COLUMBUS A/S
IT consulting·COLUM · Nasdaq Copenhagen·Fiscal year to 31/12/2025
Columbus is a consultancy company that brings business, technology and people together and turn transformation into lasting value within Manufacturing, Retail & Distribution, Food & Beverage, and Life Science.
Exposure profile
Derived from what the company itself writes. Empty directions mean the report doesn't mention themes of that type.
In their own words
Grouped by theme, from the management review in the annual report. A · The company itself is a verbatim quote, B · From the report is without a verified quote.
Artificial intelligence
Technology
DriverPositive impact: strengthens
“Positioned for AI-driven demand acceleration 5. AI is set to drive the next decade of IT consulting demand, following the cloud migration wave. Columbus is uniquely positioned to capture this opportunity.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
DriverPositive impact: strengthens
“The growth is mainly driven by organisations embarking on their AI journey and customers investing in a common Data Platform. Data & AI is starting to see increased sales driven by heightened AI activity and interests.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
StrategyPositive impact: strengthens
“Strong interest in AI throughout 2025 has prompted action and we have adopted our services and organisation accordingly. These initiatives include investments in AI tools for more than 1,000 Columbus consultants, broad capability build programs, a network of more than 60 internal AI champions, competency networks, dedicated go-to-market, and a shared knowledge hub.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
StrategyPositive impact: strengthens
“Our Data & AI Business Line received the Microsoft AI Platform on Azure designation – a stamp of approval of our capabilities within AI.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
StrategyPositive impact: strengthens
“Columbus will continue to expand the fastgrowing Core Business Services; Data & AI and Digital Commerce, and further strengthen our customer offerings.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Market
“This was partly offset by a positive performance in strategic Business Lines such as Data & AI and Digital Commerce.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Market
“Columbus approaches AI from a customer-first perspective, focusing on use cases that improve efficiency, decision quality and customer experience within core business processes. AI is embedded across solution areas such as ERP, data platforms and digital commerce, enabling customers to automate workflows, enhance insights and improve interactions with their own customers.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Market
“About Data & AI Data & AI advises on defining and executing an AI enablement strategy for data-driven decision-making. End-to-end data solutions, including data strategy development, modern data platform design, AI, ML, and GenAI solutions.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Market
“By partnering with leading technology providers, we leverage over 30 years of expertise to deliver value through efficient, cost-effective solutions.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Chains out: this strengthens Data centres, strengthens Semiconductors and electronic components, strengthens Semiconductor industry
Retail
End markets
Market
“Columbus is a consultancy company that brings business, technology and people together and turn transformation into lasting value within Manufacturing, Retail & Distribution, Food & Beverage, and Life Science.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Market
“Digital Commerce helps organisations accelerate growth by designing customer-centric strategies, creating seamless crosschannel experiences, and delivering AI-driven unified commerce. Digital Commerce enables retailers, manufacturers, and distributors to strengthen competitiveness by modernising platforms, integrating core systems, and turning digital interactions into measurable business value.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Market
“Digital Commerce is heavily exposed to the retail business, particularly in Sweden, and faced headwind throughout the year, with declining revenue in Denmark and Norway.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Market
“Besides Dynamics 365, Digital Commerce experienced a steep declined due to slow-down in the retail sector.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Chains in: Consumer spending strengthens
E-commerce
Technology
Market
“This was partly offset by a positive performance in strategic Business Lines such as Data & AI and Digital Commerce.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Market
“Digital Commerce helps organisations accelerate growth by designing customer-centric strategies, creating seamless crosschannel experiences, and delivering AI-driven unified commerce. Digital Commerce enables retailers, manufacturers, and distributors to strengthen competitiveness by modernising platforms, integrating core systems, and turning digital interactions into measurable business value.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Market
“The Swedish fashion-forward online retailer Bubbleroom partnered with Columbus to build a new, scalable e-commerce foundation on Shopify, enabling rapid international expansion and market-specific storefronts. The collaboration included launching brand-new markets, migrating existing ones, and establishing processes and technology fit for European growth.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Healthcare and hospitals
End markets
Market
“Columbus is a consultancy company that brings business, technology and people together and turn transformation into lasting value within Manufacturing, Retail & Distribution, Food & Beverage, and Life Science.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Market
“We appointed a new leader for the Dynamics 365 Business Line, bringing over 17 years of industry expertise working with Life Science customers. While we secured new customers, revenue from Life Science declined slightly - reflecting a slower ramp-up than anticipated. Columbus is well-positioned to win Life Science with strong synergies to the regulatory environment and complexity found in the Food & Beverage industry.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Market
