOS Group.

The finlit foundation, which was launched on the initiative of EOS employees, has been campaigning for better financial education in everyday life, and opposing excessive personal debt, since 2019. “Our aim is to help people to help themselves as early as possible, which is why we start in elementary school. Reading, writing, and arithmetic are undisputed life skills – and handling money should also count as such,” summarizes Sebastian Richter, Managing Director of finlit.

The finlit foundation has reached out to almost 100,000 children in grades 3 to 6 with its first financial education initiative ManoMeta, the contents of which are consciously addressed at pupils. “We need to be aware of the world in which young people operate, and link money and finances to things that interest them, such as social media or games. “We have tailored the contents of our initiative to strongly reflect the everyday lives of children,” says Richter.

The teaching materials, which can be ordered or downloaded by interested teachers free of charge (www.manomoneta.de), impart financial knowledge on the basis of six everyday topics – Media, Consumption, Work, Household, Global Finance, and Living, and are essentially geared toward child participation. Questions such as “How much does a pet cost?” or analyzing the tasks involved in breaking down the monthly budget allow the subject of money to be addressed using modern teaching methods. In addition to analog elements, the program also includes a digital learning platform.

The finlit foundation is already starting to roll out ManoMoneta on an international scale; following the launch of the initiative in the Czech Republic last year, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain are now set to follow suit this year.

The German Award for Sustainability Projects 2023 was presented on June 6 in Berlin by the German Institute for Service Quality, the ntv news channel, and the DUP UNTERNEHMER magazine. The patron of the award is former Federal Minister, Brigitte Zypries. The aim of the award is to make sustainable commitment visible across various industries and levels, and, in doing so, to inspire other companies and institutions to launch their own sustainable projects.

About the finlit foundation

The finlit foundation GmbH is part of the EOS Group and was established in November 2019 on the initiative of employees. The aim of the non-profit corporation is to contribute toward financial education and thereby prevent excessive debt by engaging in social responsibility. The finlit foundation is largely financed by the EOS Group. For more information on the finlit foundation, please go to: www.finlit.foundation

About the EOS Group

The EOS Group is a leading technology-driven investor in receivables portfolios and an expert in the processing of outstanding receivables. With over 45 years of experience, EOS offers customers in 24 countries around the world smart services for all their receivables management needs. Its key target sectors are banking, real estate, telecommunications, utilities and e-commerce. EOS employs more than 6,000 people and is part of Otto Group. For more information on EOS Group, please go to: eos-solutions.com

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Hamburg, Germany, March 15, 2023

  • Young people in Europe are using cash more frequently than even six months ago
  • When it comes to their financial future, they are especially concerned about inflation and energy prices

According to a recent survey by the international financial services provider EOS, young adults between the ages of 18 and 34 have a strong interest in finance. One observation that is particularly striking here is that nearly half of those surveyed (48 percent) have used cash more often in the last six months. In Germany the figure was 45 percent. This could be motivated by the desire to keep a tighter handle on personal finances and thus incur less debt, and is supported by current savings trends such as “cash stuffing”, where the monthly budget is withdrawn in cash and distributed across individual savings and expenditure items. A total of 7,700 consumers across 13 European countries were surveyed for the study in February.

The consequences of inflation are the greatest concern for the future

The 18–34-year-olds surveyed in Europe listed inflation (70 percent) and high energy prices (46 percent) as the main reasons for their financial worries about the future. Fear of unemployment (27 percent) also plays a role.

Young people in Germany also listed inflation (66 percent) and high energy prices (54 percent) as the main reasons for worrying about their financial future. Concerns about the inability to afford major purchases were ranked in third place (28 percent). 18 percent of German 18–34-year-olds cited the fear of unemployment as another reason for financial worries about the future.

At the same time, more than half of young Europeans (51 percent), would like a better financial education. In Eastern European countries such as Romania (70 percent), North Macedonia (54 percent), and Hungary (53 percent), where consumers took on new debt most often in the last six months, the demand for financial education is particularly high. However, respondents in the Czech Republic (50 percent) and – in Western Europe – Spain (49 percent) would also like more financial education. In Germany this figure is 32 percent.

finlit foundation provides financial education from primary school age

Jana Titov, Managing Director of the finlit foundation, knows how important it is to boost financial literacy as early as during childhood: “We take a lot of time to learn many other things like reading, writing, and arithmetic. The same should apply to handling money,” she affirms. With the ManoMoneta education program, which is currently being rolled out across Europe, the non-profit subsidiary of the EOS Group is already targeting schoolchildren as young as 9 to 13 years of age. A follow-on initiative for young people aged 13 to 17 in Germany is already at the launch stage.

About the EOS survey “Europeans in financial trouble? EOS Consumer Study” 

In partnership with Dynata, a specialist in online surveys, EOS conducted an online poll of 7,700 consumers in 13 European countries between February 3–9, 2023. The survey focused on the question of how the last six months had affected the consumption patterns and financial situation of the participants. 

About the EOS Group

The EOS Group is a leading technology-driven investor in receivables portfolios and an expert in the processing of outstanding receivables. With over 45 years of experience, EOS offers some 20,000 customers in 24 countries around the world smart services for all their receivables management needs. Its key target sectors are banking, real estate, telecommunications, utilities and e-commerce. EOS employs more than 6,000 people and is part of Otto Group.

