IGEPA takes full control of Freytag & Petersen to restructure its German wholesale operations
IGEPA Großhandel Beteiligungs GmbH acquires 100% of Freytag & Petersen following the exit of its sole shareholder to reorganize its German network.
The European distribution landscape for print media and packaging materials is witnessing a significant internal consolidation. IGEPA Großhandel Beteiligungs GmbH has officially acquired 100% of the shares in Cologne-based Freytag & Petersen GmbH & Co. KG, marking a pivotal succession plan that reshapes the group's shareholder structure in Germany.
A strategic succession and equity reshuffle
The transaction, finalized in October 2026, sees the former sole shareholder, Prof. Dr. Heinrich Hugo Best, transferring his entire stake to IGEPA Großhandel Beteiligungs GmbH, a joint subsidiary of the IGEPA shareholder companies. This move ensures the continuity of Freytag & Petersen's regional presence while securing a reliable foundation for its future operations.
Beyond the direct acquisition, this succession plan triggers a broader reorganization of equity interests within the IGEPA network. The stakes previously held by Freytag & Petersen in other group entities are being systematically redistributed among the four remaining IGEPA shareholder companies:
- 2H GmbH & Co. KG
- vph GmbH & Co. KG
- E. Michaelis & Co. Holding (GmbH & Co.) KG
- Geiger GmbH & Co. KG
Integration and market positioning
Over the coming months, Freytag & Petersen will be gradually merged with IGEPA Großhandel. According to the company, this integration aims to align structures and processes, pooling existing strengths to leverage synergies and maintain high performance levels for their customer base. The leadership of the joint venture will be assumed by the current managing directors Ralf Höllmann, Sven Kaufmann, and Dr. Ingo Osterheld, ensuring stability for clients and suppliers.
This consolidation comes at a time when the wholesale sector requires robust logistical networks and financial resilience. The IGEPA Group, which reported a turnover of approximately 1.6 billion euros in 2025, continues to leverage its scale. With around 2,950 employees and a presence in over 79 locations across 23 countries, the group remains a dominant force in the distribution of paper, advertising technology, and packaging solutions.
This internal realignment strengthens IGEPA's operational agility, allowing the group to streamline its decision-making processes in a highly competitive European market. Will this consolidated structure enable IGEPA to capture a larger share of the growing sustainable packaging distribution sector? Follow The Paper for daily news, market signals and key updates from the global paper, corrugated and packaging industry. — Sigue toda la actualidad del sector en www.thepaper.ai
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