GermanyOwnership & classification
Founded: 1946
Ownership
Handelsblatt is Germany's leading business and financial daily, founded in Düsseldorf in 1946 under a British licence (initially by Herbert Gross, soon led by publisher Friedrich Vogel). The Holtzbrinck publishing family acquired a 50% stake in 1968 and full control of the Verlagsgruppe Handelsblatt by the 1980s. Today it is published by Handelsblatt Media Group, owned by Dieter von Holtzbrinck Medien GmbH (DvH Medien), the holding Dieter von Holtzbrinck built after 2009 (which also holds stakes in Die Zeit and Der Tagesspiegel).
Funding
Financed commercially through print and premium digital subscriptions, advertising and business-information products, under private family ownership.
Affiliation & stance
Handelsblatt takes a business-friendly, economically liberal center-right line, but it is privately owned by the Holtzbrinck family holding with no party or state control. Private commercial ownership makes it INDEPENDENT, matching the site's center-right lean.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Conservative
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 585
71/100
Factual
67/100
Objective
613
Articles
613
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
The AfD in Saxony-Anhalt: the extreme right and its henchmen
In Sachsen-Anhalt wird am Dienstag ein neuer Landtag gewählt, der möglicherweise eine Regierung mit Vertretern der AfD und BSW bilden könnte. Die AfD erreichte 43,8 Prozent der Zweitstimmen und benötigt drei zusätzliche Sitze für eine absolute Mehrheit. Die Artikel analysiert die Mitglieder der AfD- und BSW-Fraktion, beschreibt sie als rechtsradikal und mit Verbindungen zu Neonazis, Putinsupportern und Vetternwirtschaft. Ulrich Siegmund, ein prominenter AfD-Politiker, wird als potenzieller Ministerpräsident diskutiert, und seine Verbindungen zur Vetternwirtschaft sowie seine Rolle bei einem 'Remigrationstreffen' werden hervorgehoben. Oliver Kirchner, Fraktionsvorsitzender der AfD, wird kritisiert wegen rassistischer Äußerungen und Verschwörungstheorien. Hans-Thomas Tillschneider, ein Islamwissenschaftler, wird als führendes Mitglied der rechten Flügel der AfD beschrieben.
The Bund wants 1046 new jobs for sugar and plastic tax
The article reports that the German federal government plans to create 1,046 new positions related to the sugar and plastic tax. This initiative appears to be part of broader efforts to implement and manage these taxes, which aim to reduce consumption of sugary products and single-use plastics. The creation of new jobs suggests increased administrative focus on enforcing these policies. However, the article does not provide further details on the scope of the tax, expected impacts, or specific responsibilities of the new roles.
The Nobel Prize in Medicine: a victory for basic research
The Nobel Prize in Medicine has been awarded to Peter Hegemann, Georg Nagel, and Karl Deisseroth for their groundbreaking work in optogenetics. Their research involves using light-sensitive proteins derived from algae to control neurons, enabling scientists to study brain function at an unprecedented level. This method allows researchers like Markus Rothermel to explore how attention forms, how memories and emotions are created by nerve cells, and other complex neurological processes. The development of optogenetics began with studies on the green alga *Chlamydomonas reinhardtii*, which uses a photoreceptor similar to human rhodopsin to move toward light. This discovery led to the identification of light-sensitive ion channels that could be used to activate neurons. Despite initial skepticism, the breakthrough was achieved in 2002 by Hegemann and Nagel, and later refined by Deisseroth, who applied the technique to neuroscience.
Schneider Electric to acquire industrial software group PTC
Schneider Electric, a French electronics conglomerate, has completed its largest acquisition to date by acquiring the U.S.-based software company PTC for $23.7 billion. This deal aims to expand Schneider’s data center services, which are currently experiencing strong demand, particularly in the United States. PTC provides software solutions that assist manufacturing companies in designing industrial products and creating technical specifications. The transaction involves a cash payment of $205 per share, valuing PTC’s equity at approximately $22.6 billion, plus assumed debt. Schneider plans to finance the acquisition through issuing new shares worth €5–6 billion and taking on €16–17 billion in debt. The deal is expected to close in Q3 2027, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals. While PTC shares rose sharply in trading, Schneider’s stock fell nearly 10 percent, reflecting investor concerns over the scale of the acquisition, the premium paid, and market uncertainty caused by artificial intelligence advancements. Schneider CEO Olivier Blum emphasized that the merger would create the most comprehensive software and AI hub in the industry, enhancing Schneider’s ability to apply
Acquisition: Is the German biotech industry threatened with a sell-off?
