Billionaire Dirk Rossmann Increases Stake in Aurubis Amid Takeover Speculation

Drugstore magnate Dirk Rossmann has once again expanded his stake in Aurubis, a leading copper manufacturer. His investment firm, Rossmann Beteiligungs GmbH, now controls around 20.7% of Aurubis, up from approximately 17%, according to a mandatory disclosure on Monday. This ongoing increase in ownership has fueled market speculation about a potential takeover.

Rossmann, founder of the Rossmann drugstore chain, has been steadily acquiring shares in Aurubis for several months, leading to rumors of an eventual takeover. The speculation intensified after family entrepreneur Günter Papenburg made a takeover bid for steel manufacturer Salzgitter earlier in November. Salzgitter holds a significant 29.99% stake in Aurubis, worth about one billion euros. Any buyer of Salzgitter would gain substantial influence over Aurubis as well.

Aurubis shares have seen significant movement since these developments, with the stock trading slightly higher on Monday. Industry analysts believe that the moves by major shareholders indicate a possible merger or coordinated effort to gain long-term control over Aurubis, which operates one of the world's largest copper smelting facilities.

Despite this, Dirk Rossmann has publicly denied any immediate plans to take over the copper producer. In an interview with Handelsblatt, Rossmann stated that his investment in Aurubis is purely financial. "I trade Aurubis shares every day, including puts and calls," he noted, adding that while he is not planning a takeover, he is not ruling anything out either.

Rossmann initially acquired 15% of Aurubis shares in October, becoming one of the major shareholders. He has described himself as a long-term investor but indicated that a rapid rise in the share price could lead him to reduce his position. "I prefer to hold shares for up to ten years," said the 78-year-old, "but if the price rises too much, I am inclined to sell."

The situation remains fluid as market speculation continues, particularly given Papenburg's involvement with Salzgitter and the broader interest in the copper sector. For now, Rossmann maintains that his actions are driven by financial strategy rather than any concerted effort for control.