For more information on EOS Group, please go to: eos-solutions.com

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Hamburg, November 30, 2022

  • Majority of European companies see sustainability as a trend in receivables management
  • Sustainability strategy a criterion for awarding contracts to business partners
For companies, sustainability is becoming increasingly relevant. A good half (51 percent) of European financial executives think that sustainable practices will be one of the key trends in receivables management in the next two years. At the same time, by their own admission, only 31 percent of European firms are currently implementing sustainable practices in this area. In Germany it is even fewer, at 29 percent. These were some of the insights from the representative EOS Survey “European Payment Practices” 2022, which polled 3,200 companies in 16 European countries.

Sustainability is about more than just conventional environmental protection 

Two out of three companies in Europe confirm that they generally assume social and ecological responsibility. However, sustainability is often reduced to issues of climate and environmental protection only. According to the survey, only 46 percent of European companies associate a solution-driven approach to defaulting consumers with sustainable practices. In Germany the proportion is 44 percent.

“Most companies have long since recognized that sustainability is a success factor for their future development. At the same time, the receivables management sector is only gradually coming to realize that a fair and individualized approach to defaulting consumers is crucial,” explains Julius Reuting, EOS Group expert in corporate responsibility (CR). “Moreover, we are finding that when customers are awarding debt collection contracts, they are increasingly looking at whether the service provider exercises social responsibility and has a good reputation.”

Sustainability strategy a decisive criterion for awarding contracts

Half of the European companies polled stated that they took the sustainability strategies of potential business partners into account when deciding to award a contract. This is also the case in Germany, where 52 percent of companies check the sustainability strategies of potential partners before they decide to work with them. In addition, 77 percent of respondents are basically in favor of companies being more sustainable.

About the EOS Survey “European Payment Practices” 

In partnership with independent market research institute Kantar, EOS conducted phone interviews with 3,200 companies in 16 European countries between March 4 and April 19, 2022, to ask them about the prevailing payment practices in their respective locations. In the spring of 2022, 200 companies (each with an annual turnover of more than EUR 5 million) in each of the countries Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK answered questions about their own payment experiences and current issues relating to risk and receivables management. This is the 13th time that EOS has conducted the survey.

About the EOS Group

The EOS Group is a leading technology-driven investor in receivables portfolios and an expert in the processing of outstanding receivables. With over 45 years of experience, EOS offers some 20,000 customers in 25 countries around the world smart services for all their receivables management needs. Its key target sectors are banking, real estate, telecommunications, utilities and e-commerce. EOS employs more than 6,000 people and is part of Otto Group.

For more information on EOS Group, please go to: eos-solutions.com
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Hamburg, Germany, November 16, 2022 

  • Full potential of AI in receivables management barely being exploited
  • Less than half of German companies are (highly) data-driven
The use of data in reminder processes is standard practice at just half (52 percent) of European companies. Even among German financial executives, only 49 percent stated that their companies were (highly) data-driven compared to their competitors. These were some of the insights from the representative EOS survey “European Payment Practices”, which polled 3,200 companies in 16 European countries.

Progressive data protection let down by poor data quality

German and other European companies do not regard data protection and information security as obstacles to the successful implementation of a data strategy. Three quarters of all companies (75 percent) in Germany see themselves as (very) progressive when it comes to information security (as many as 82 percent in respect of data protection). However, companies see a need for action in relation to data volume and quality. Just over half (53 percent) rate their own data volumes as progressive, while just 49 percent feel the same about their data quality. To be able to compete in the long term, companies in Germany need the resolve to implement a data strategy, urges Jakob Spitzer, Director Analytics at EOS. In this context, the effort and investment in the expanded use of data are worthwhile. “Greater transparency and efficiency and the most extensive automation of business processes possible help companies to survive in a digital world.”

The trend towards extending data-driven business processes is positive. More than a third (37 percent) of companies in Europe would also like to use data in future for their receivables management decision-making. In Germany, as many as 40 percent of the companies polled stated that they wanted to continue to expand this area of application. “Intelligent use of data offers major advantages, for example, when it comes to approaching defaulting customers,” explains Spitzer. “For instance, historical data can be used to help make decisions about which communication measure, channel and tone have the greatest likelihood of resulting in payment.”

Artificial intelligence offers potential for receivables management 

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in particular is becoming increasingly important for a successful data strategy. 32 percent of companies in Europe stated that thanks to self-learning algorithms, AI was already improving dunning procedures at their companies. Another 31 percent are using AI for the initial steps in the receivables management process. A similar picture emerges in Germany, where the percentage of companies reporting this development was 27 and 33 percent respectively. 

Nevertheless, there is no consensus among European companies overall about the usefulness of AI. Whereas 44 percent believe that AI will revolutionize receivables management, 30 percent believe it is not very important. “However, our findings show that data and the use of AI make receivables management even more efficient,” explains Jakob Spitzer. “By analyzing what has happened in the past we can make reliable predictions for the future. At EOS, for example, we generate a range of possible payment plans for settling an outstanding debt. Subsequently, a data-driven algorithm evaluates the probability of success,” adds Spitzer. “Ultimately, only the installment plan most likely to succeed is suggested to the consumer.”

About the EOS Survey “European Payment Practices” 

In partnership with independent market research institute Kantar, EOS conducted phone interviews with 3,200 companies in 16 European countries between March 4 and April 19, 2022, to ask them about the prevailing payment practices in their respective locations. In the spring of 2022, 200 companies (each with an annual turnover of more than EUR 5 million) in each of the countries Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK answered questions about their own payment experiences and current issues relating to risk and receivables management. This is the 13th time that EOS has conducted the survey.

Further information on the EOS study "European Payment Practices"

About the EOS Group

The EOS Group is a leading technology-driven investor in receivables portfolios and an expert in the processing of outstanding receivables. With over 45 years of experience, EOS offers some 20,000 customers in 25 countries around the world smart services for all their receivables management needs. Its key target sectors are banking, real estate, telecommunications, utilities and e-commerce. EOS employs more than 6,000 people and is part of Otto Group.

