International private equity firm Cinven today announced that it has signed an agreement to enter into a strategic partnership with Grant Thornton AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft (“Grant Thornton Germany”). The agreement is subject to approval by the Equity Partners of Grant Thornton Germany. With the planned partnership, the audit and advisory firm is embarking on its next phase of growth in order to sustainably position itself as a high-quality provider and trusted adviser for its clients.

Grant Thornton Germany is one of the leading and fastest‑growing audit and advisory firms in the German market and is a high‑quality provider of these professional services to international businesses in the upper mid‑market. With around 2,000 employees across ten offices, the firm supports a broad client base ranging from family-owned businesses to listed corporations, and public institutions.

In a dynamic market environment increasingly shaped by regulatory and economic complexity, the investment by the Cinven funds reflects Cinven’s confidence in Grant Thornton Germany’s leading position and long-term growth potential. Subject to the approval of the German Partner base, they will remain significant shareholders in the firm and will jointly shape its next growth phase together with Cinven.

Through the partnership with Cinven, Grant Thornton Germany will gain access to additional growth capital and Cinven’s deep expertise. This will enable the firm to accelerate its adoption of cutting-edge technologies in key areas such as digitalisation and artificial intelligence, expand into new growth segments, and further strengthen its ability to attract, develop, and retain top talent, while reinforcing its commitment to the highest standards in audit and advisory services.

Under the Cinven funds’ shared ownership, Grant Thornton Germany and Grant Thornton UK will also strengthen their collaboration and seize substantial opportunities in technology investment and international client service across Europe’s two largest economies. Grant Thornton Germany will remain part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which offers access to over 150 markets worldwide.

Prof. Dr. Heike Wieland-Blöse, CEO of Grant Thornton Germany, 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.”

Bruno Schick, Co-Managing Partner and Head of the DACH team at Cinven, and Maxim Crewe, Partner and Head of Cinven’s Financial Services Sector team, added:

“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.”

Grant Thornton Germany was advised on the transaction by Perella Weinberg Partners (M&A), Linklaters (Legal), and Deloitte (Financial). Cinven was advised by Freshfields (Legal), Oliver Wyman (Commercial) and Deloitte (Financial & Tax).

Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. Completion is subject to approval by the Equity Partners of Grant Thornton Germany, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.