About us

We are abacus alpha: the investment company for SMEs

This way Three employees from impact investor Abacus Alpha stand in the corridor of the modern, bright office building.

We are Abacus alpha: your investment company for SMEs

Abacus alpha is an experienced and financially independent investment company that, as an impact investor, focuses on sustainable growth financing and corporate succession for SMEs. We invest in forward-looking technologies and innovations that make a significant contribution to solving the problems of the future through technology. Our goal is to support companies in realizing their visions and achieving long-term success through strategic partnerships and equity investments.

We invest in companies that are active in the fields of automation and digitalization, clean tech and green tech or in the development of innovative materials and manufacturing processes. We also focus on companies that are a good fit for our investment company and whose opportunities we are convinced of. The focus is on technology-oriented activities, digitalization, Industry 4.0 and artificial intelligence – including in the services and retail segments.

Both minority and majority shareholdings are possible.

Our investments aim to increase the capital entrusted to us in order to enable further impact investments. We attach great importance to ensuring that our investments reflect our values such as decency, innovation and professionalism. We are not primarily concerned with maximizing financial returns, but with creating sustainable added value and supporting the long-term goals of our shareholder as a foundation-bound holding company.

Philosophy of impact investor Abacus Alpha: Two employees sitting at a computer and smiling.

Philosophy

Our aim is to develop a diversified, profitable, forward-looking and technology-oriented investment company. Services and trading round off the spectrum.
We pay attention to strategic partnerships with both young and established companies. We focus on medium-sized companies.

We do not buy in order to sell.

We think and act long-term and future-oriented. Our strategy includes

• buy and hold – continuing to run companies sustainably in the long term and
• buy and build – using joint strengths to grow and expand our market position and leverage synergies within the entrepreneurial community

We adhere to our core values in everything we do: decency, innovation and professionalism.

We value and respect.

We value and respect the historical development and individuality of a company and the people who work there. We take responsibility and want the company to remain successful in the long term while respecting its values and corporate culture. We make it possible to continue life’s work and protect the interests of family members.

We give more than capital.

Our portfolio companies benefit from our network in a variety of ways. As an investment company and impact investor, we facilitate the establishment or expansion of international structures. We promote the transfer of knowledge and facilitate mutual learning. We also provide services and thus create synergies. We not only offer support and advice for the strategic positioning of our companies, but also specific services in the areas of human resources, marketing and communication, controlling, IT and accounting.

We make ideas ready for the market.

If a business idea has real potential and its realization represents a strategic gain for our investment company, then our company builder, Abacus neo, makes it a reality. This is how we help ideas enter the market.

We promote individual freedom.

We are convinced that personal responsibility, freedom and scope for action on the part of the management are elementary success factors for every company. That is why we attach great importance to individual design options.

Memberships and expert network

We get involved, shape the future with leading partners and represent the interests of our entrepreneurial community. Important success factors are the continuous expansion and maintenance of an extensive, international and rapidly growing network of experts.

Abacus alpha is well networked and active in important industry associations. We are a full member of the German Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVK) and the German Economic Council. At an international level, Abacus alpha is a member of Transeo aisbl, an initiative to promote the transfer of small and medium-sized companies in the Benelux region and France.

BVK logo: red-orange lettering on a transparent background. Lettering: German Private Equity and Venture Capital Association e.V.
Logo of the German Economic Council: Black lettering in capitals on a transparent background.
Transeo logo: turquoise and black lettering on a transparent background. Lettering: Transeo Everlasting Businesses
The Impact Investor Abacus alpha logo: white lettering on a transparent background.

2006

Abacus alpha became active this year

1.000

Approximate number of employees in all Abacus alpha portfolio companies

100 %

In addition to twelve minority and majority shareholdings, Abacus alpha currently holds 100% of six companies

> 10

Professionals in the team control the deal flow and manage the portfolio

∞

The duration of the investments is theoretically unlimited – “buy, hold, and build” is Abacus alpha’s motto

Our history

Abacus alpha is an investment company that has been making sustainable investments in technological innovations to secure growth in successor companies in the SME sector as an impact investor since 2006. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Johannes und Jacob Klein GmbH, which holds a substantial majority stake in the long-established listed company KSB SE & Co. KGaA, our portfolio currently comprises around 20 investments. Within our Group and together with our portfolio companies, we promote exchange, synergies and joint growth, creating sustainable value and supporting technological progress.

