Directives and Patrons
In the dynamic world of business, Germany continues to be a hotbed of activity, with major Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) deals shaping the landscape across various sectors. Here's a roundup of some of the most significant transactions that have taken place in recent times.
Real Estate:
The commercial real estate sector witnessed a significant shift with Landesbank Baden-Württemberg (LBBW) acquiring and integrating Berlin Hyp's real estate finance activities as of August 1, 2025. This consolidation created a substantial player in commercial real estate finance in Europe with a combined portfolio of around €63 billion.
Software:
In the software sector, JTL-Software-GmbH, a portfolio company of Hg, acquired Dealavo Sp. z o.o. This deal, although the value of which was not disclosed, represents a notable acquisition in software services within the region.
Renewable Energy:
The renewable energy sector is also seeing a surge in activity. For instance, ImWind, a pioneer in wind and solar power, sold two wind farms and one solar park portfolio (total capacity 130 MW) to Wien Energie. This transaction significantly boosted Wien Energie's wind energy production by over 50%.
Moreover, Germany is expected to see considerable growth in the energy sector, particularly in renewable energy and infrastructure investments, driven by a national push to reduce dependence on Russian gas.
Notable M&A Deals:
- CIP is acquiring a 70% stake in the first project phase of the hydrogen project in Lubmin, advised by CMS and A&O Shearman.
- DRS Investment launched a special AIF Skywards and acquired a majority stake in the auction service provider Aurena, with Heuking providing legal advice.
- Deutsche Pfandbriefbank acquired a majority stake in Deutsche Investment Gruppe, with Hengeler Mueller providing legal advice.
- Hogan Lovells advised the private equity fund Flex Capital on the acquisition of 3C Deutschland from Experian.
- Aareal Bank expanded its product portfolio to a new asset class, data centers, with White & Case providing legal advice on a €160 million loan for the Frankfurt I Data Center acquisition by Goodman Group.
- Milbank advised the private equity investor Carlyle on the acquisition of the software company Ingentis Group from Maguar Capital.
- Kirkland & Ellis advised Triton on the sale of a majority stake in the data center cooling technology provider Kelvion to Apollo.
These deals reflect strategic consolidation in real estate finance, software acquisitions, and expanding renewable energy investments, signalling a promising future for these sectors in Germany. Despite economic uncertainties and elevated corporate distress in some companies, the M&A landscape in Germany for 2025 shows recovery and growth in sectors including Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT), real estate, and energy.
- In the realm of technology, the acquisition of Dealavo Sp. z o.o by JTL-Software-GmbH signifies a significant move in software services, bolstering Germany's standing in this sector.
- The lifestyle sector, though not explicitly mentioned, could witness changes as a result of the consolidation in real estate finance, given the impact of major Mergers and Acquisitions on the commercial real estate sector.
- The surge in renewable energy activity, such as the sale of wind farms and solar parks to Wien Energie, could influence education-and-self-development by fostering research and innovation in sustainable energy technologies.
- General-news and sports may focus on reporting the strategic consolidation in various sectors, particularly in real estate finance, software acquisitions, and expanding renewable energy investments, as these deals signal growth and recovery in Germany's economy.