“Columbus has partnered with Pharmaxo, a leading UK healthcare company and part of the Icon Group, on the implementation of Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management and Dynamics 365 Healthcare. This transformation will strengthen Pharmaxo’s end-to-end finance, supply chain, and clinical operations, enabling scalable, compliant delivery of high-tech homecare and pharmacy services for patients with complex, long-term and rare conditions across the UK.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Chains in: Ageing population strengthens, GLP-1 and obesity treatment mixed effect
Industrial manufacturing
End markets
Market
“Columbus is a consultancy company that brings business, technology and people together and turn transformation into lasting value within Manufacturing, Retail & Distribution, Food & Beverage, and Life Science.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Market
“BAMA Gruppen AS in Norway has chosen Columbus to develop and roll out a new group-wide ERP system based on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management. The new platform will replace a patchwork of ageing systems and give the company a standardised, scalable backbone for its operations.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Market
“In addition, Columbus is helping Normet to create a coherent and relevant experience across mobile, web and eCommerce. → READ MORE here: https://www.columbusglobal.com/insights/cases/normetbridges-digital-gap-with-a-modern-b2becommerce-platform/ Columbus Data & AI is supporting the Danish company Fomaco with an Intelligent Data Platform built on Microsoft Fabric, with Power BI reporting on top.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Agriculture and food production
End markets
Market
“Columbus is a consultancy company that brings business, technology and people together and turn transformation into lasting value within Manufacturing, Retail & Distribution, Food & Beverage, and Life Science.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Market
“This acquisition enhances our Microsoft Dynamics 365 delivery capacity with seasoned consultants and expands our presence in the Food & Beverage industry, adding a portfolio of leading Norwegian customers.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Chains in: Grain and agricultural commodities mixed effect, Climate change and extreme weather weakens, Grocery retail and private label weakens
Automation and robotics
Technology
StrategyPositive impact: strengthens
“In 2026, we expect organic growth of 0-5% and improved earnings of 8-10% driven by enhanced efficiency and a continued focus on contract profitability.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
StrategyPositive impact: strengthens
“This positions us well to continue our growth journey and maintain a clear focus on improving profitability. Key priorities on our agenda remain: • Continuous focus on efficiency • Increasing use of Columbus’ service centers • Commercial excellence • Leveraging of Columbus’ strong business model The outlook is subject to the general uncertainties in our markets, such as the current macro-economic conditions, higher than normal exchange rate volatility and a continuous geopolitical situation that may impact on the general business environment.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
M&A and consolidation
Macro
StrategyPositive impact: strengthens
“Columbus has a proven buy-and-build platform, with an extensive M&A track record, robust pipeline, and strong integration capabilities.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
StrategyPositive impact: strengthens
“Market pricing and uncertainty have reached a level where activity is picking up in the market, and we have shifted our mode to active pursuit in the M&A space. We acquired Accigo's Norwegian Microsoft Dynamics operation in December 2025.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Digitalisation
Technology
StrategyPositive impact: strengthens
“Despite headwinds in 2025, we continued to optimise our organisation to adapt to a changing IT landscape and to strengthen our order pipeline.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Chains in: Cybersecurity (products and services) strengthens, Public investment and infrastructure strengthens
Chains out: this strengthens IT consulting and public-sector IT
IT consulting and public-sector IT
End markets
Market
“Columbus is a consultancy company that brings business, technology and people together and turn transformation into lasting value within Manufacturing, Retail & Distribution, Food & Beverage, and Life Science.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Chains in: Public investment and infrastructure strengthens, Digitalisation strengthens
Business cycle and GDP growth
Macro
DriverNegative impact: weakens
“Throughout 2025, prolonged customer decision cycles and cautious investment behavior weighed on market momentum, resulting in a modest decline in revenue compared to the prior year.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
DriverNegative impact: weakens
“Resilience in a challenging market Columbus’ revenue amounted to DKK 1,576m in 2025, corresponding to a decrease of 5%.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
DriverNegative impact: weakens
“July 2025) to reflect a more cautious investment environment, characterized by extended customer decision-making cycles and delays in larger transformation projects.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
DriverNegative impact: weakens
“This decline was primarily driven by the Dynamics 365 Business Line, where revenue declined by 8%, reflecting prolonged decision-making and delays in larger Cloud ERP projects.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
DriverNegative impact: weakens
“In 2025, Dynamics experienced a decrease in service revenue of 8%, amounting to DKK 899m. The decline is primarily driven by continued project delays and hesitation to commit to new long-term ERP and IT projects in the Danish and Norwegian Market Units.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