2006
Entstehung

2006 kennzeichnet das Entstehungsjahr der Beteiligungsgesellschaft. Nach dem Erwerb des GmbH-Mantels im Dezember 2005 wird die Abacus alpha GmbH 2006 aktiv.

Als 100-Prozent-Beteiligung wird 2010 die Abacus Personaldienstleistungen GmbH gegründet, welche die zunächst aus der Abacus alpha GmbH heraus erbrachten Leistungen sowie vom Schwesterkonzern ausgelagerte Bereiche fortführt und ausbaut. 2015 wird das Unternehmen in Abacus Experten GmbH umbenannt, nachdem es neue Dienstleistungsbereiche wie Rechnungswesen, IT- und Facility-Services erfolgreich etabliert hat.

2006
Founding

2006 marks the year in which the investment company was founded. Following the acquisition of the GmbH shell in December 2005, Abacus alpha GmbH becomes operational in 2006.

Abacus Personaldienstleistungen GmbH is founded in 2010 as a wholly owned subsidiary, which continues and expands the services initially provided by Abacus alpha GmbH as well as areas outsourced by its sister company. In 2015, the company is renamed Abacus Experten GmbH after successfully establishing new service areas such as accounting, IT and facility services.

2010
Neu am Markt: Abacus Experten GmbH

2010 erwirbt Abacus alpha zudem die Mehrheiten an zwei Mittelstandsunternehmen in den Sektoren thermische Wasseraufbereitung sowie Separations- und Filtertechnik, die sich jedoch nicht gegen den Wettbewerb durchsetzen konnten.

2010
New on the market: Abacus Experten GmbH

In 2010, Abacus alpha also acquires majority stakes in two medium-sized companies in the thermal water treatment and separation and filter technology sectors, which were unable to assert themselves against the competition.

2011
Industrial Service und Engineering

Die AIM Group unterstützt Betreiber von Groß-Kraftwerken und Industrieanlagen mit hochqualifizierten Experten für Service und Engineering. Ein Wachstumsgeschäft, in das die Abacus Experten GmbH mit einer Minderheitsbeteiligung einsteigt.

2011
Industrial Service and Engineering

The AIM Group supports operators of large power plants and industrial facilities with highly qualified experts for service and engineering. A growth business in which Abacus Experten GmbH is entering with a minority shareholding.

2012
Startup-Investment

Abacus alpha investiert in ein Startup, das sich mit einer Technologie zur verschlüsselten Nachrichtenübermittlung befasst, die ohne Zwischenspeicherung oder -verarbeitung der Daten auf Servern funktioniert. Der Newcomer konnte sich jedoch nicht am Markt behaupten.

2012
Start-up investment

Abacus alpha invests in a start-up that deals with a technology for encrypted message transmission that works without intermediate storage or processing of data on servers. However, the newcomer was unable to assert itself on the market.

2014
Technik-Handel für Industrie­anwender

Durch Übernahme einer Aktivität des Schwesterkonzerns wird Abacus alpha Mitbegründer und Mehrheitseigner der Abacus Resale GmbH. Die Neugründung ist spezialisiert auf den An- und Verkauf sowie die Bewertung und Retouren von Pumpen, Motoren und Armaturen für den industriellen Einsatz.

2014
Technology trading for industrial users

Abacus alpha becomes co-founder and majority shareholder of Abacus Resale GmbH by taking over an activity of its sister company. The newly founded company specializes in the purchase, sale, valuation and returns of pumps, motors and valves for industrial use.

2015
Wachstumsjahr: Sieben Neue im Portfolio

Sieben Zugänge erweitern das Portfolio: die Fireboard GmbH mit Lösungen für die EDV-gestützte Führung von Einsatzkräften und die AIM Service Italia S.r.l. als Dienstleister für Industrieanlagen (2024 Verkauf der Anteile an den Mitgesellschafter). Hinzu kommen die Pyreg GmbH (2020 Verkauf der Anteile an den Ankergesellschafter), die auf Mess- und Steuerungstechnik spezialisierte VSR Elektrotechnik GmbH (2025 Team und Geschäftsbetrieb werden Teil der AUTEC GmbH) und ebenso die airinotec GmbH für Klima- und Prozesslufttechnik.

Zwei weitere Beteiligungen können sich nicht durchsetzen: eine entwickelt Software für das Management der Arbeit von Aufsichtsräten, die andere ist ein Startup im Bereich Mensch-Roboter-Kollaboration.