For more information on EOS Group, please go to: eos-solutions.com
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Hamburg, October 19, 2022

  • Just one in five European companies has completely digitalized their receivables management
  • 44 percent of companies in Germany have a barely or only partially digitalized dunning process
  • 23 percent of German companies have a fully digitalized dunning process
The pandemic led to an increase in the receivables management workload at around a third (31 percent) of companies in Europe. At the same time, the proportion of European companies that have fully digitalized their dunning processes has risen by just 4 percent since 2019. In Germany, only 23 percent of companies have a fully digitalized dunning process. These were some of the findings from the meanwhile 13th representative EOS Survey “European Payment Practices”, which polled 3,200 companies in 16 European countries.

Expanding digitalization can improve repayment rates

To master the increased workload, a quarter of the European companies surveyed are pushing the digitalization of their own dunning systems, but overall, far too few companies had taken this step. According to the EOS survey, only 21 percent of companies in Europe have a fully digitalized dunning process. At 45 percent of companies, the dunning system is either barely or only partially digitalized. The same picture emerges in Germany, where just 23 percent of companies have a fully digitalized dunning process. A further 36 percent of German companies say they have a partially digitalized dunning process in place, while 8 percent use a dunning process that it is barely digitalized.

This is despite the fact that digital processes can already lead to a lower error rate and improved liquidity. Michaela Homann, Head of Technical Customer Communications at EOS in Germany, explains: “Linking technology with the perspective of the defaulting consumers improves repayment rates. Because in our experience, defaulting consumers want to make payments quickly using digital means and without a lot of effort. For example, this includes enabling customers to communicate via their preferred digital channels and pay outstanding invoices around the clock using self-service options. In this context, offering various digital payment methods like Apple Pay or PayPal should be standard.” Digitalizing receivables management can also prevent errors and improve the customer experience. In view of the economic forecasts both for Germany and the entire Eurozone, companies are urged not just to digitalize their dunning processes but also to look into working with debt collection service providers. Across Europe, 11 percent of the companies polled rely exclusively on external support (10 percent in Germany), while another 35 percent process outstanding receivables both in-house and via external partners (also 35 percent in Germany). 

About the EOS Survey “European Payment Practices” 

In partnership with independent market research institute Kantar, EOS used phone interviews with 3,200 companies in 16 European countries between March 4 and April 19, 2022, to ask them about the prevailing payment practices in their respective locations. In the spring of 2022, 200 companies (each with an annual turnover of more than EUR 5 million) in each of the countries Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK answered questions about their own payment experiences and current issues relating to risk and receivables management. This is the 13th time that EOS has conducted the survey.

Further information on the EOS study "European Payment Practices"

About the EOS Group

The EOS Group is a leading technology-driven investor in receivables portfolios and an expert in the processing of outstanding receivables. With over 45 years of experience, EOS offers some 20,000 customers in 25 countries around the world smart services for all their receivables management needs. Its key target sectors are banking, real estate, telecommunications, utilities and e-commerce. EOS employs more than 6,000 people and is part of Otto Group.

For more information on EOS Group, please go to: eos-solutions.com
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Hamburg, Germany, October 6, 2022

  • Almost one in four invoices in Europe is paid late or not paid at all 
  • Payment practices in Germany the best in Europe
Since 2019, payment practices in Europe have deteriorated, i.e., there has been an increase in the proportion of late and unrecoverable receivables. This development is causing around one in five companies to worry about their viability. In Germany, on the other hand, a different picture emerges: Payment practices in Germany have been consistent since 2019, and even after three years are still the best in Europe. This was one of the insights from the EOS Survey “European Payment Practices”, which polled 3,200 companies in 16 European countries. 

Although companies had granted them longer payment terms, 14 percent of customers in Germany still paid their invoices too late or did not pay them at all. According to this result, Germany is in a much better position than the average European company. Because compared with the 2019 survey, which revealed that 19 percent of invoices in Europe were paid late or not paid at all, this figure had risen to as much as 21 percent by the latest survey in 2022. With the exception of Germany and Belgium, the same trend emerges when comparing countries in Western Europe. The proportion of late or unrecoverable payments in Germany has remained constant since 2019, while in Belgium it declined from 20 to 18 percent. These are the lowest values in Europe. 

European companies stated that as a result of these payment delays, the main issues that they struggled with were their own liquidity bottlenecks (42 percent) and profit shortfalls (51 percent). As a result, around a third of companies had to reduce their investments (30 percent) and raise prices (28 percent). Accordingly, companies have a bleak view of the future. 24 percent of respondents in Germany, and in Europe overall, assume that payment practices are going to get worse.  “It is concerning that payment practices have deteriorated significantly, especially because in the light of the current economic figures and high inflation we have to expect a further decline in payment behaviour,” says Marwin Ramcke, CEO of the EOS Group.

Professionalization in receivables management can protect liquidity

More and more companies are working with external receivables management service providers to recover debts. This is the case in Germany as well, where 35 percent of companies process receivables both in-house and using external service providers. Ten percent of companies have even outsourced their receivables management completely to external service providers. And these partnerships are proving successful: On average, companies can recover about 6 percent of their revenue by working with external service providers. The 6 percent of revenue recovered in Germany puts it in line with the European average. “Lack of liquidity is one of the most common causes of insolvencies and loss of jobs,” says Ramcke. Companies should therefore continue to professionalize their receivables management and look into working with external partners.

