• Equity Partners’ approval for forward-looking partnership marks a new chapter in Grant Thornton Germany’s growth story
• Cinven contributes market-leading expertise in digitalisation, AI, and process optimisation, as well as additional growth capital
• Investment in innovative technology and targeted acquisitions to further strengthen capabilities and significantly improve market position
• Highest quality, professional excellence, and compliance with the professional principles of an auditing firm remain top priority
Düsseldorf/Frankfurt am Main, 13 October 2025 – The Equity Partners of Grant Thornton AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft (“Grant Thornton Germany”) have approved the strategic partnership with international private equity firm Cinven. This marks a key milestone for the transaction initially announced on 10 September 2025, which is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026. The partnership further strengthens Grant Thornton Germany’s position as a leading, trusted service provider in the German audit and advisory market, ushering in its next phase of growth.
The strategic partnership with Cinven is the outcome of a strategy process initiated at the end of 2024, aimed at future proofing Grant Thornton Germany and harnessing the opportunities arising from the industry’s ongoing transformation. By partnering with Cinven, the firm will gain access to additional growth capital from the Cinven funds and market-leading expertise, particularly in the areas of digitalisation, artificial intelligence and process optimisation. Thus, Grant Thornton Germany combines the agility and client focus of a mid-sized firm with the financial strength and deep experience of a leading international private equity investor.
Targeted investments in innovative technologies will enable Grant Thornton to strengthen its position as a quality leader and further expand its service offering for clients. At the same time, the firm will enhance its appeal as an employer – fostering and retaining existing talent while attracting new professionals. These initiatives are designed to significantly improve the firm’s industry position.
Prof. Dr. Heike Wieland-Blöse, CEO of Grant Thornton Germany, said:
“With Cinven, we are gaining a strong partner with an impressive track record in Germany and Europe. Cinven knows our market and understands our business. They bring exactly the expertise and resources we need to take our firm in Germany to the next level. Together, we will actively shape the market and invest significantly in our capabilities and new technologies. This will benefit all Grant Thornton Germany stakeholders – our clients, employees and partners – as well as the global Grant Thornton network. We look forward to working closely with the Cinven team.”
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:
“Grant Thornton Germany has become one of the most dynamic players in the German audit and advisory sector in recent years. With a strong team, a diverse client base and a clear focus on the international upper mid-market, the firm is ideally positioned to continue its successful growth trajectory. Demand for high-quality audit and advisory services in Germany continues to rise, and with our experience in professional services and targeted investments, we will support management and partners in harnessing the extensive possibilities of digitalisation and new technologies, further strengthening Grant Thornton Germany’s position as a leading provider of innovative and reliable audit and advisory services.”
Together with Cinven, Grant Thornton Germany will focus on three core pillars to further develop its business: investment in cutting-edge technology and a comprehensive, high-quality service offering to accelerate organic growth; targeted acquisitions and team hires to enable additional external growth; leveraging the dynamic development of the international Grant Thornton network, particularly through closer collaboration with the UK firm. The aim is to realise opportunities and synergies for business expansion, win more cross-border mandates and thus further enhance the market position in Germany.
The partnership is built on a strong cultural fit and shared values: The high quality of Grant Thornton’s services in Germany, professional excellence and consistent compliance with all regulatory requirements and professional principles are also key factors for Cinven in ensuring a successful investment. Grant Thornton’s governance structure in Germany will continue to ensure these high standards in the future.
Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed. Completion remains subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
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).