2015
Year of growth: seven new additions to the portfolio

Seven new additions expand the portfolio: Fireboard GmbH with solutions for the IT-supported management of emergency services and AIM Service Italia S.r.l. as a service provider for industrial plants (2024 sale of shares to the co-shareholder). These are joined by Pyreg GmbH (2020 sale of shares to the anchor shareholder), VSR Elektrotechnik GmbH (2025 Team and business operations become part of AUTEC GmbH), which specializes in measurement and control technology, and airinotec GmbH for air conditioning and process air technology.

Two other investments do not succeed: one develops software for managing the work of supervisory boards, the other is a start-up in the field of human-robot collaboration.

2016
Systematisch verstärkt

Abacus alpha baut sein Portfolio aus: ab Mai 2016 mit einer Beteiligung an der ASB Systembau Horst Babinsky GmbH. ASB entwickelt und baut Spezialglasböden für Sport- und Messe-Events, die visuelle Erlebnisse vermitteln. Im Dezember 2016 erwirbt Abacus alpha Anteile an der JobTender 24 GmbH, welche im August 2020 von den Gründern zurückgekauft werden.

2016
Systematically strengthened

Abacus alpha is expanding its portfolio: from May 2016 with an investment in ASB Systembau Horst Babinsky GmbH. ASB develops and builds special glass floors for sports and trade fair events that convey visual experiences. In December 2016, Abacus alpha acquires shares in JobTender 24 GmbH, which are bought back by the founders in August 2020.

2017
Verstärkung in allen Bereichen

Die Unternehmergemeinschaft wächst auf allen Fokus-Investitionsfeldern. Die Neuzugänge des Jahres: Mit der Salinnova GmbH kommt ein auf Hochdruckpumpen spezialisierter Maschinenbauer dazu, der in die bestehende Abacus Resale GmbH integriert wird.  Die AddVolt SA in Portugal bietet Plug-in Elektro-Power für mobile Kühltransportsysteme. Hinzu kommen die Autec Softwareentwicklung und Hardwareplanung GmbH als IT-Experte für Lösungen in den Bereichen Digitalisierung und Industrie 4.0.

2017
Growth in all areas

The entrepreneurial community is growing across all focus investment areas. This year’s new additions: Salinnova GmbH, a machine builder specializing in high-pressure pumps, joins and is integrated into the existing Abacus Resale GmbH. AddVolt SA in Portugal provides plug-in electric power for mobile refrigeration transport systems. Additionally, Autec Softwareentwicklung und Hardwareplanung GmbH strengthens the portfolio as an IT expert for solutions in digitalization and Industry 4.0.

2018
Faszination geht bodenständig

Wenn der Boden bei einem Event zum Monitor wird und visuelle Erlebnisse vermittelt, steckt vermutlich die ASB Rental Solutions GmbH dahinter. Das Unternehmen vermietet die Illuminationsböden der ASB Systembau Horst Babinsky GmbH und ist eine 100-prozentige Neugründung von Abacus alpha.

2018
Groundbreaking fascination

When the floor becomes a monitor at an event and conveys visual experiences, ASB Rental Solutions GmbH is probably involved. The company rents out the illumination floors of ASB Systembau Horst Babinsky GmbH and is a wholly owned new company of Abacus alpha.

2019
Dampf und Interims­management

Im Jahr 2019 steht eine Unternehmensnachfolge an, die Investitionen in neue Werkstoffwelten ermöglicht. Die JUMAG Dampferzeuger GmbH vertreibt Maschinen und Anlagen zur industriellen Dampferzeugung und wird übernommen. Im Zuge der Unternehmensnachfolge wird zudem die Ludwig Heuse GmbH, ein Premium-Partner für die Auswahl und Vermittlung von Interim Managern, in das Portfolio aufgenommen.

2019
Steam and interim management

In 2019, a business succession takes place, enabling investments in new material worlds. JUMAG Dampferzeuger GmbH, a company specializing in the sale of machines and systems for industrial steam generation, is acquired. As part of the succession, Ludwig Heuse GmbH, a premium partner for the selection and placement of interim managers, is also added to the portfolio.

2023
Digitale HR-Lösungen flexibel einsetzen

Unsere Beteiligung PersonalHub als Firmenverbund und Full-Service-Partner unterstützt Unternehmen in den Bereichen Digitales Recruiting, Employer Branding, New Work und Weiterbildungen. Insbesondere für kleine und mittelständische Unternehmen entwickelt das Unternehmen digitale Lösungen für die moderne Personalarbeit.

2023
Flexible use of digital HR solutions

As a group of companies and full-service partner, our subsidiary PersonalHub supports companies in the areas of digital recruiting, employer branding, new work and further training.The company develops digital solutions for modern HR work, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.

