What Konradin Mediengruppe does

Konradin Mediengruppe is a family-owned German specialist publishing group founded in 1929 in Stuttgart and now headquartered in Leinfelden-Echterdingen. The group operates 40+ media brands across seven vertical topic areas — Industry, Architecture, Trades, Knowledge, Fine Living, Eye Care, and World of Work, plus a Music & Culture cluster — targeting qualified B2B decision-makers and specialized consumer segments in the DACH region. Its product set spans trade and special-interest magazines, online portals, e-newsletters, customer publications, professional events (mav Innovationsforum, EPP Innovation FORUM+, SI-Akademie, Mensch&Büro-Akademie), and niche e-commerce shops, supported by a content platform that combines owned editorial websites (industrie.de, wissen.de, scinexx.de, arcguide.de, among others) with print production capacity.

The business model is diversified across six revenue streams: print and digital subscriptions (sold via the direktabo.de portal), print and online advertising, corporate publishing services, market research (Konradin Marktforschung), trade events and seminars, and targeted e-commerce (Wissenschaft Shop, Architekturbuch.de, MINT Shop, Natur Shop). The company runs a sales-led go-to-market with dedicated media consulting for advertising clients and a direct-to-consumer subscription engine. Operations are organized through multiple wholly-owned subsidiaries (including Konradin-Verlag Robert Kohlhammer GmbH, Dr. Curt Haefner-Verlag GmbH, MMCD NEW MEDIA GmbH, VISIONS Verlag GmbH, and DIALOG GmbH) under a parent family foundation structure, with current leadership anchored by Managing Director Peter Dilger and third-generation publisher Katja Kohlhammer.

Name

Konradin Mediengruppe

Legal name

Konradin Mediengruppe GmbH

Website

https://konradin.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1929

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Konradin Mediengruppe is a family-owned German specialist publishing group operating 40+ trade and special-interest media brands across seven B2B verticals — industry, architecture, trades, eye care, fine living, knowledge, and workplace — in the DACH market, with print, digital, events, and corporate publishing revenue streams.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialist Trade Publishing

NAICS

Periodical Publishers (513120), Book Publishers (513130)

SIC

Periodicals: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2721), Books: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2731)

akta.pro primary industry

Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) Sales & Merchandising (Publisher Stores, Bundles) (MPAJAKAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Technology & B2B PR (BPAFADAI), Technology & B2B PR (MPAAADAC)

Keywords

• Trade publishing
• Specialist media
• Corporate publishing
• Market research
• Professional events

Headquarters

HQ city

Leinfelden-echterdingen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Print and Digital Subscriptions: Magazine and journal subscriptions offered in print, digital, and combined print+digital formats through direktabo.de portal. Subscriptions span specialized trade publications and special-interest magazines across all seven topic areas.
2. Advertising Revenue: Print and online advertising space sold to businesses targeting professional B2B audiences through Konradin's trade media brands. Media planning consulting provided to identify optimal channels for reaching target groups.
3. Corporate Publishing Services: Custom B2B communication services including company magazines, newsletters, web forums, and corporate publications. Services range from concept development through media implementation, including graphic design and editorial support.
4. Market Research Services: B2B market research services including advertising effectiveness research (copy tests, campaign tests), market and target group studies, and custom research combined with publication in Konradin media channels.
5. Trade Events and Seminars: Professional events including industry conferences, innovation forums, expert forums, and training seminars through divisions like SI-Akademie and Mensch&Büro-Akademie. Includes both standard formats and customized client-specific events.
6. E-commerce and Product Sales: Specialized online shops selling books, technical literature, and high-quality products including Wissenschaft Shop, Architekturbuch Shop, MINT Shop, and Natur Shop

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Konradin Mediengruppe publishes 40+ specialist media brands — trade magazines, special-interest magazines, online portals, and live events — across seven vertical sectors (Industry, Architecture, Trades, Knowledge, Fine Living, Eye Care, World of Work). The portfolio is commercialized through B2B advertising sales, direct subscriptions via the direktabo.de portal, corporate publishing services (custom B2B communications, customer magazines, association journals), market research, professional events, and specialized niche e-commerce shops.

