Press Release Vogel Communications Group to acquire Axel Springer Corporate Solutions

Largest acquisition in the history of the VOGEL Group. Strategic transaction strengthens position in B2B marketing and expands digital service portfolio

Subject to antitrust approval, Würzburg/Germany-based Vogel Communications Group GmbH & Co. KG (VCG) will acquire Axel Springer Corporate Solutions GmbH & Co. KG (ASCS), with more than 120 employees, effective January 1, 2026. ASCS will be merged with VCG’s own Vogel Corporate Solutions GmbH (VCS). Across the Berlin and Würzburg locations, one of Germany’s largest content marketing agencies is being created, with exceptional media expertise.

With the acquisition, VCG is expanding its capabilities in content marketing and digital communication solutions and strengthening its position as a leading provider of B2B communications. “With this acquisition, the future Vogel Corporate Solutions can significantly expand its market position,” emphasizes Ewald Wessling, Chairman of the VCG Supervisory Board. “On its strategic path to becoming an internationally significant knowledge and communications partner, the entire group is taking a major step forward.”

The management of Vogel Corporate Solutions GmbH will consist of three Managing Directors: Lutz Thalmann and Frank Parlow (both ASCS) and Dennis Hirthammer (VCG), as well as an executive management team comprising Christopher Brott and Thuy Lan Mai (both ASCS) and Katharina Krimmer (previously a member of the VCS management team). Following the acquisition, the former ASCS managers Brott, Parlow and Thalmann will together hold 24.9% of the shares in VCS.

“This is the largest acquisition to date in the history of the Vogel Group,” says Matthias Bauer, CEO of VCG. “By bringing together Axel Springer Corporate Solutions with the 15 companies of Vogel Communications Group, we can noticeably broaden our product portfolio for clients—in both directions, because both organizations complement each other with strong capabilities.” This acquisition marks a significant milestone in the strategic development of the group. The client portfolio primarily comprises B2B clients from the consulting and software, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, energy and mobility sectors.

Axel Springer Corporate Solutions specializes in the development and implementation of high-quality communication solutions for companies—from customer magazines and digital platforms to multimedia content projects. Clients include Bayer, CLAAS, Roland Berger and Lufthansa. ASCS was founded in 2011 by Frank Parlow and Lutz Thalmann and was initially run by them as a department of Axel Springer SE before being spun off in 2018. Since then, ASCS—supported by notable references—has grown continuously and has been generating significant eight-figure annual revenue. The sale by Axel Springer is taking place as part of a strategic portfolio focus following the implementation of a new corporate structure.

Claudius Senst, Chief Operating Officer and member of the Executive Board of Axel Springer SE: “The team around Frank and Lutz has built an agency that sets benchmarks in its field, driven by entrepreneurial spirit, a passion for communication and strategic acumen. After years of steady growth, now is the right time to take the next step and continue this success story—under the umbrella of Vogel Communications Group. We would like to express our sincere thanks for the great commitment and wish the entire team all the best for the future.”

Lutz Thalmann comments: “We would like to expressly thank Axel Springer for the trust-based collaboration and valuable support in recent years. Together, we have successfully further developed our company. We now very much look forward to the next chapter. The merger opens up new perspectives, particularly in diversifying our service portfolio. The combined expertise of ASCS and VCS guarantees innovative and tailored communication solutions for our clients.”

Frank Parlow adds: “This landmark combination creates far more than a strong agency group—it is building a place where talent, ideas and innovation come together. Together, we are shaping the future of B2B communications—boldly, creatively and with a firm determination to set new standards.”

With 800 employees and a turnover of approximately 100 million Euro (approx. 116 million USD), Vogel Communications Group (VCG) is a leading provider of B2B communication and specialist media. VCG is represented at 12 different locations throughout the German-speaking region, as well as internationally, with a focus on China. VCG offers a group-owned network of 9 communication agencies and service companies. Our approx. 110 specialist media brands focus especially on five economic fields: automotive, industry, information technology, law/economy/ taxes and B2B communication/marketing. VCG offers 250+ services, 100+ specialist media, 100+ digital platforms and communities as well as 300+ business events per year—all focused on professional and successful B2B communication.

We make our customers more successful through communication—nationally and internationally!

You find more information under www.vogel.de and www.vogel.com.