German steel and industrial technology group Thyssenkrupp AG said in an Aug. 7 statement it will spin off its materials distribution and supply chain services business, TK Accelis Group AG & Co. KGaA, creating a publicly listed supply, processing and logistics company. The new entity will expand its activities beyond materials distribution and warehousing, with a stated focus on digitalization and operational efficiency.
Thyssenkrupp will remain the majority shareholder with 51% in the newly established company, with the remaining 49% allocated to Thyssenkrupp shareholders.
The move is part of Thyssenkrupp’s ongoing strategy to restructure as a holding company with independently managed businesses. The company said the decision responds to evolving market and customer requirements.
“Today, industrial customers expect more than just reliable materials supply,” Siegfried Russwurm, chairman of the Supervisory Board of Thyssenkrupp, said. “They need partners that understand global procurement markets and contribute expertise in materials-related services – from precise manufacturing and processing to data-driven, AI-supported solutions, as Thyssenkrupp describes the areas that harbor the potential for TK Accelis.”
According to Thyssenkrupp, the company expects the new entity to see increased demand due to geopolitical uncertainty and new trade barriers, which are prompting a shift toward more regional supply chains. The company also cited aerospace, defense, data centers, industrial electrification, and infrastructure investment in Europe as potential growth sectors.
To ensure the new entity has access to the capital market, Thyssenkrupp plans to list TK Accelis on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange before the end of 2026.
TK Accelis employs 15,500 people and operates 400 locations across more than 30 countries. The company serves 250,000 customers and works with 11,000 suppliers. According to Thyssenkrupp, it is one of the leading manufacturer-independent materials distributors in Europe by sales and the third-largest supplier in the North American market.
Author: Katya Bouckley
