Rapid First Half Growth for Simon-Kucher

German-based consulting firm Simon-Kucher & Partners has reported first half revenue growth of 14 percent to EUR 82.5m, and says it made 80 new hires, raising its headcount to 720.

The firm, which focuses on product, pricing and marketing strategy, expects to take on a further 60 people in the remainder of 2014, and CEOs Klaus Hilleke and Georg Tacke says they anticipate full-year revenue of EUR 170m. Full year results for 2013 were reported in January and showed a 5% 2013 revenue increase to £125m.

Of H1 2014, Tacke comments: 'This was the best half-year ever in the history of Simon-Kucher. And the high number of order entries is a strong indicator of continued positive development in the months to come'.

Growth was spread across the firm's regions and industries, but financial services made a particularly good contribution with 30% growth, while revenue was highest in its home market of Western Europe.

Simon-Kucher will shortly add a Barcelona office to one in Madrid, and also opened in São Paulo and Santiago de Chile last year.

An upbeat Hilleke comments: 'Cost cutting was yesterday. Companies are currently strongly focusing on growth, bringing a high demand for our specialty topics of pricing, sales and marketing'.

Founded in 1985 and with 27 offices worldwide, the company is online at www.simon-kucher.com .