2023
Fokus auf Company Building

Mit der Ausgründung des Company Builders Abacus neo unterstreichen wir unsere Ambition, Ideen in frühen Phasen zu langfristig erfolgreichen Unternehmen zu entwickeln. Abacus alpha selbst konzentriert sich fortan auf  Beteiligungen an etablierten kleinen und mittelständischen Unternehmen mit Innovationspotential.

2023
Emphasis on company building

With the spin-off of the company builder Abacus neo, we are underlining our ambition to develop early-stage ideas into long-term successful companies. From now on, Abacus alpha itself will concentrate on investments in established small and medium-sized companies with innovation potential.

2024
Beteiligung an Kommunikations­agentur

Die auf Online-PR und Social Media Relations spezialisierte Kommunikationsagentur SMART PR GmbH aus Düsseldorf ist jetzt Teil der Abacus alpha-Gruppe. Die Zusammenarbeit wird die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit von SMART PR und gleichzeitig die Expertise unserer Unternehmergemeinschaft in den Bereichen Online-Kommunikation und Content-Erstellung stärken.

2024
Investment in communications agency

SMART PR GmbH, a Düsseldorf-based communications agency specializing in online PR and social media relations, is now part of the Abacus alpha Group. The cooperation will strengthen the competitiveness of SMART PR and at the same time increase the expertise of our entrepreneurial community in the areas of online communication and content creation.

2025
Investition in Sondermontagetechnik

Abacus alpha investiert im Rahmen einer Kapitalerhöhung in die MTS Knobloch GmbH, einen Spezialisten für Sondermontagetechnik mit Sitz in Mannheim. Mit dieser Beteiligung stärkt Abacus alpha seine Expertise im Bereich industrieller Automatisierung und bekräftigt sein Engagement für den Mittelstand.

Zudem begrüßt Abacus alpha die Übernahme des langjährigen Portfoliounternehmens AddVolt S.A. durch Carrier Global Corporation. AddVolt entwickelt Plug-in-Elektrosysteme für einen emissionsfreien Betrieb von Kühlaggregaten und steht exemplarisch für den Weg technologieorientierter Unternehmen innerhalb der Abacus alpha Gruppe.

2025
Investment in special assembly technology

As part of a capital increase, Abacus alpha is investing in MTS Knobloch GmbH, a specialist in customized assembly technology based in Mannheim. This investment strengthens Abacus alpha’s expertise in industrial automation and reaffirms its long-term commitment to the SME sector.

Abacus alpha also welcomes the acquisition of its long-standing portfolio company AddVolt S.A. by Carrier Global Corporation. AddVolt develops plug-in electric systems that enable emission-free operation of refrigeration units and exemplifies the development path of technology-driven companies within the Abacus alpha group.

2026
Investition in Oracle- und KI-Datenlösungen

Abacus alpha übernimmt im Rahmen einer partnerschaftlich gestalteten Nachfolgeregelung 100 Prozent der Anteile an der merlin.zwo InfoDesign GmbH & Co. KG, einem etablierten Softwarehaus mit Fokus auf Oracle-basierte Datenbanklösungen und KI-Entwicklung aus Karlsruhe. Mit dieser Beteiligung unterstreicht Abacus alpha sein langfristiges Engagement für den Mittelstand und investiert gezielt in ein technologisch strategisches Zukunftsfeld. 

merlin.zwo verbindet langjährige Datenbankexpertise mit einem klaren Fokus auf KI-basierte Lösungen im Oracle-Umfeld. Damit adressiert das Unternehmen ein strategisch wichtiges Technologiefeld für mittelständische und öffentliche Kunden. Abacus alpha stärkt gezielt seine Kompetenz im Oracle- und KI-Umfeld und entwickelt sie strategisch weiter. 

2026
Investment in Oracle and AI data solutions

As part of a partnership-based succession plan, Abacus alpha is acquiring 100 percent of the shares in merlin.zwo InfoDesign GmbH & Co. KG, an established software company based in Karlsruhe that specializes in Oracle-based database solutions and AI development. With this investment, Abacus alpha underscores its long-term commitment to small and medium-sized businesses and is making a targeted investment in a strategically important technology sector of the future.

merlin.zwo combines many years of database expertise with a clear focus on AI-based solutions in the Oracle environment. In doing so, the company addresses a strategically important technology field for SME and public sector clients. Abacus alpha is specifically strengthening its expertise in the Oracle and AI environment and strategically expanding it.

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