EQT X Invests in Tax Advisor WTS as Anchor Investor
Private equity firm EQT X has become an anchor investor in tax and financial advisory services provider WTS Group through a long-term strategic partnership. The companies aim to accelerate WTS's growth in Germany and internationally.
EQT, a global investment organization, announced a long-term strategic partnership with WTS Group, a full-service provider of tax and complementary financial advisory services. Through its EQT X fund, EQT is investing significant growth capital into WTS, aiming to jointly develop WTS into a prominent player in the tax advisory industry.
Founded in Munich in 2000, WTS has established itself as one of Germany's leading independent tax advisory firms. The company operates 14 locations within Germany, employs over 1,500 professionals, and generated approximately EUR 250 million in annual revenue. WTS specializes in high-end advisory for complex situations, serving 95 percent of Germany's DAX40 companies and numerous global market leaders. The firm has also been a pioneer in digitalizing tax consultancy services, including the development of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions.
The strategic partnership is driven by a shared vision to create a leading European tax advisory firm with a global reach. EQT's capital and expertise in mergers and acquisitions will be utilized to fuel inorganic growth. This includes strengthening WTS Global's international tax practice and further investing in new technologies, as well as expanding the range of complementary financial advisory services focused on "Office of the CFO" activities.
The transaction is expected to close in summer 2025, subject to customary regulatory approvals. EQT and WTS stated their intention to leverage the partnership to accelerate WTS's expansion plans and solidify its position in the market.