Notable Corporate Anniversaries in Cologne

Three companies sign the city's Golden Book

On July 15, 2026, three representatives—on behalf of the three Cologne-based companies Klosterfrau Group, Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt GmbH (KD), and Sparkasse KölnBonn—signed the City of Cologne’s Golden Book. To mark their respective 200th anniversaries, Mayor Torsten Burmester welcomed the three companies to the Piazzetta of the Historic City Hall.

A special award from the City of Cologne

An entry in the Golden Book is one of the highest honors bestowed by the City of Cologne. With this honor, the city recognizes the three companies for their long-standing presence, their steadfast commitment, and their business continuity. At the same time, it acknowledges their important contribution to Cologne’s economic strength, diversity, and future viability.

“The Klosterfrau Group, Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt, and Sparkasse KölnBonn each look back on 200 years of success. As different as these companies are, they share the common trait of having navigated their way through every era and every crisis. They have recognized opportunities, never rested on their laurels, but have continuously transformed and adapted. My congratulations on this achievement!” said Torsten Burmester, Mayor of the City of Cologne.

Connection to the City of Cologne

For two centuries, the Klosterfrau Group, KD Sparkasse KölnBonn have shaped life in Cologne in various ways—economically, socially, and as reliable partners to the people of the region. The representatives of these companies were accordingly delighted to receive this special honor.

“The fact that Klosterfrau, Sparkasse KölnBonn, and KD are celebrating KD anniversary together shows that even though our companies have very different roles, we are united by something essential: our love for the city of Cologne,” says Klosterfrau CEO Dr. Stefan Koch.

Ulrich Voigt, Chairman of the Board of Management of Sparkasse KölnBonn: “We also see this honor as an incentive: We take responsibility for the present and shape the future—for our employees, our customers, and for the city of Cologne.”

Nina Luig, CEO, Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt GmbH: “Sustainable success doesn’t come from keeping everything the same. Success comes from a willingness to evolve without losing sight of one’s own values.”

About the Golden Book of the City of Cologne

The Golden Book of the City of Cologne was crafted in 1897 by Cologne court goldsmith Garbiel Hermeling. Since then, distinguished guests have been signing the Golden Book.

About the Klosterfrau Group:

The Klosterfrau Group evolved from the company founded in Cologne in 1826 by Sister Maria Clementine Martin. The Klosterfrau Group now serves as the umbrella organization for companies in the consumer healthcare, medical, contract manufacturing, and cosmetics sectors. Central services such as Finance, Controlling, Human Resources, IT, and many others are based at the company’s founding location and headquarters in Cologne. Tradition and innovation shape the culture of the Klosterfrau Group and form a valuable foundation for a successful future. With approximately 1,500 employees at 11 locations across Europe, the Klosterfrau Group is a driving force in the healthcare industry.

About Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt GmbH:

Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt GmbH (KD) is Germany’s oldest and most historic inland waterway shipping company. Since 1826, the company has been connecting people, cities, and regions along the Rhine. With a modern fleet of 15 ships that can accommodate between 250 and 1,650 guests, KD is KD on the Rhine and offers scheduled, sightseeing, and event cruises, as well as exclusive charter services between Cologne/Düsseldorf and Mainz. In 2026, Köln-Düsseldorfer will celebrate its 200th anniversary.

About Sparkasse KölnBonn:

“We”—that’s about 3,500 employees who support our more than 720,000 individual customers as well as nearly half of all businesses in the region: with top-notch financial services, products, and support—and a whole lot of heart. Whether in our branches, via video chat, by phone, or online, we support our customers through every stage of life. We place particular emphasis on sustainability. Drawing on our 200-year tradition, we are committed to securing the foundation of all our lives for the long term. With our deep roots in Cologne and Bonn, we take responsibility for our region. As one of the largest supporters in both cities, we work together with local residents to make life here even more livable. In our anniversary year, 2026, we’re even expanding this strong regional commitment to make many additional worthy projects possible—and thus further enrich the quality of life in our hometowns. For residents who want to make a positive difference in Cologne and Bonn themselves, we also offer the opportunity to support nonprofit organizations quickly and easily through our donation platform, hiermitherz.de. We are Sparkasse KölnBonn. We are all “Here for Each Other.”