Proactive Instead of Reactive
For stationary retail, differentiation through service quality, expertise and trust is currently more important than ever—attributes that consumers increasingly value more highly than the products themselves. “This is exactly where our focus lies,” says Friedrich Sobol, Member of the Board of ElectronicPartner. “We believe in taking action rather than reacting. This approach has always defined us, and it continues to do so today. We are committed to actively shaping the future of physical electronics retailing and remaining a reliable and responsible partner for our members.” To achieve this, the buying group is transforming itself into a comprehensive solutions provider. The necessary expertise and capabilities for this transformation are already firmly in place.
Strong Foundations for Sustainable Growth
With more than 5,000 member businesses, ElectronicPartner operates the largest electronics distribution network in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Switzerland. The quality initiative launched over a decade ago under the EP: brand, together with the successful privatization of MEDIMAX, has created a strong foundation for local entrepreneurship and customer-focused service.In addition, robust partnerships—such as the cooperation with MHK in the kitchen segment—and new business areas, including sustainable energy solutions under the WENDEpunkt brand, expand the company’s portfolio toward future-oriented markets. The technology network comTeam, the leading independent systems integrator network, further opens up growth opportunities in areas such as IT security, artificial intelligence and robotics.
Recognizing Demand and Capitalizing on Opportunities
In the rapidly expanding electrical engineering market, there is currently no nationwide sales and service network offering consulting, installation, system integration, repair and long-term support from a single provider. ElectronicPartner aims to fill this gap—locally embedded, technologically proficient, sustainable and reliable. Through strategic partnerships with electrical wholesalers, the KRIX Academy, ASWO and more than 1,000 certified service partners, the cooperative group already represents the strongest provider in this segment. In Austria, this strength is demonstrated by public-sector initiatives, including collaborations with organizations such as Caritas and the Climate and Energy Fund. “As a central organization, we support our member network with practical, application-oriented solutions and services from a single provider—accessible, cost-efficient and competitive,” explains Matthias Assmann, also a Member of the Board of ElectronicPartner. “At the same time, we benefit from significant investments made in recent years in state-of-the-art technology and digitalization.”
Transformation in Progress
The strategic initiative includes a reorganization of the Düsseldorf headquarters to align structures and processes with the target operating model. As part of this process, a reduction in staff is planned over the coming months. True to its values, ElectronicPartner will manage this transformation responsibly, fairly and with social consideration, working closely and transparently with employee representatives.
As a company that remains owned by the founding family, ElectronicPartner will carry out this realignment independently and without external financial backing. “Change has always been inherent to retail,” says Matthias Assmann. “Continuous development is essential—waiting benefits no one: not our members, not our employees, and not the company itself. Throughout our history, ElectronicPartner has successfully transformed itself time and again—thoughtfully, consistently and with a steady hand. That is exactly how we will proceed once more. We are acting, remaining independent and actively shaping our future.”
The measures supporting the strategic realignment are already underway. At the ElectronicPartner Congress on March 20 and 21, 2026, the buying group will present initial concrete results and further objectives.