DriverNegative impact: weakens
“In 2025, M3 delivered service revenue of DKK 322m, reflecting a flat development compared to 2024. This was primarily driven by declining activity in M3's key markets Sweden and Germany.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
DriverNegative impact: weakens
“The Swedish Market Unit, which is our largest market, experienced a negative growth of 5% in service revenue compared to 2024. Service revenue for 2025 amounted to DKK 484m, down from DKK 507m in 2024. The decline is attributed to the deteriorating market conditions, leading to customer reluctance to initiate new IT projects as well as longer decision-making processes.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
DriverNegative impact: weakens
“In 2025, the risks related to competitive pressure, market changes and macroe-conomic uncertainty increased, as a consequence of the macroeconomic development, which has led to market caution with our customers, prolonged decision-making and downscaling of IT projects. This has affected the activity level in Columbus in 2025.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
DriverNegative impact: weakens
“Rapid changes and competitive pressures from both existing and emerging market players may weaken Columbus' competitive edge. Market volatility and a fragile economic outlook further increase risk, while macroeconomic uncertainty - including low growth, trade barriers, tarriffs and geopolitical shifts - may challenge demand, pricing and project pipelines.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
DriverNegative impact: weakens
“Macroeconomic uncertainty and low growth rates may reduce customer demand and impact profitability. This is particularly the case where IT investments are delayed.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Chains out: this strengthens Global trade volumes, strengthens Construction
Labour and wages
Raw materials and inputs
DriverPositive impact: strengthens
“Employee engagement reached a record score of 85 in our annual employee survey - above industry benchmarks and rising for the third consecutive year, despite a turbulent year.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
DriverNegative impact: weakens
“Lack of talent may affect the ability to take on new projects and, consequently, to execute the growth strategy. The loss of key employees could negatively impact the existing business.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
InputNegative impact: weakens
“Columbus is a knowledge-intensive company and in order to continuously offer optimal solutions, develop innovative products, and ensure satisfactory financial results, it is necessary to attract, retain and develop the right employees.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Consumer spending
Macro
DriverNegative impact: weakens
“Throughout 2025, prolonged customer decision cycles and cautious investment behavior weighed on market momentum, resulting in a modest decline in revenue compared to the prior year.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Chains in: Inflation weakens
Chains out: this strengthens Retail, strengthens Hospitality and leisure, strengthens Premium consumers, strengthens Grocery retail and private label
Geopolitical uncertainty
Macro
DriverNegative impact: weakens
“Rapid changes and competitive pressures from both existing and emerging market players may weaken Columbus' competitive edge. Market volatility and a fragile economic outlook further increase risk, while macroeconomic uncertainty - including low growth, trade barriers, tarriffs and geopolitical shifts - may challenge demand, pricing and project pipelines.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Chains out: this strengthens Defence budgets, strengthens Energy security, strengthens Tariffs and trade policy, weakens Global trade volumes, strengthens Sea freight and freight rates, weakens Reconstruction of Ukraine
Semiconductors and electronic components
Raw materials and inputs
InputNegative impact: weakens
“Columbus’ business is to a wide extent based on implementation and servicing of customer solutions based on third party software and cloud products. Partnerships with our software and cloud providers is of crucial importance to the implementation of Columbus’ business strategy.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Chains in: Artificial intelligence strengthens
Cybersecurity (products and services)
Technology
DriverNegative impact: weakens
“The still relatively high proportion of risks related to IT, GDPR and cybercrime reflects a sustained high level of external cyber threats, while improved operational tools and processes have significantly Risk map strengthened internal IT security. This includes the ongoing implementation of ISO27001, which is expected to be certified in the first half of 2026, as well as adherence to NIS2 and EU AI Act.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Chains in: Cyber attacks and IT security risk strengthens
Chains out: this strengthens Digitalisation
Other currencies
Macro
DriverPositive impact: strengthens
“Overall, currency fluctuations had a positive effect of 0.5%, primarily (DKKm) ● Operational Service Agreements ● Recurring Licenses driven by the strengthening of the Swedish currency.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
United States
Geography
Geography
“US underpins portfolio balance Performance in 2025 varied across markets, reflecting differences in customer sentiment and investment dynamics. While activity in the Nordic markets remained subdued, improved momentum in the UK and the US provided partial compensation, supported by stronger commercial execution and focused leadership. Across Business Lines, traditional ERP project activity declined, reflecting continued customer caution.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Geography
“Columbus stands out in a fragmented landscape, combining a broad, complementary service portfolio with international reach—an edge matched by few competitors in our key markets.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Geography
“Columbus serves over 1,100 medium and large enterprises across four strategic industries: Manufacturing, Food & Beverage, Retail & Distribution, and Life Science, working globally with bases in the Nordics, the UK, and the US.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Geography
