Wolford and Zumtobel face significant stock losses in Austria

Only two major companies from the Vorarlberg region of Austria, Wolford and Zumtobel, are currently listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange. Both companies have experienced substantial declines in share value over the past five years, with Wolford losing approximately 71 percent and Zumtobel losing approximately 54 percent.

Wolford, a lingerie manufacturer, has struggled with declining revenues and high losses for several years, though it managed to reduce its operating loss in the first half of 2026. Zumtobel, a lighting manufacturer, has faced pressure from a weak construction and industrial economy, though it reported a profit in the first quarter of the 2026/27 fiscal year.

Economic experts note that many successful companies in the region remain privately held by families or foundations. Reasons for avoiding an initial public offering (IPO) include high costs and concerns regarding the loss of decision-making control. The case of illwerke vkw, which delisted in 2013, serves as a cautionary example due to a long-running legal dispute regarding minority shareholder compensation that resulted in a 10.5 million euro payout.