List of the 1,500 largest Medium-Sized Companies in Germany

The middle class as the backbone of the German economy – Portrait of Germany’s largest middle-class companies

Hardly any other country is as characterised by small and medium-sized enterprises as Germany. Especially in rural regions, there are a large number of medium-sized companies that are world market leaders in their sectors or play an important role in certain industries. Due to the importance of the automotive industry, this is especially true for automotive suppliers and companies from the mechanical engineering sector, but the strength of the German middle class is also enormous in other areas. The large number of medium-sized companies is a great opportunity for sales representatives of numerous companies in German-speaking countries. However, approaching relevant, new partners often turns out to be more difficult than hoped. This is not least due to the fact that comprehensive market overviews are scarce. This is where Research Germany comes in and provides an inexpensive way to get an overview of the entire German medium-sized business sector in one list.

Our overview of the largest medium-sized companies provides a comprehensive overview of all hidden champions

The term “hidden champions” was introduced for companies that are world market leaders in their field of business and yet unknown to most people. This definition already illustrates the challenge for business people looking for partners in this field: identifying hidden champions often involves tedious research. From now on, you can dispense with hours of market research by using Research Germany’s address database. Our years of experience in market research in Germany enable us to track down relevant companies that are often overlooked. Gain a competitive advantage by relying on our dataset and approaching high-calibre partners before your competitor does.

This information will be included in the list of the largest stock exchange-listed companies in Germany:

• General contact details (address, e-mail address, telephone number, URL)
• Names of the management
• Stock exchange specific data: ISIN, ticker symbol, market segment
• Turnover of the years 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (based on the respective annual or consolidated financial statements via the Bundesanzeiger)
• Number of employees (based on the latest annual or consolidated financial statements via the Federal Gazette)
• Segmentation by industry and field of activity

Note: If the sales and employee figures are not included in a company’s own annual financial statements but in their parent company’s consolidated financial statements, the data from the parent company will be provided.

Direct download of the database of medium-sized companies in Germany as an Excel file for immediate lead generation

With our address database, we support consultancies, sales experts, managing directors and many other players in approaching potential customers and partners. The most important medium-sized companies in Germany are particularly attractive customers due to their solid market position and long-term business orientation. The family-run companies attach great importance to a trusting, future-oriented cooperation and are regarded as reliable negotiating partners. You can start contacting them immediately and download the Excel list directly. The clear structure of the database makes it easy to filter, sort and edit the file.

German companies from the industry, technology, food and consumer goods sectors

The list of Germany’s largest medium-sized companies is an extract from our database of Germany’s 3,000 most important companies. We define medium-sized companies as firms with annual sales of less than EUR 10 billion from the industry, technology, food and consumer goods sectors. Many of the companies listed are family businesses with a long tradition and deep roots in the region. Germany’s largest medium-sized companies are extraordinarily diverse, yet they are often united by decades of experience, global orientation and an innovative mindset.

Valuable information on the medium-sized companies: Industry, contact details, turnover, management

Research Germany’s research team has conducted extensive market analysis to identify the most relevant companies in the German economy. Our overview of the most important companies in the middle class is a particularly relevant list for many players in the German market. Our database goes well beyond a simple listing of the most important companies by including detailed information on individual firms. First of all, a segmentation according to sectors has been carried out so that an initial sorting and filtering according to one’s own ideas is possible with just one click. Furthermore, the address database contains the turnover of the years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 in EUR million, so that a comparison by size can be made between the listed companies. A first impression of the economic development and growth is also possible. In addition, contact details (address, e-mail address, telephone number, names of the managing directors including salutation) are provided. We wish you much success in generating leads and approaching potential customers and partners.

List of the 5 largest medium-sized businesses in Germany

Medium-sized companies form the backbone of the German economy. From small craft firms to industrial midsized companies – the range is wide. Some medium-sized companies are even world market leaders in their field. Here are the TOP 5:

1st place: Aurubis AG, Hamburg: 12.4 billion euros turnover

Until 2009 Aurubis traded under the name Norddeutsche Affinerie AG. The long-established company is a specialist in copper production and copper recycling. Its customers are various industrial sectors. The Salzgitter Group holds 25 percent of Aurubis, the rest of the shares are free float. Aurubis employs over 7,200 people.

2nd place: Gebr. Knauf KG, Iphofen: 11.2 billion euros turnover

The Knauf Group is a family-owned company that specialises in plaster systems, plaster facades and dry screed. The company also offers insulation materials and machine technology for plastering. Knauf is represented in 86 countries, owns 220 factories and 75 roughcast plants. Approximately 35,000 people work for the group.

3rd place: Freudenberg SE, Weinheim: 8.8 billion euros turnover

The family-owned Freudenberg group emerged from a tannery taken over in 1849. Its business areas are seals and vibration control technology, technical textiles, cleaning solutions and special chemical products. Freudenberg’s Vileda household wipes are well known. The company, which employs almost 48,000 people, supplies various industrial sectors, including car manufacturers.

4th place: Salzgitter AG, Salzgitter: 7.1 billion euros turnover

The Salzgitter Group has been in existence since 1998, when the then Preussag AG (today: TUI) spun off its steel division. Steel production and steel processing still form the business model. Salzgitter has over 100 subsidiaries – including Mannesmann Röhren, Hüttenwerke Krupp-Mannesmann, Salzgitter-Klöckner – and employs more than 24,000 people.

5th place: HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA, Lippstadt: 6.4 billion euros turnover

Headlights, lamps and interior lighting for vehicles form HELLA’s core business. In addition, the Lippstadt-based automotive supplier offers camera-based driving assistance systems, electronic control units and, as a dealer, other car accessories. Previously a family business, HELLA will merge with the French automotive supplier Faurecia in 2022. Today, HELLA employs a good 36,000 people.

Picture source: Chris Liverani