Bochum (Germany)
Deutsche Infrastruktur und Netzgesellschaft mbH (DING Group)
General contractor for FTTH fiber optic infrastructures,
in-house networks and media supply
KEY FACTS AT A GLANCE
DING Group
€23.1MN
€9.6MN
84.4%
34.9%
15.6%
NOVEMBER 2019
REVENUES IN €MN
15
16
18
As of 30 June 2020
3
add-on acquisitions realized in first few months after closing
We want to develop the group of companies together and contribute to the FTTH expansion in Germany.
PROFILE
Deutsche Infrastruktur und Netzgesellschaft mbH (DING Group), formerly STG Group, was formed in 1989 from a construction company established more than 60 years previously. Since then, Bochum-based DING Group has established itself as a service provider in the telecommunications sector. Its product range not only comprises construction of fibre-to-the-home (“FTTH”) infrastructure, but also the operation, upgrade and subsequent network maintenance. Municipal utilities, municipalities themselves, and network operators are among the group’s clients. Furthermore, DING Group maintains inhouse network infrastructures for real estate companies: proprietary internet and TV products run on these networks, as well as third-party products.
POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT
The demand for high-speed internet connections – and thus the need for fibre-optic links – is increasing continuously. However, only 7 per cent of German households are currently connected to fibre-optic networks – the EU average is three times as high. DING Group is in a position to not only benefit from the resulting strong market growth organically, by expanding geographically, but also within the scope of a buy-and-build strategy, helping the company to grow inorganically via acquisitions. In addition, the group can expand its business as an operator of fibre-optic networks for network operators and the housing sector. DBAG will support DING Group in realising its growth potential by providing the necessary capital and its long-standing experience in the expansion of fibre-optic networks.
FINANCIAL YEAR 2019
Following the closing of the investment in November 2019, DING Group was able to acquire three additional companies during the first few months of our holding period. With Leinberger, ISKA and IMD, the group significantly expanded its capacity for underground construction and civil works and hence laid the foundation for its future growth capabilities.
OUTLOOK AND OBJECTIVES
For 2020, management targets to continue its successful growth path on both revenues and earnings level. The future development of the core business is predominantly driven by the construction segment, fuelled by the market’s strong demand overhang. DING Group aims to expand its business with existing and new customers also in other regions in Germany via organical and anorganical growth.
Managing Director
Managing Director
Ragnar Geerdts joined Deutsche Beteiligungs AG in 2012 and became a Managing Director in 2017.
Ragnar Geerdts has over 13 years of experience in private equity and mergers and acquisitions. He has extensive knowledge of the automotive supplier and telecommunications industries and in mechanical and plant engineering. He was involved in numerous investments and disinvestments, including DNS:NET, Frimo, Formel D, inexio, mageba, Oechsler and Unser Heimatbäcker. Ragnar Geerdts also led the investment process in vitronet, netzkontor nord, von Poll Immobilien, BTV Multimedia, FLS and DING Group and sits on the advisory councils of these companies. Before joining Deutsche Beteiligungs AG he worked in the area of M&A at Bayer AG and at Deutsche Post AG.
Ragnar Geerdts holds a degree in Business Administration from Freie Universität Berlin, and also studied at the Beijing Foreign Studies University.