Cinven, a private equity firm, has entered into an agreement to acquire a “significant” stake in Grant Thornton Germany, an audit and advisory services provider.  

The financial specifics of this transaction remain undisclosed. 

Grant Thornton Germany offers professional services to international businesses in the upper mid-market.  

The firm employs approximately 2,000 staff across ten offices, catering to a diverse clientele ranging from family enterprises to publicly listed companies and public institutions. 

With this partnership, Grant Thornton Germany is expected to secure additional growth capital and access to Cinven’s expertise.  

The collaboration aims to accelerate the firm’s adoption of advanced technologies, such as digitalisation and AI, expand into new growth areas, and bolster its capability to attract and retain top talent.  

Grant Thornton Germany CEO Heike Wieland-Blöse said: “The partnership with Cinven gives us the opportunity to position Grant Thornton Germany in the best possible way for the future in a dynamic market environment.  

“Cinven brings valuable expertise, resources, and access that will help us further expand our service offering for clients while continuing to enhance our attractiveness for employees and future talent. Cinven shares our values of independence, integrity, and partnership. Together, we aim to strengthen our position as a leading quality provider in the German market and unlock new growth opportunities.” 

In a joint statement, Cinven co-managing partner and head of the DACH team Bruno Schick and Cinven partner and head of financial services sector team Maxim Crewe said: “With its broad client base and clear focus on the international upper mid-market, Grant Thornton Germany is already strongly positioned.  

“We aim to support the management team and partners with our expertise and, via targeted investments, to harness the opportunities of digitalisation and new technologies for the benefit of their clients – ensuring Grant Thornton Germany remains a frontrunner in innovative audit and advisory services. Demand for high-quality audit in Germany continues to grow. Together we can help meet that demand.” 

As per the agreement, the German partners are set to remain shareholders and will collaborate with Cinven to steer the firm’s future growth. 

The announcement follows Cinven’s acquisition of a majority stake in Grant Thornton UK in 2024.  

Under Cinven’s joint ownership, both the German and UK branches of Grant Thornton will enhance their cooperation, pursuing opportunities in technology investment and international client services across Europe’s two largest economies. 

Grant Thornton Germany will continue to be a part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to over 150 markets globally.  

The completion of this transaction is contingent upon approval by Grant Thornton Germany’s equity partners, regulatory clearances, and other standard closing conditions.