“In contrast, revenue grew by 2% in the UK and by 18% in the US.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Geography
“However, M3 experienced strong growth in the US and Norwegian markets and established new operations in the UK.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Geography
“The US Market Unit achieved service revenue of DKK 99m, corresponding to a growth of 18%. The US Market Unit is primarily comprised of the Business Lines Dynamics 365, M3 and Data & AI.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Geography
“Our customers primarily consist of multi-national companies in Scandinavia, United Kingdom, United States and Germany, within our focus industries: Retail & Distribution, Manufacturing, Food & beverages, and Life Science.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Geography
“We source our consultants from our global talent pool to local markets in Scandinavia, United Kingdom, United States and Germany.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Chains in: USD vs DKK/EUR mixed effect
Europe
Geography
Geography
“US underpins portfolio balance Performance in 2025 varied across markets, reflecting differences in customer sentiment and investment dynamics. While activity in the Nordic markets remained subdued, improved momentum in the UK and the US provided partial compensation, supported by stronger commercial execution and focused leadership. Across Business Lines, traditional ERP project activity declined, reflecting continued customer caution.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Geography
“Columbus stands out in a fragmented landscape, combining a broad, complementary service portfolio with international reach—an edge matched by few competitors in our key markets.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Geography
“Columbus serves over 1,100 medium and large enterprises across four strategic industries: Manufacturing, Food & Beverage, Retail & Distribution, and Life Science, working globally with bases in the Nordics, the UK, and the US.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Geography
“In contrast, revenue grew by 2% in the UK and by 18% in the US.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Geography
“The UK Market Unit delivered 2% growth in service revenue in 2025, amounting to DKK 323m in 2025, up from DKK 317m in 2024.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Geography
“Our customers primarily consist of multi-national companies in Scandinavia, United Kingdom, United States and Germany, within our focus industries: Retail & Distribution, Manufacturing, Food & beverages, and Life Science.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Geography
“We source our consultants from our global talent pool to local markets in Scandinavia, United Kingdom, United States and Germany.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Nordics
Geography
Geography
“US underpins portfolio balance Performance in 2025 varied across markets, reflecting differences in customer sentiment and investment dynamics. While activity in the Nordic markets remained subdued, improved momentum in the UK and the US provided partial compensation, supported by stronger commercial execution and focused leadership. Across Business Lines, traditional ERP project activity declined, reflecting continued customer caution.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Geography
“Columbus stands out in a fragmented landscape, combining a broad, complementary service portfolio with international reach—an edge matched by few competitors in our key markets.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Geography
“Columbus serves over 1,100 medium and large enterprises across four strategic industries: Manufacturing, Food & Beverage, Retail & Distribution, and Life Science, working globally with bases in the Nordics, the UK, and the US.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Geography
“Geographically, Columbus faced headwinds in the Nordic markets, which declined by 8% in 2025, primarily due to lower activity in Digital Commerce and Dynamics 365.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Geography
“Our Norwegian Market Unit faced challenging market conditions in 2025, continuing the trend from 2024, resulting in a 14% decline in service revenue to DKK 195m, down from DKK 228m in 2024.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Geography
“Our customers primarily consist of multi-national companies in Scandinavia, United Kingdom, United States and Germany, within our focus industries: Retail & Distribution, Manufacturing, Food & beverages, and Life Science.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Geography
“We source our consultants from our global talent pool to local markets in Scandinavia, United Kingdom, United States and Germany.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Denmark
Geography
Geography
“Geographically, Columbus faced headwinds in the Nordic markets, which declined by 8% in 2025, primarily due to lower activity in Digital Commerce and Dynamics 365.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Geography
“The largest declines were seen in Denmark at 11% and Norway at 14%, while revenue development in Sweden was more moderate.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Geography
“The Danish Market Unit saw a negative growth of 11% in service revenue compared to last year, amounting to DKK 367m in 2025, down from DKK 413m in 2024.”
Annual report 2025A · The company itself
Competitors mentioned in the report
No named competitors in the report.
Financial figures
| Revenue latest fiscal year | 1.58 bn DKK |
| Revenue growth vs. the year before, same method | -5 % |
| EBITDA reported by the company | 0.11 bn DKK |
| Net debt debt incl. leasing minus cash | 0.14 bn DKK |
| Diluted EPS per share | 0.11 DKK |
Source: annual report (ESEF) A. See the report
Criteria
| Profit | ✓ |
| Growing | ✗ |
| Healthy balance sheet | ✓ |
Only the criteria that can be computed from financial statements on this page. The remaining criteria (such as price and dividend) need a share price and are in the analysis.