Best Managed Company

International network

The Best Managed Companies program was launched by Deloitte in Canada in the 1990s and has since been successfully introduced in more than 45 countries. The award has been presented in Germany since 2018. As a winner, DELO Industrial Adhesives becomes part of an international network of excellent companies. In previous years, industry giants such as Kärcher and Sennheiser have received this prestigious award.

In Germany, the Best Managed Companies program is awarded by Deloitte Private in cooperation with UBS, the Federation of German Industries (BDI), and the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. An independent jury of experts from industry and research evaluated the Best Managed Company award winners according to four main criteria.

The four dimensions of success

• Corporate strategy: Systematic consideration of all stakeholder interests and clear communication, as well as consistent implementation of the strategy
• Productivity and innovation: Continuous development of valuable skills and resources with a strong focus on implementation in industry and research
• Culture and commitment: Active development of employees and management teams with comprehensive consideration of continuity and succession planning
• Corporate governance and finance: Use of KPIs for management, high liquidity and equity ratio, and consistent financial discipline to increase sales growth, operating margin, and asset efficiency
   

The uniqueness of German SMEs

The 33 award-winning Best Managed Companies of 2025 achieved an average turnover of €1,140 million, with a median of €883 million. Together, they employ 295,882 people, demonstrating the economic importance of excellently managed SMEs, which are regularly recognized by the Federation of German Industries. 

German SMEs are often referred to as the backbone of the German economy – an assessment that is more relevant today than ever. SMEs employ over half of all workers in Germany, often in remote rural areas, and contribute significantly to the country's economic performance.

Characterized by founding families, the most successful among them combine global excellence with the ability to adapt agilely to changing markets. The award winners include both well-known brand manufacturers and lesser-known "hidden champions" who are nevertheless global market leaders in their niche.

German excellence factors in international comparison

• R&D intensity (Share of GDP): 3.13% Germany vs. 3.03% G20 vs. 2.24% EU in 2024
• Tradition: German companies are above average in terms of longevity in international comparison
• Export orientation: 41.4% share of exports in German GDP in 2024
• Family businesses: In Germany, around 88% of companies are family-controlled

Technology trends

DELO Industrial Adhesives wins Best Managed Company award for pioneering technology trends in the adhesives industry:

• Innovative system solutions: 98% CO₂ reduction through Activation on the Flow technology with DELO-ACTIVIS 330
• Efficient production processes: Curing in seconds and short cycle times with DELOLUX high-performance lamps
• Miniaturization: Ultra-thin adhesive layers and precise dispensing with 3 nl drop size ± 2% accuracy with DELO-DOT PN5 series

Our adhesive portfolio is suitable for a wide range of applications and industries, as it offers a variety of properties:

Industry leadership through customized solutions

DELO demonstrates technological expertise in key industries such as automotive, consumer electronics, and semiconductors.

DELO's uniqueness lies in its focus on customer-specific solutions, which enable long-standing partnerships with industry giants such as Bosch, Huawei, and Siemens. While international competitors often focus on mass production, DELO delivers adhesive technologies and solutions that are tailored to customer requirements down to the smallest detail. 

With over 25 years of market presence, DELO Industrial Adhesives significantly exceeds the global average of 12 years. This consistency enables continuous innovation in industry and research instead of short-term profit maximization.