Digital payment methods as a key competitive factor  

At the same time, it is becoming increasingly important for companies to expand the digital payment methods they offer. In the last three years, there has been a significant increase in the availability of such options in both Western and Eastern Europe. Since 2019, the number of Western European companies offering digital payment methods has increased by 14 percent to 46 percent. The payment method “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) is also gaining ground: Four out of ten European companies regard this payment method as the new credit card and a “must” in the range of payment options offered. Around 38 percent of the companies surveyed in Germany believe that in future, offering BNPL will actually be indispensable for consumers and companies. 

About the EOS Survey “European Payment Practices” 

In partnership with independent market research institute Kantar, EOS used phone interviews with 3,200 companies in 16 European countries between March 4 and April 19, 2022, to ask them about the prevailing payment practices in their respective locations. In the spring of 2022, 200 companies (each with an annual turnover of more than EUR 5 million) in each of the countries Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK answered questions about their own payment experiences and current issues relating to risk and receivables management. This is the 13th time that EOS has conducted the survey.

About the EOS Group

The EOS Group is a leading technology-driven investor in receivables portfolios and an expert in the processing of outstanding receivables. With over 45 years of experience, EOS offers some 20,000 customers in 25 countries around the world smart services for all their receivables management needs. Its key target sectors are banking, real estate, telecommunications, utilities and e-commerce. EOS employs more than 6,000 people and is part of Otto Group.

For more information on EOS Group, please go to: eos-solutions.com
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Hamburg, Germany, September 21, 2022

  • Acquisition and processing of non-performing loans in Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Romania
  • Investment volume: EUR 129 million over three years
  • Strong consideration given to environmental, social and governance factors
During an official ceremony on September 20, 2022, representatives of IFC and EOS formalized their collaboration on the purchase of NPLs and distressed real estate in Eastern Europe. Marwin Ramcke, Vittorio Di Bello, Carsten Tidow, Ariane Di Iorio
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group and the world's largest development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets, and the EOS Group are stepping up their cooperation in the field of non-performing loans (NPL). With Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Romania, the focus is on Eastern European countries, which have particular investment needs in accordance with the IFC criteria. The cooperation forms part of a recently established joint investment vehicle; the investment volume from EOS and IFC will amount to EUR 129 million over three years. EOS and the IFC have already been cooperating in the purchase and processing of NPLs in other markets since 2010.

“With this cooperation, we are strengthening our business in Eastern Europe and intensifying our activities as a sustainable investor on the NPL market,” emphasizes Carsten Tidow, Member of the EOS Group's Board of Directors responsible for Eastern Europe. “Of particular note is the consideration of environmental, social and governance factors in the selection and processing of NPLs. As a member of the Otto Group, we have placed sustainable economic activity at the heart of our work for a long time.” Within the project, goals such as the prevention of environmental damage in our work with property, ensuring the fair and socially responsible treatment of borrowers and the protection of cultural goods, for example, are just as important as the operational and financial goals.

EOS has been active in the NPL market in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Romania for more than ten years. Together with the IFC, the company invests, as part of the cooperation, in mortgage-backed, non-performing loans to SMEs and individuals, and takes over the asset management of NPLs and mortgages.

The banks or investors receive liquidity through the sale of NPLs and real estate in order to finance new loans or projects. At the same time, the cooperation between EOS and IFC makes it easier to normalize the liabilities of defaulting consumers. Playing a significant role in supporting and promoting the economy in the target countries of the cooperation is therefore a key aim of the cooperation.

About IFC 

IFC—a member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2022, IFC committed a record $32.8 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises.

For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

About the EOS Group

The EOS Group is a leading technology-driven investor and service provider in the receivables management industry. With over 45 years of experience, EOS offers some 20,000 customers in 25 countries (as of: fiscal year 2022/23) around the world smart services for all their receivables management needs. Its key target sectors are banking, real estate, telecommunications, utilities and e-commerce. EOS employs more than 6,000 people and is part of the Otto Group.

For more information on EOS Group, please visit eos-solutions.com
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  • Revenue at high level despite challenging market situation
  • More than €100 million invested in receivables and real estate in Germany
  • Flexible working model including option to work remotely and from other EU countries
Hamburg, Germany, July 20, 2022 – The EOS Group, an international financial investor and technology-driven debt collection service provider with headquarters in Hamburg, reported a positive and stable performance in fiscal 2021/22. Despite the pandemic and an increasingly aggressive market environment, the consolidated revenue of the Group could be increased by 1.6 percent. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) amounted to €282.5 million and were only slightly down from the previous year (€312.4 million). This was due primarily to the war in Ukraine and the associated precautionary accounting measures taken by the company. “We owe last year’s success primarily to our more than 6,000 employees in 24 countries. Every single day, and in what are volatile times, they make EOS a more dynamic and digital place,” says Marwin Ramcke, CEO of the EOS Group.
suit, coating, president, coat, jacket
Marwin Ramcke, CEO der EOS Gruppe
In Germany too, EOS had a successful end to the last financial year 2021/22: Although revenue declined slightly on a year-on-year basis due to the challenging market situation, it remained high at €274.8 million. To reinforce its leading position on the German market, EOS invested more than €100 million in receivables and real estate in Germany last year. In addition, the company pressed ahead with its internal digitalization process and significantly improved its collection software based on machine learning algorithms.