Product overview

Konradin Mediengruppe operates as a multi-platform specialist information provider offering over 40 media brands across seven topic areas: Industry (Industrie), Architecture (Architektur), Trades (Handwerk), Knowledge (Wissen), Fine Living (Genuss), Eye Care (Augenoptik), and World of Work (Arbeitswelt). The portfolio includes trade magazines, special interest magazines, customer publications, online portals and digital knowledge platforms. Industry brands include additive, Automationspraxis, Batterie-Produktion, Beschaffung aktuell, cav, dei, EPP, Industrieanzeiger, KEM, mav, medizin&technik, phpro, prozesstechnik-online.de, and QUALITY ENGINEERING. Architecture offerings include db deutsche bauzeitung, md INTERIOR DESIGN ARCHITECTURE, and arcguide.de. Knowledge media encompasses BILD DER WISSENSCHAFT, DAMALS, natur, Naturwissenschaftliche Rundschau, wissen.de, scinexx.de, and scienceblogs.de. Supporting services include direct subscription through direktabo.de, specialized online shops (Wissenschaft Shop, Architekturbuch.de, MINT Shop, Natur Shop), market research, corporate publishing, and professional trade events.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Industrie Portfolio: 15 media brands for the industry sector including trade journals, special publications, and online portals for industry decision-makers
• Architektur Portfolio
• Handwerk Portfolio
• Augenoptik Portfolio
• Genuss Portfolio
• Wissen Portfolio
• Arbeitswelt Portfolio
• Musik und Kultur Portfolio
• direktabo.de
• Medienservice Konradin
• Wissenschaft Shop
• Architekturbuch.de
• MINT Shop
• Natur Shop
• Corporate Publishing Services
• Konradin Marktforschung
• SI-Akademie
• Mensch&Büro-Akademie
• additive.industrie.de
• industrie.de

