The company, established in 1774 and currently in its sixth generation of family ownership, primarily manufactures its products in factories located in Rhineland-Palatinate, North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, and Saxony, Germany.
 
Birkenstock's distinctive focus has always been on comfort rather than fashion. According to the company's website, all design elements, including buckles, straps, soles, and footbeds, serve a "functional purpose." However, it has also gained popularity among fashion enthusiasts, particularly in recent weeks due to one of its brands being featured in the hit film "Barbie," where Margot Robbie is seen sporting a pair of pink Birkenstocks.

Strong sales growth

While the specific listing date remains unspecified, financial data for Birkenstock are accessible. In the fiscal year ending September 2022, the company recorded sales of 1.24 billion euros, adjusted EBITDA of 434.6 million euros, and a net profit of 187 million euros. In the first half of the current financial year (October to March), sales increased by 18% to 644 million euros. You can find the complete report here, although the actual amounts have been temporarily omitted.

Dynamic valuation

In early July, Bloomberg sparked a rumor that the owner of Birkenstock was contemplating an IPO with a valuation exceeding $6 billion. Just a few weeks later, other media outlets pushed the estimate higher, suggesting a deal surpassing $10 billion - a significant change within a month. The Financial Times, on the other hand, mentioned "$8 billion." It appears that the original "ugly sandal," now a cult favorite, is on the brink of a major financial milestone. Prior to an IPO, it's common for those involved in the project to gauge market interest and reactions by circulating valuation rumors.