CB achieves stable year and strengthens foundation for a future-proof book sector
CB looks back on a stable 2025. The organization achieved a revenue of €110 million and an operating result of €8 million. After a challenging 2024, 2025 focused on reliability and further strengthening services for publishers and booksellers.
Linda van Zomeren, CEO CB: "We are working towards a sustainable future for the book sector. In doing so, we are aware of the costs the sector as a whole must bear. By steering towards additional volume and an efficient infrastructure, we keep these costs manageable. Our focus on added value for the book sector remains unchanged."
Stability as a driving force
In 2025, CB took important steps to improve operational stability. Through adjustments in processes, systems, and collaboration with partners, services demonstrably improved. This was visible during peak seasons for both general and educational books.
Collaboration with transport partners was further strengthened, resulting in over 99% on-time and complete deliveries. Innovations such as “scan at loading” and full track & trace information for customers also contributed to reliability.
Investing in a future-proof operation
In 2025, CB made significant investments in the future. A new, efficient warehouse in Culemborg was put into operation, increasing storage capacity. This warehouse is equipped with solar panels, making CB partially self-sufficient in energy use. In addition, automated packaging capacity was expanded with a new machine for webshop orders.
In IT, the focus was on modernizing systems and infrastructure to create a safer, more flexible, and user-friendly environment for customers and employees. This will remain a key priority in the coming years.
By and for the book sector
As an organization by and for the book sector, CB continues to focus on sustainably supporting publishers and booksellers. In the core market, sales of physical A-books grew slightly (+0.7%), partly due to the addition of English-language books, with increased deliveries to physical stores.
Digital distribution showed strong growth, particularly in subscription models for e-books (+21.4%) and audiobooks (+27.9%). Together with customers, CB continues to develop services, including in the areas of e-books, audiobooks, CB Online, and data analytics.
Geopolitical developments
CB remains alert to the impact of geopolitical developments. Rising transport and logistics costs are visible worldwide and may affect cost prices, while economic uncertainty and inflationary pressure may influence consumer spending patterns.
Satisfied customers and employees as a foundation
Customer satisfaction reached 7.1 in 2025. Customers particularly value stock availability, Print on Demand, and digital book distribution. Employee satisfaction rose to 7.0, with high scores on collaboration, safety, and meaningful work.
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