Hybrid working model increases the appeal of EOS as an employer

“We are constantly improving in areas like data analytics, intelligent software and agile working methods. Ultimately, however, it is our employees who are the crucial factor in our success,” says Andreas Kropp, member of the EOS Group’s Board of Directors with responsibility for the German market. “This is why we are working intensively on developing the working models of the future and looking at how we can make EOS even more attractive as an employer.” As well as converting office spaces according to ‘new work’ principles, a hybrid working model was introduced that allows staff even more flexibility. For example, the teams decide for themselves how often they meet in the office and/or work remotely. And from August 2022, EOS employees in Germany can also work up to 30 (work) days a year from another EU country, depending on their role.
 
suit, president, master-of-ceremonies, wrinkle
Andreas Kropp, member of the EOS Group’s Board of Directors with responsibility for the German market

Social responsibility: Supporting financial literacy in more than 900 schools

EOS has set itself major long-term goals with the corporate responsibility strategy it introduced in the last financial year. One of these initiatives is providing support for the financial education of schoolchildren via the company’s non-profit subsidiary, the finlit foundation. More than 900 schools in Germany have already incorporated the multi-award-winning ManoMoneta program for children aged 9-12 into their curriculum. Meanwhile, the international roll-out has begun. The program was launched in the Czech Republic in June 2022, and other countries are set to follow.

Go to our virtual press area for more detailed information on fiscal 2021/22 and to download our Annual Report.

About EOS Group

The EOS Group is a leading technology-driven investor in receivables portfolios and an expert in the processing of outstanding receivables. With over 45 years of experience and branches in 24 countries (as at fiscal 2021/22), EOS offers its some 20,000 customers worldwide smart services for all their receivables management needs. Its key target sectors are banking, real estate, telecommunications, insurance, mobility, utilities and e-commerce. EOS employs more than 6,000 people and is part of Otto Group.

For more information on EOS, please go to: eos-solutions.com
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Hamburg, April 6, 2022 –  Spring is a time of renewal, and EOS is no exception: The EOS Group has launched its new corporate identity. With a new logo and corporate design, the international financial services provider is presenting itself as a modern player on the European market for receivables management. “With the new brand we are reinforcing the commitment we already communicated last year with the introduction of our claim ‘Changing finances for the better’, says Marwin Ramcke, who became the new CEO of the EOS Group in February. “With more than 6,000 employees in 24 countries, we work hard every single day to change the financial situation of our customers, partners and defaulting payers for the better. With this in mind, we are investing heavily in digitalization and are making even greater use of AI-based collection processes and our international network.”
Marwin Ramcke, CEO of the EOS Group, stands in front of a large 3D model of the red company logo
Marwin Ramcke, CEO at EOS Group

Modified design reflects how EOS has changed

The Group, which reported revenues of €792.5 million in fiscal 2020/21, aims to complete its worldwide brand rollout within the next 12 months. “I am delighted that the Board of Directors opted against an evolutionary development of the brand but instead took the plunge and embraced a disruptive design,” says Lara Flemming, Senior Vice President Corporate Communications & Marketing at EOS. “If we had merely tweaked the brand, we would not have done justice to the huge transformation that EOS has undergone in recent years. Now we can hardly wait to work with our international colleagues to make the new EOS brand visible at all touchpoints.”
Headshot of Lara Flemming, Senior Vice President Corporate Communications & Marketing at EOS
Lara Flemming, Senior Vice President Corporate Communications & Marketing at EOS
The focus of the brand relaunch is on customers and potential employees. “With the new brand identity we want to convince even more companies that EOS is their best partner for the purchase and processing of outstanding receivables,” says Flemming. “To ensure that we live up to our commitment we are constantly looking for new talent throughout Europe that can help us move forward. Our people are our most important asset. We are therefore positioning ourselves to high potentials as a modern and attractive employer.” EOS received support with the brand relaunch from Hamburg-based Syndicate Design AG as lead design agency.

New logo stands for internationality, focus and dynamism

The new logo was released from the box that had framed the letters for years. “Nothing should stand in the way of our mindset and actions,” says Flemming. The lowercase ‘e’ in the new EOS logo embodies our internationality and ongoing digitalization. “In English, the ultimate global language, most words are written in lower case,” explains Flemming. “In addition, the lowercase ‘e’ is also familiar from business terms like e-commerce, where it stands for electronic, or digital processes. We felt that it was very fitting to write our company name in lowercase letters in the logo in future.” The large ‘O’ in the center of the logo symbolizes EOS’ focus and strong purpose. The unfinished ‘s’ at the end gives the logo momentum. It reflects the thirst for change of a company that has constantly reinvented itself since it was established in 1974. “Today, the world is changing faster than ever. And we are actively shaping this change. The ‘s’ in the logo says that our development will never be finished and we will always strive to adapt to circumstances,” says CEO Ramcke. “With the new brand, we are emphasizing that we want to continue to set standards, in the entire European financial sector, over and beyond the debt collection segment.”

About EOS Group

The EOS Group is a leading technology-driven investor and service provider in the receivables management industry. With over 45 years of experience, EOS offers some 20,000 customers in 24 countries around the world smart services for all their receivables management needs. Its key target sectors are banking, real estate, telecommunications, utilities and e-commerce. EOS employs more than 6,000 people and is part of the Otto Group.

For more information on EOS Group, please go to: eos-solutions.com
 
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Hamburg, February 1, 2022 – The EOS Group has a new CEO: In February 2022, Marwin Ramcke assumed responsibility for the business of the international financial services provider and investor, one of Otto Group’s designated ‘focused growth companies’. The 42-year-old succeeds Klaus Engberding, who has left the company for personal reasons. 

Until now, Ramcke has been responsible for the region of Eastern Europe within the Executive Board. In recent years, EOS has evolved from a national debt collection service provider to a financial investor of international caliber that now generates a major part of its earnings abroad. In his new role, Ramcke will continue to drive this process. 

