The new ownership structure secures regional presence while simultaneously creating a reliable foundation for Freytag & Petersen's continued development.
Oct. 6, 2026 (Press Release) - As part of the succession plan at Freytag & Petersen GmbH & Co. KG, headquartered in Cologne, Germany, ownership is changing hands. The previous sole shareholder, Prof. Dr. Heinrich Hugo Best, is transferring 100% of his shares to IGEPA Großhandel Beteiligungs GmbH — a joint subsidiary of the IGEPA shareholder companies.
As part of this succession plan, the shareholdings in other IGEPA companies are also being reorganized. The shareholdings previously held by Freytag & Petersen are being transferred to the four remaining IGEPA shareholder companies: 2H GmbH & Co. KG, vph GmbH & Co. KG, E. Michaelis & Co. Holding (GmbH & Co.) KG, and Geiger GmbH & Co. KG. This will place the ownership structure within IGEPA on a sustainable long-term footing, and the remaining shareholder companies will jointly assume entrepreneurial responsibility going forward.
The new ownership structure secures regional presence while simultaneously creating a reliable foundation for the company's continued development and even closer collaboration within IGEPA.
In the coming weeks and months, Freytag & Petersen and IGEPA will be gradually merged.
This process will involve aligning structures and processes, pooling existing strengths, and leveraging synergies. The goal is to safeguard existing performance while simultaneously creating the conditions for successful joint development.
The joint venture will be managed by the current managing directors, Ralf Höllmann, Sven Kaufmann, and Dr. Ingo Osterheld. Customers, suppliers, and business partners will retain their familiar contacts.
"We are confident that this succession plan sets the right course for the future. It combines continuity with clear and reliable ownership structures and strengthens IGEPA for its continued growth," the company said in a press release.
Freytag & Petersen offers a wide range of high-quality branded products from suppliers in the segments of graphic papers, printing supplies, office papers, cardboard, advertising technology, large format printing, packaging, envelopes and mailing bags, digital printing, and much more. With locations in Cologne, Dortmund, and Trier, the company has approximately 300 employees.
IGEPA Group offers industrial, commercial and trade customers a broad range of paper, signage products and packaging throughout Europe. It employs around 2,950 people at more than 79 locations in 23 countries. Including all strategic partners, its Europe-wide turnover amounted to approximately EUR 1.6 billion in 2025.
SOURCE: IGEPA Großhandel Beteiligungs GmbH