Beiersdorf stops investments but will keep offering basic products in Russia

BERLIN (Reuters) – Beiersdorf has stopped investments in marketing and promotion in Russia due to the Ukraine war but will keep its business in the country as its products serve essential consumer needs, Chief Executive Vincent Warnery said on Thursday.

The German maker of personal care products also wants to avoid losing the market position of its brands, which is something of which Beiersdorf has “a long painful history,” the CEO told shareholders during the company’s annual general meeting.

The CEO added the impact of war in Ukraine on Beiersdorf’s operations is “not significant”, so there is no reason to adjust the group’s forecasts.

Competitor Henkel also said earlier in April it would continue its Russian business while stopping all investments, advertising and sponsoring measures.

(Reporting by Jan Schwartz; Writing by Zuzanna Szymanska; Editing by Thomas Escritt)