“I regard it as a privilege to be the CEO of one of the leading receivables management companies in Europe. I am driven by the desire for progress, and my goal is not only to keep EOS at the forefront of the sector but also to set benchmarks in the entire financial industry,” says Ramcke, who has worked for EOS since 2007. “In this context, I see the great diversity within our company as an opportunity, and would like to take the worldwide collaboration between all EOS colleagues to a new level.” The EOS Group currently employs more than 6,000 people in over 20 countries.

Strong growth in Eastern Europe

Carsten Tidow, former Head of Division Management Eastern Europe at EOS, will succeed Ramcke as the director responsible for the Eastern European region. EOS has enjoyed significant growth in Eastern Europe in the last few years and meanwhile operates in 15 countries in the region. In fiscal 2020/21, the company invested €195.3 million in non-performing loans (NPL) in this region and is increasingly evolving into a technology-driven financial investor. “In the coming years, Eastern Europe will continue to be an exciting growth market for our company,” stresses Tidow. “As a new member of the EOS Board, I would like to build on the successful work done by Marwin Ramcke in recent years and continue to develop our business in this region.”

About EOS Group

The EOS Group is a leading technology-driven financial investor and an expert in the processing of outstanding receivables. The company's core business is the purchase of unsecured and secured debt portfolios. With over 45 years of experience, EOS offers some 20,000 customers in 26 countries around the world smart services for all their receivables management needs. Its key target sectors are banking, real estate, telecommunications, utilities and e-commerce. EOS employs more than 6,800 people and is part of the Otto Group.

For more information on EOS Group, please go to: eos-solutions.com
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Hamburg, January 13, 2022 - The Chair of the Executive Board of EOS Holding GmbH, Klaus Engberding, will be leaving the international financial service provider on January 31, 2022, for personal reasons. Managing Director Marwin Ramcke, who is currently in charge of the region Eastern Europe, will become Chair of the Executive Board, effective February 1, 2022. This change also means that Carsten Tidow will take over the Eastern European business as of February 2022.

Klaus Engberding began his career in the Otto Group in 2000 as part of the Executive Board of the former joint venture OBI@OTTO. Since November 2007 he has been a member of the Executive Board of EOS Holding GmbH. In this capacity, he made a major contribution to the successful development of the region of Eastern Europe. Starting in 2008, Engberding was responsible for the German business of the financial service provider. Since March 2017, the now 54-year-old has been Chair of EOS Holding GmbH.

Marwin Ramcke, who will act as new Chair of EOS Holding GmbH, effective February 1, 2022, also started his career in the Otto Group as part of OBI@OTTO – in November 2001. In September 2007, he moved to EOS, and in March 2017 he assumed responsibility for the entire Eastern European business of the financial service provider. Since then, he has continuously pursued the successful expansion of this business.

His successor will be Carsten Tidow, who has worked for the Otto Group since October 2000. After stops at OTTO and Eddie Bauer, he dedicated many years from 2005 onwards to the consulting firm Ernst & Young. In July 2010, the manager with a degree in business administration decided to continue his career at EOS Holding GmbH. Most recently, Tidow held the position of Managing Director at EOS International Beteiligungsverwaltungsgesellschaft mbH.

Klaus Engberding, Chair of Executive Board at EOS Holding: “I would like to thank all my colleagues in the EOS Group and all my companions on this journey in the Otto Group. Your trust and the cooperative collaboration over the years has been greatly appreciated. I wish my successor Marwin Ramcke the greatest possible success in his new role.”

“I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Klaus Engberding for his successful commitment to and the further development of the EOS Group. Over the last few years, his performance has been outstanding, as he has safely steered the company through the pandemic. I wish him all the best personally and professionally for the future,” says Petra Scharner-Wolff, Group Chair of Finance, Controlling and Human Resources at the Otto Group. “At the same time, I am very pleased that we have been able to gain Marwin Ramcke as the successor to Klaus Engberding as Chair of the Executive Board of the EOS Group. He possesses all the skills required to continue the excellent work of Klaus Engberding after February 1 of this year.”
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So verteilt sich der Umsatz des EOS Konzerns im Geschäftsjahr 2020/21 auf die einzelnen Regionen: 36,5 % bei 289,1 Mio. € entfällt auf Deutschland, 31,5 % bei 249,7 Mio. € entfällt auf Osteuropa, 26,1 % bei 207,1 Mio. € entfällt auf Westeuropa, 5,9 % bei 46,6 Mio. € entfällt auf Nordamerika.
  • EOS clearly profitable despite slight decline in revenue and earnings
  • High level of investment in secured and unsecured receivables accompanied by targeted cost-cutting measures
  • Corporate responsibility to be firmly embedded in business model
Hamburg, August 11, 2021 – Despite all the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hamburg-based EOS Group successfully concluded its 2020/21 financial year (ending on 28 February). With a slight decline in revenue of 7.1 percent to EUR 792.5 million, the financial investor and technology-driven debt collection service provider reported earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of EUR 312.4 million (previous year: EUR 343.4 million). Apart from the restrictions on collection activity due to statutory moratoriums in several countries, the financial year was marked by a decline in the volume of non-performing loans (NPLs) on offer on the receivables market. Nevertheless, EOS was once again able to invest a significant sum (EUR 534.3 million) in secured and unsecured receivables and real estate in need of restructuring.
Klaus Engberding, CEO of the EOS Group
“In view of the difficult conditions of the last year, the positive operating result was by no means a given,” says Klaus Engberding, CEO of the EOS Group. “We needed to continually assess the wider implications of the pandemic, make the right investment decisions and adjust our costs accordingly. I am therefore extremely proud of the fantastic achievement of our teams who faced up to these challenges and made this success possible through their dedicated collaboration.”

