Prioritizing Eco-Friendly Strategies on a Global Scale

Germany teeters on the brink of a crisis of faith in December 2024, grappling with a fractured government, outdated infrastructure, a shaky economy, and an automotive sector caught in a blur of self-doubt and territorial anxieties. As the country ponders its place in the future, one powerhouse stands tall: the Viessmann Group. This industrial titan, playing the role of the dedicated caretaker, proclaims, "We shape living spaces for generations to come," a credo etched in the hearts of its employees.

But how does this lofty aspiration translate into financial terms? The true impact may not be fully revealed until the years to come, as the company's strategic vision stretches far beyond the horizon. With the recent transfer of its Climate Solutions division to Carrier Global, Viessmann retains a 7% stake, positioning itself for long-term growth.

This visionary company has a diverse portfolio brimming with initiatives. From venture capital investments with Wattx and Vito One to partnerships like the Berliner Maschinenraum, a platform for family-owned businesses to exchange ideas, to significant acquisitions, such as the recent purchase of Encavis, alongside ongoing altruistic endeavors, the Viessmann Group stands at the forefront of sustainability.

Eye on the future

The future of Viessmann's operations lies, according to the company, in smart software solutions. A recent, clandestine investment by Viessmann underscores this belief. In partnership with EQT, the company has acquired a majority stake in AMCS, a sustainability software company that helps resource-intensive industries optimize their daily operations, manage materials efficiently, meet evolving regulations, and achieve crucial sustainability goals. As the CEO Max Viessmann notes, "Smart software solutions have the potential to optimize resource use and drastically reduce CO2 emissions."

While the majority of Viessmann's investments are focused on Germany, the company's commitment to shaping living spaces for the future extends beyond national borders. The total amount invested by the company is not public knowledge, but sources acquainted with the matter suggest that it ranges from a low to mid-single-digit billion figure. Individual investments generally fall within the three-digit million range.

A qualified minority holds the key

Chief Operating Officer Boris Scukanec Hopinski has been tight-lipped about the exact number of companies that approach Viessmann or are presented for investment opportunities. However, he did mention that this number is a high triple-digit figure. When it comes to an investment, Viessmann values holding at least a 25% stake. "Even with a minority position, we're talking about what I call a qualified minority," Scukanec Hopinski explains. "Typically, this is 25% or more because we also want to bring our entrepreneurial spirit and ambition into the partnership."

At Encavis, Viessmann holds 25.1%, while KKR boasts 62%, and the Büll entrepreneurial family takes just under 13%. When it comes to partnerships, alignment of long-term intentions is essential. "Take the example of Encavis, where we partnered with KKR's infrastructure fund, which is very long-term oriented," adds the COO. In their most recent partnership with AMCS, Viessmann still has long-term investment partners.

Sustainability and collaboration

Viessmann has identified five investment areas that could positively impact the living spaces of future generations: CO2 reduction, clean air, food, water, health, and education. The majority of investments are directed towards Germany, with additional investments in Europe. The ultimate goal is a global reach. To achieve this, one element is essential: hope, instead of German angst.

From sustainable software and initiatives to long-term partnerships, Viessmann's investment strategy aims to ensure a sustainable future, one living space at a time. The mission of creating healthier, more energy-efficient environments is more than just a noble goal; it's a passionate commitment to the planet and its inhabitants for generations to come.

In the midst of German economic uncertainty in 2024, the Viessmann Group, a giant in the industry, stands as a beacon of hope, proclaiming that they shape living spaces for future generations.
Viessmann's divergent ventures span from investing in ventures like Wattx and Vito One, to collaborative efforts like the Berliner Maschinenraum, to strategic acquisitions such as Encavis.
The future of Viessmann lies in smart software solutions, as evidenced by a recent investment in AMCS, a sustainability software company that optimizes resource use and reduces CO2 emissions.
The amount invested by Viessmann exceeds a low to mid-single-digit billion figure, with individual investments typically falling within the three-digit million range.
Viessmann values holding a minimum of 25% stake in the companies it invests in, labeling such investments as a "qualified minority."
Beyond German borders, Viessmann seeks to impact global living spaces, with sustainability and collaboration as key drivers in their investment strategy.
Viessmann's investment areas include CO2 reduction, clean air, food, water, health, and education, with the ultimate goal of creating healthier, more energy-efficient environments worldwide, addressing fears of a crisis-ridden future with hope and dedication.