Monday, October 27, 2025

Vogel Communications Group Acquires Axel Springer Corporate Solutions, Creating One of Germany’s Largest Content Marketing Agencies

Vogel Communications Group GmbH & Co. KG (VCG), based in Würzburg, is acquiring—subject to approval by antitrust authorities – Axel Springer Corporate Solutions GmbH & Co. KG (ASCS) with more than 120 employees, effective January 1, 2026. ASCS will be merged with Vogel Corporate Solutions GmbH (VCS), a subsidiary of VCG. With offices in Berlin and Würzburg, this merger will create one of Germany’s largest content marketing agencies – united by exceptional media and communication expertise.

Through the acquisition, VCG expands its service portfolio in content marketing and digital communication solutions, further strengthening its position as a leading B2B communication provider. “By acquiring ASCS, the future Vogel Corporate Solutions will significantly expand its market position,” emphasizes Ewald Wessling, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of VCG. This marks “an important milestone on our strategic path toward becoming an internationally significant knowledge and communication partner.”

The management team of the new Vogel Corporate Solutions will consist of Lutz Thalmann, Frank Parlow (both ASCS), and Dennis Hirthammer (VCG), complemented by Christopher Brott, Thuy Lan Mai (both ASCS), and Katharina Krimmer (VCS). After the acquisition, Brott, Parlow, and Thalmann will jointly hold 24.9 percent of the company’s shares.

“This is the largest acquisition in the history of the Vogel Group,” says Matthias Bauer, CEO of VCG. The merger enables the company to significantly expand its product portfolio, as both organizations bring strong and complementary expertise. The client base primarily includes B2B customers from consulting, software, chemical and pharmaceutical, energy, and mobility sectors.

Founded in 2011 by Frank Parlow and Lutz Thalmann, ASCS develops corporate communication solutions – from customer magazines and digital platforms to multimedia projects. Its clients include Bayer, CLAAS, Roland Berger, and Lufthansa, among others. The sale by Axel Springer is part of the company’s strategic portfolio focus following a new corporate structure.

Claudius Senst, COO of Axel Springer SE, commends the ASCS team: “Frank and Lutz have built an agency with entrepreneurial spirit, passion, and foresight that sets benchmarks in its field. Now is the right moment to take the next step – under the umbrella of the Vogel Communications Group.”

Lutz Thalmann adds: “The merger opens up new perspectives, especially through the diversification of our service portfolio. The combination of ASCS and VCS expertise ensures innovative and tailor-made communication solutions for our clients.”
Frank Parlow continues: “This partnership creates more than just a strong agency group – it creates a place where talent, ideas, and innovation come together.”

With around 800 employees and annual revenues of approximately EUR 100 million, Vogel Communications Group is one of the leading providers of B2B communication and professional information in the German-speaking region. With 12 locations and international licensing partners – especially in China – the group operates globally and unites nine specialized communication agencies and service companies under one roof.