3i opened its first German office in Frankfurt in 1984 and has since been a pioneer in the German private equity industry. 
Currently our portfolio in the German-speaking region consists of 35 companies. These come from a wide range of sectors, including a significant number of industrial and engineering companies. The Mittelstand is at the heart of the German economy and we have a particular focus on building strong partnerships with these medium-sized, largely family-owned businesses.

The companies we work with deliver profitable growth by tapping into our deep understanding of local markets, deal experience, local knowledge, broad-based sector expertise and and international network.  We introduce them to experienced industrialists and senior advisers, who offer a perspective on the latest industry trends and help identify new strategies for success and value growth.

In the past financial year, 3i invested more than €500 million equity in the German-speaking-region. With 5 new investments in the companies Scandlines, Euro-Druckservice, Oiltanking, Deutz Power Systems and the Breeze Group, 3i strengthened its position as a leading financial investor in this region. In addition, 3i has backed the IPOs of u-blox, Smart Fuel Cell and Goldbach Media. Successful divestments in the German-speaking region included Adco, Wendt, DocMorris, Lonstroff Holding and Jung Pumpen.