Social responsibility to become integral part of business model

The ongoing development of the organization and heavy investment in IT to improve business operations were the key drivers behind the sustained stability of EOS. The values-driven yet forward-looking approach of EOS, which is part of the Otto Group, also contributed to its success. With a new corporate responsibility (CR) strategy, the EOS Group aims to firmly embed four key actionable areas into its business model in future. In this context, the focus is on solution-driven and sustainable debt relief for defaulting consumers, proactive funding initiatives and (financial) education measures, climate-neutral operation by 2030, and the championing of strict and binding industry standards in all 26 countries where the company is located. 

“As one of the leaders in our industry we are absolutely aware of our responsibility towards society. Through our actions, we do not just want to help the economic system to function by improving the financial situation of our clients and of defaulting payers; we also aim to use our new CR strategy to do our part to change the world we operate in for the better overall,” says Engberding.
Overview of key figures:
  2020/21 2019/20
Sales revenue (in EUR million) 792.5 853.1
of which     
Germany 289.1 303.3
Eastern Europe 249.7 266.7
Western Europe 207.1 232.0
North America 46.6 51.0
EBITDA (in EUR million) 312.4 343.4
Different figures may appear in tables due to rounding.
Andreas Kropp, member of the EOS Group's Board of Directors with responsibility for the German market

Germany remains the most important EOS market

With a turnover of EUR 289.1 million and a 36.5 percent share of consolidated revenue, Germany continues to be the region with the highest revenue within EOS Consolidated. At EUR 168.2 million, the investment level in receivables and real estate was stable. “Our success is primarily due to our operational excellence and understanding of our customers’ needs, which makes us a strong and reliable partner in the debt purchasing and fiduciary collection business,” says Andreas Kropp, member of the EOS Group's Board of Directors with responsibility for the German market. “Even in this challenging year, we continued to systematically pursue the digitalization of the company and in doing so have given a substantial boost to our future viability.”
As a longstanding member of the German Association of Debt Collection Companies (BDIU), EOS has continued its commitment to high ethical standards in the industry. In the last financial year it also established an in-house ‘hardship case community’, where specially trained personnel find solutions for cases of debt affecting people in permanently dire financial straits. Moreover, the company is committed to financial education for children and young people through its finlit foundation, whose ‘ManoMoneta’ initiative has already reached more than 100 schools.

About EOS Group

The EOS Group is one of the leading technology-driven financial investors and an expert in the processing of outstanding receivables. The company's core business is the purchase of unsecured and secured debt portfolios. With over 45 years of experience, EOS offers some 20,000 customers in 26 countries around the world smart services for all their receivables management needs. Its focus is on banks and companies from the real estate, telecommunications, energy supply and e-commerce sectors. EOS employs more than 6,800 people and is part of the Otto Group.

For more information on EOS Group, please go to: eos-solutions.com
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Hamburg, August 3, 2021 – For the 17th time in a row, Scope Hamburg, formerly Euler Hermes Rating, has given EOS Holding an A rating. Thanks to the company’s high earnings and very stable cash flows, the rating agency once again confirmed the excellent credit standing of EOS. The rating rationale also emphasized the extensive experience of EOS, as a financial services provider and investor, in the valuation, acquisition and recovery of non-performing receivables, its leading market position in Germany and strong market position in Europe.

EOS weathered the COVID-19 crisis solidly and was able to cement the trust of its business partners. Accordingly, Scope Hamburg rates the company’s financial risk as low and its capital structure, deleveraging potential and interest coverage ratio as good or very good. The rating agency also expects the company’s earnings to grow in the current 2021/22 financial year.

Sustained investment at a high level

“The last financial year was particularly challenging. We needed to assess the potential effects of the crisis in good time and make the right investment decisions. By successfully bringing down costs during this period, the decline in earnings stayed within acceptable limits and EOS made a clear profit, even in this crisis year,” explains Justus Hecking-Veltman, Chief Financial Officer of the EOS Group. “For our development going forward, two decisions were important: Firstly, we again invested heavily in receivables packages. And secondly, we systematically pursued the upgrade of our IT systems to enable us to manage the company even better and with the use of more digital tools in future.”
Investitionen: CFO Justus Hecking-Veltman über das hervorragende Ergebnis der EOS Gruppe im Geschäftsjahr 2018/19
Justus Hecking-Veltman is pleased with the 17th A-rating for EOS in a row
EOS has stepped up its activities as a financial investor in recent years and has become established in many countries as a market leader for the purchase of debt packages. In fiscal 2020/21, the company invested EUR 534.3 million in unsecured and secured receivables and real estate in need of restructuring.

About EOS Group

The EOS Group is one of the leading technology-driven financial investor and an expert in the processing of outstanding receivables. The company's core business is the purchase of unsecured and secured debt portfolios. With over 45 years of experience, EOS offers some 20,000 customers in 26 countries around the world smart services for all their receivables management needs. Its key target sectors are banking, insurance companies, utilities, real estate and e-commerce. EOS employs more than 7,500 people and is part of the Otto Group.

Further information about the EOS Group: eos-solutions.com
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Hamburg, June 7, 2021 – The phone dunning specialists EOS Serviceline GmbH (ESL) and EOS Communication Center Nürnberg GmbH (EOS CCN) will become part of EOS Deutscher Inkasso-Dienst GmbH (EOS DID) with retroactive effect from March 31, 2021.

The merger of the three EOS companies will result in even closer collaboration for professional receivables management on the German B2C debt collection market. All subsidiaries in Hamburg, Berlin, Potsdam, Kamp-Lintfort and Nuremberg will be retained and will in future pool their expertise to benefit customers to an even greater extent.

