Slight increase in number of employees in R&D

The HUGO BOSS Group’s creative and development departments are staffed by skilled fashion designers, tailors, shoe and clothing technicians and engineers. In 2015, the head-count in research and development came to 573 employees (2014: 555). Employees

Number of employees in R&D as of December 31

R&D expenses moderately higher than in the previous year

Research and development expenses largely comprise personnel expenses and other operating expenses. In 2015, as in past years, the majority of research and development expenses were expensed as incurred. In addition, production-related development expenses are included in the costs of conversion of inventories. No research and development expenses were capitalized as internally generated intangible assets. Total expenditure across the Group in connection with the creation of collections increased by 6% in the past fiscal year to EUR 65 million (2014: EUR 62 million). At 69%, personnel expenses made up the majority of research and development expenses (2014: 69%). The ratio of research and development expenses to consolidated sales remained unchanged at 2% in the past fiscal year (2014: 2 %).

R&D expenses (in EUR million)

R&D expenses (in % of sales)