EP: welcomes new members
The EP:brand continues on its growth trajectory, having attracted new entrepreneurs over the past few months.“ Our ‚Become a Partner‘ campaign is clearly bearing fruit. In 2024, we were pleased to welcome new members — some of whom switched to us from competitors — as well as to see several existing member businesses rebrand under the EP:name,” said ElectronicPartner Board Member Friedrich Sobol.
Upgrades at MEDIMAX and expansion of the kitchen business
Progress is also being made with the large-format MEDIMAX concept. Franchise partners are investing in their stores across Germany, modernizing locations and integrating new product ranges. This year alone, eleven stores have been renovated, with modernization plans for a further twelve locations in 2025. Among the upgrades, kitchen showrooms are being implemented in collaboration with MHK. For specialist retailers with smaller retail spaces, new concepts have also been developed, and initial discussions with dealers about implementation are already underway. “In addition to our partnership with MHK, we’re pleased to report that since May 2024, over 750 kitchen studios have benefited from access to the ElectronicPartner warehouse for SDA and IT products. We’ve created a clear win-win situation here,” explained Friedrich Sobol.
Specialist repair concept – strategic partnership with Telering
A similar success is emerging through the new cooperation with Telering, whose members have had access to the ElectronicPartner warehouse since 1 October 2024. In return, from 1 January 2025, the Weltfunk wholesalers will be connected to ElectronicPartner’s central payment processing system, ensuring that the members and partner companies of the Düsseldorf-based buying group also benefit from the collaboration. “We’re also excited to have Telering’s ‘Technology Experts’ as ideal partners on board for the launch of our new specialist repair concept. This project is our response to the upcoming EU legal requirements and will be implemented efficiently and across borders,” added Friedrich Sobol. Currently, the buying group brings together around 3,000 repair specialists across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Sustainable energy solutions with WENDEpunkt
Another key focus over the past months and in the years ahead is the new WENDEpunkt brand, which is centered on sustainable energy solutions. Since its launch in Germany in March 2024, 107 specialist retailers from the buying group have joined the concept, with 55 of them already TÜV-certified. WENDEpunkt was also launched in Austria in autumn 2024.
“Our multi-level concept offers ideal entry points into the marketing of PV systems. Companies can choose which areas of service they want to handle themselves and which they prefer to outsource to curated partners. In 2025, we’ll be integrating heat pumps and welcoming the first WENDEpunkt participants to offer the full range of services — from planning through to the completed installation,” explained Friedrich Sobol.
Advanced IT for solution-oriented member services
The focus on sustainability continued, as CIO Matthias Assmann demonstrated why consistently optimized processes — from manufacturers to cooperatives to specialist retailers — are vital for the future success of local electronics retail. He emphasized that ElectronicPartner recognized this trend early on and will continue to lead the way with practical, advanced IT solutions. Developing sustainable processes for resource conservation is also essential. “We've taken an efficient path with our partners ASWO and Weyrauch Repair by dismantling defective devices into their component parts and feeding them back into the circular economy,” said Matthias Assmann.
40 years of the comTeam technology network
As a board member, Matthias Assmann is also responsible for the comTeam technology network, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2024. At the major partner conference in October, the network presented its latest solutions for affiliated system houses: the “comTeam MSP Manager,” specially developed for companies operating as Managed Service Providers, and the white-label platform “comTeach4you,” which allows comTeam partners to offer training from the comTeach CAMPUS under their own name and customized branding.
New board structure from 2025
To close the industry meeting, three major personnel announcements were made: CFO Volker Marmetschke is moving from ElectronicPartner to Haubrich Holding, symbolically passing the baton to his successor, Greta Ziob. Additionally, board member Karl Trautmann bid farewell after 34 years of service to the buying group, heading into retirement with the words: “It has been an honor, and I’m confident that we have the right team and the course is set for a successful future for ElectronicPartner. Action — for people and success!”