EOS DID was established in Hamburg in 1974 and is the original company of the international EOS Group. With close to 50 years experience in receivables management, the company combines digital collection processes with professional phone dunning and delivers impressive results with its innovative technologies and high-quality receivables processing.


About EOS Deutschland

EOS Deutschland, which has its head office in Hamburg, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Otto Group. The EOS Group has been providing receivables management services for almost 50 years. With its more than 60 subsidiaries and affiliates it is represented in over 25 countries.

In both the fiduciary collection and receivables purchasing segments, EOS takes tailored measures and leverages the synergies from its decades of experience in receivables management and the use of cutting-edge technology. Companies from a wide range of sectors, including banks and insurance companies, e-commerce and energy utilities, rely on the experience of the collection specialists at EOS Deutschland.

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  • One in ten Germans has taken on debt during the crisis, and equally as many have been unable to meet their liabilities
  • Debt caused above all by living expenses
  • Single parents (26 percent) and young people (18 percent) disproportionately affected
Hamburg, February 25, 2021 – The Covid-19 pandemic is having a profound impact on the consumption patterns and financial situation of many consumers in Germany. As a result of the outbreak of Covid-19, around one in ten has been forced to take on debt. These are some of the insights from the recent Covid-19 Financial Report by financial services provider and investor EOS, based on a representative survey in five European countries. The report shows that the respondents from Germany borrowed money mainly just to make ends meet: 39 percent of the Germans with debts have borrowed money to cover their ongoing living expenses, while 29 percent borrowed to cover housing costs and 20 percent for health-related costs. The majority (57 percent) had debts of up to €2,500, while 40 percent owed even more than that. One problematic issue is that 12 percent of respondents stated that since the start of the pandemic they have no longer been able to pay back their liabilities.
Covid-19 Finanzreport: Andreas Kropp, Geschäftsführer der EOS Gruppe
“We are currently in an exceptional situation that was difficult to predict and hard to plan for, and that nobody expected. If some people are then forced to take on debt temporarily to cover the necessities of life, that is perfectly understandable. However, it is highly problematic if they can then no longer meet their obligations as a result,” explains Andreas Kropp, member of the EOS Group’s Board of Directors with responsibility for the German market.

Single parents and younger people suffer particularly from the crisis

The pandemic is hitting single parents the hardest, with one in four (26 percent) stating that they have incurred debt as a result of Covid-19. As many as 23 percent have even ended up with excessive debt. Moreover, 39 percent of single parents fear that they will have to borrow money in the next six months as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. Another population group with a disproportionately high financial burden consists of young people aged 18 to 29, 18 percent of whom said they had got into debt because of the pandemic. By way of comparison, this was the case for just 6 percent of 50-65 year-olds. In addition, 31 percent of the younger generation fear that they are going to have to take on debt in the future, whereas this applied to just one in ten of older respondents.
Covid-19 Finanzreport: Konsument*innen haben sich im Zuge der Corona-Krise Schulden überschuldet.

Germany still in a comparatively good position

To some extent, a European comparison paints quite a different picture. Whereas in Germany 12 percent of respondents had got into debt, this situation had affected 15 percent in Spain, 19 percent in Croatia, 28 percent in Romania and as many as 32 percent in Bulgaria. “German government measures like short-time work payments or economic assistance have helped to protect many Germans from debt due to the pandemic,” says Kropp. “Accordingly, Germany has so far come through the crisis with relative stability.”

Germans are cutting expenditure above all on vacations, but are keen to travel again soon

The strained economic situation is nevertheless being reflected in the consumption patterns of Germans. A large majority (80 percent), for example, have refrained from necessary or planned expenditure during the pandemic. German consumers most often went without their vacation (65 percent), but were also cutting spending on furnishings (21 percent), renovations (19 percent) as well as on health (12 percent) and education (12 percent). And after the crisis? Above all, Germans are longing to travel again. After the pandemic is over, 60 percent plan to spend money on a vacation first.

About the EOS Group’s Covid-19 Financial Report

On behalf of the EOS Group, online survey specialist Dynata polled 7,000 consumers (of whom 2,000 were Germans) aged 18-65 in Bulgaria, Germany, Croatia, Romania and Spain. The respondents provided information about how the Covid-19 pandemic had affected their consumption patterns and financial situation. The survey was conducted in January 2021 and is representative of the (online) population aged 18 years and over in the participating countries.

About EOS Group

The EOS Group is one of the leading technology-driven financial investors and an expert in the processing of outstanding receivables. The company's core business is the purchase of unsecured and secured debt portfolios. With over 40 years of experience, EOS offers some 20,000 customers in 26 countries around the world smart services for all their receivables management needs. Its key target sectors are banking, insurance companies, utilities, real estate and e-commerce. EOS employs more than 7,500 people and is part of the Otto Group.
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Annual and Sustainability Report 2023/24

Very good results in challenging times: In its 50th anniversary year, the EOS Group looks back on a demanding and successful financial year 2023/24. All key figures, business highlights and exciting throwbacks to 50 years of EOS as well as achievements and highlights of the EOS Group's commitment to its social, societal and environmental responsibility can be found in this year's annual and sustainability report.
Read the whole report

EOS Studies - This is knowledge.

Knowing what moves the economy and society: That is our claim for the market and consumer studies of EOS. Our studies, which we produce together with renowned market research institutes, offer exciting facts about customer payment behavior, payment methods, digitalization and the benefits of data. 
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Press Contact EOS in Austria

Mag. Stephan Steinmetz, Managing Director EOS ÖID

Mag. Stephan Steinmetz

Managing Director


Phone: +43 1 544 71 71

info@eos-oeid.com