Company Research Report: Centraal Boekhuis (CB)

Company Overview

Name, Mission of the Company

Name: Centraal Boekhuis (CB)

Mission: Duurzame vooruitgang boeken voor boekenvak en maatschappij.

Founding and Key People

Founded: 1871, as the Bestelhuis van den Nederlandschen Boekhandel.

Founder: Vereeniging ter bevordering van de belangen des Boekhandels.

Key People: Caroline Reeders (recently departed as of August 2024, she was the commercial director since March 2024).

Headquarters

Headquartered: Culemborg, Netherlands.

Number of Employees

Employees: Over 800 professionals.

Revenue

Revenue: €119 million in 2023.

Known For

Known For: CB is known for its logistical expertise in the distribution of physical books, audiobooks, e-books, healthcare products, and providing financial and informational services.

Products

Media Services

Products Offered:

Physical Books

Audiobooks

E-books

Print on Demand

E-fulfilment

Retail Logistics

Analytics for Publishers

Descriptions and Key Features:

Physical Books: Distribution and logistics for over 1000 publishers and 1500 booksellers across physical and online platforms.

Audiobooks and E-books: Similar distribution services for digital formats.

Print on Demand: Service enabling books to be printed as needed to avoid excess inventory.

E-fulfilment: Comprehensive logistics service to support online bookstores and publishers.

Retail Logistics: Ensures reliable delivery of books to physical stores.

Analytics for Publishers: Provides current management information via interactive dashboards.

Healthcare Services

Products Offered:

Order and Delivery Services for Medical Products

Fulfilment for Producers and Suppliers

Pharmacy Services

SUP Order Platform

Descriptions and Key Features:

Order and Delivery Services: Facilitates easy ordering and timely delivery of medical products.

Fulfilment for Producers and Suppliers: Ensuring timely and efficient logistics tailored to healthcare products.

Pharmacy Services: Dedicated logistics ensuring quick delivery of pharmaceuticals.

SUP Order Platform: An online platform for ordering reimbursable medical aids and devices.

Recent Developments

General Developments

1. Distributing Van Ditmar's Inventory: As of September 2, 2024, CB will handle the distribution of Van Ditmar’s inventory directly from its warehouses.
2. 'Tweede Netwerk' Initiative: Starting September 3, 2024, CB has begun operating a 'second network' in collaboration with Tielbeke to improve delivery reliability during peak periods.

Specific Events and Partnerships

1. Caroline Reeders Departure: Caroline Reeders, commercial director, departed from CB as of August 1, 2024.
2. Extended Partnership with Klett-groep: On June 19, 2024, CB renewed its logistical service agreement with Klett-groep, covering all logistics for their educational publishers ThiemeMeulenhoff and Zwijsen.
3. Healthcare Development: On June 3, 2024, CB published its 2023 financial results, focusing on continuing innovation in both the Media and Healthcare sectors.
4. MBOwebshop Contract Extension: On May 15, 2024, CB extended its contract with MBOwebshop for e-fulfilment services.
5. New Platform Co-ownership: On April 3, 2024, a healthcare co-operative became a co-owner of the SUP order platform.
6. Sustainability Efforts: On March 12, 2024, CB announced the installation of a solar roof to support its energy needs.
7. Early VSO Season: On March 4, 2024, CB reported an early start to the VSO season for elementary education.