The article titled 'Übernahme: Droht der deutschen Biotech-Branche der Ausverkauf?' by Handelsblatt discusses concerns within Germany's biotechnology sector regarding potential acquisitions by foreign entities. It highlights growing speculation about the increasing likelihood of international companies purchasing German biotech firms, driven by factors such as global competition and investment trends. The piece examines the implications of this trend for the domestic industry, including potential loss of innovation capacity and national control over critical technologies. While the article presents data and expert opinions suggesting a shift toward foreign ownership, it does not explicitly endorse any particular stance on the issue.
Party: Greens rearrange their board in the background
The article reports that the Green Party (Grüne) is quietly restructuring its executive board behind the scenes. While the headline suggests internal reorganization, there is no detailed information provided on the specific changes, individuals involved, or the reasons behind the restructuring. The focus appears to be on internal party dynamics rather than any public-facing developments. No further details are given regarding the implications of this change for the party’s policies or future strategy.
US: GM, Ford and Stellantis share at record low
The article reports that the market share of General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis in the United States is declining and approaching a record low. This trend reflects broader challenges faced by traditional automakers in the U.S. market, including competition from electric vehicle startups and shifting consumer preferences toward sustainability. The decline highlights the ongoing transformation in the automotive industry, driven by technological innovation and regulatory pressures. While the article does not provide specific figures or recent data, it underscores the significant impact of these changes on major legacy car manufacturers.
Court ruling: price increases at fixed prices invalid
A court ruling has determined that price increases set by fixed-price agreements are invalid. This decision impacts businesses that rely on such agreements to adjust their pricing strategies. The ruling suggests that these types of agreements may not hold up under legal scrutiny, potentially leading to financial implications for companies involved. The outcome could influence future negotiations and legal challenges related to pricing structures.
Intelligence leaders in the Bundestag: BND chief Jäger warns of "violent conflict" with Russia
The head of Germany's intelligence agency, BND, warned in the parliamentary oversight committee about potential Russian actions in the Baltic states, describing them as a risk of 'violent conflict.' The warning comes amid heightened tensions between Russia and NATO countries. While the intelligence chiefs expressed concerns about possible Russian aggression, they emphasized that a large-scale attack is considered unlikely. The discussion took place during a meeting where top figures from Germany's intelligence services assessed current security threats.
Brazil: Bolsonaro's son ahead of Lula Right-wing camp surprisingly expands power
The article reports on unexpected political developments in Brazil, highlighting the rise of Bolsonaro's son within the conservative faction and his growing influence ahead of potential political challenges posed by Lula da Silva. The piece suggests that the right-wing establishment is consolidating power in an unforeseen manner, indicating a shift in the political landscape. It emphasizes the strategic positioning of Bolsonaro's family members in the political arena, which could impact future governance. The focus is on the internal dynamics of Brazilian politics and the implications for upcoming political processes.
Industry: The dangerously low returns of BASF, Siemens, Adidas and Co.
The article by Handelsblatt discusses the concerning low returns of major German industrial companies such as BASF, Siemens, and Adidas. It highlights how these firms are facing financial pressures due to weak profitability, which could impact their competitiveness in the global market. The piece examines factors contributing to this situation, including economic conditions, industry challenges, and strategic decisions made by the companies. While the focus is on financial performance, the broader implications for Germany’s industrial sector are noted.
Air travel: Airfares in Germany almost double compared to 2010
The article reports that flight ticket prices in Germany are now nearly double what they were in 2010. It highlights the significant increase in airfare costs over the past decade, suggesting a trend of rising expenses for travelers. The piece focuses on the economic impact of this price surge, noting that it affects both domestic and international travel. While the article provides data on pricing trends, it does not delve into specific causes such as market dynamics, regulatory changes, or fuel costs. There is no mention of any particular policies or political actions related to aviation pricing.
Trade dispute: how Merz and Macron want to deter China and the US
The article titled 'Handelsstreit: So wollen Merz und Macron China und die USA abschrecken' from Handelsblatt discusses the trade tensions between Germany, France, and major global powers like China and the United States. It focuses on the strategies of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron to position their countries as alternatives to Chinese and American economic influence. The piece highlights efforts by both leaders to promote European autonomy in trade and industry, emphasizing self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on external powers. While the article presents these initiatives as part of broader geopolitical maneuvering, it does not provide balanced perspectives or alternative viewpoints on the effectiveness or implications of such policies.