Products and services

• Industrieanzeiger A high-quality professional journal reaching top decision-makers across German manufacturing industries including owners, CEOs, and technical managers of medium-sized companies.
• Automationspraxis A practice-oriented trade magazine providing automation solutions content for decision-makers in manufacturing industries seeking intelligent automation for their operations.
• Batterie-Produktion A specialist publication delivering current information, trends and technologies around battery manufacturing, covering research, plant engineering and recycling.
• Beschaffung aktuell A trade magazine focused on strategic procurement and supply chain management, distributed to members of BME and ÖPWZ associations.
• cav – Prozesstechnik für die Chemieindustrie An established practice magazine covering processes, systems, apparatus and components for the chemical industry.
• dei – Prozesstechnik für die Lebensmittelindustrie A trade magazine covering the food and luxury goods industries, focused on all aspects of food processing and manufacturing.
• EPP Elektronik Produktion + Prüftechnik A specialist publication dedicated to electronics manufacturing and testing, with focus on PCB assembly, chip packaging and test/inspection procedures.
• KEM Konstruktion|Automation A specialist publication for designers, development engineers and technical managers with problem-solving responsibilities in mechanical and electrical engineering.
• mav Innovation in der spanenden Fertigung A trade magazine focusing on metal machining, targeting production and manufacturing managers in machine/vehicle manufacturing, electrical engineering and tool-making.
• medizin&technik A specialist publication delivering engineering information for the medical technology growth market, covering development and manufacture of medical devices and products.
• phpro – Prozesstechnik für die Pharmaindustrie A specialist publication addressing pharmaceutical industry requirements covering products, packaging, management and technical services.
• QUALITY ENGINEERING A publication covering market and application-focused aspects of quality management, quality assurance and production measurement technology.
• industrie.de An online Fachportal for the manufacturing industry and industrial service providers, serving as a comprehensive digital information hub for the industry sector.
• additive (additive.industrie.de) A dedicated online platform covering industrial 3D printing and additive manufacturing topics, providing comprehensive reporting across the entire process chain for industry professionals.
• prozesstechnik-online.de The joint website of process-engineering titles (cav, dei, phpro), serving as a comprehensive knowledge portal for chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries.
• db deutsche bauzeitung The oldest and best-known German architecture periodical covering architecture criticism, building culture, technical innovations and building stock topics.
• md INTERIOR DESIGN ARCHITECTURE An independent international platform for high-quality interior design and sophisticated object furnishing, presenting trend-setting interior architecture and pioneers.
• Mensch&Büro-Akademie A leading provider of information and expertise on office-related topics since 1991, offering training courses and events throughout the German-speaking world both on-site and online.
• arcguide.de An information portal for architects, planners and designers providing current projects, product news, event tips and tender information.
• BM Innenausbau/Möbel/Bauelemente A trade magazine providing inspiration and practical tips for joiners, cabinetmakers, window fitters and interior fitters on design, materials, marketing and business management.
• dds - das Magazin für möbel und ausbau An innovative trade magazine for joiners, cabinetmakers and window fitters, offering monthly reports on design, technology, marketing and training.
• Lackiererblatt A magazine for vehicle painting, bodywork and repairs, communicating core topics through user reports, reportages and interviews.
• Malerblatt A modern trade magazine supporting painting, decorating and fit-out industries with expertise in technology, design and company management.
• DER AUGENOPTIKER A specialist magazine covering knowledge, fashion and management topics for opticians, with news, jobs, product information and reader events.
• die KONTAKTLINSE The oldest and most renowned German-language contact lens magazine for over 50 years, publishing clinical studies and contactology research.
• Die Tabak Zeitung A communication medium for the tobacco industry in Germany, forming a vital link in the marketing chain between tobacco industry and retailers.
• Tobacco Journal International The leading English-language trade magazine for the international tobacco industry and its suppliers.
• SMOKERS CLUB The highest-circulation customer magazine for the tobacco trade, providing in-depth information about cigars, pipes and smoking accessories.
• WEINWISSER An exclusive independent information service for wine experts and connoisseurs, ranking among important sources for wine ratings and buying advice.
• BILD DER WISSENSCHAFT A science magazine publishing news about research in natural sciences, life sciences, medicine, technology and social disciplines, highlighting consequences for everyday life.
• DAMALS A history magazine presenting well-researched information on various areas, cultures and historical periods for interested laypeople.
• natur A magazine for nature-conscious living aimed at the modern green generation combining love for nature with sustainability and environmental protection.
• Naturwissenschaftliche Rundschau A cross-disciplinary monthly science magazine founded in 1948, aimed at readers with broad scientific interests and background.
• wissen.de An online knowledge portal serving as part of one of Germany's largest knowledge networks.
• scinexx.de A science news portal offering current science journalism as part of the Konradin knowledge network.
• wissenschaft.de A science portal publishing science news and research updates as part of the Konradin knowledge media network.
• scienceblogs.de A science blogging platform featuring science writers and researchers sharing insights.
• Sicherheitsbeauftragter A magazine informing about operational risks and effective safety measures for safety officers in companies.
• Sicherheitsingenieur An independent trade magazine for safety and health at work, providing knowledge about safe operations and accident prevention.
• VISIONS A magazine accompanying rock music in all varieties for over 20 years, covering metal, hardcore, punk, indie and alternative genres.
• MINT A magazine for vinyl culture covering topics that move the vinyl community, latest hi-fi developments and comprehensible device tests.
• buddy A lifestyle magazine for men aged 30-49, delivered cross-medially through print, digital, social media and out-of-home promotion.
• glow A women's and family magazine for women aged 30-59 seeking authentic stories and inspiration for a mindful lifestyle covering beauty, wellness, health, family and culture.
• FESTIVALPLANER A comprehensive overview of festival events published twice yearly in a portable pocket format.
• GALORE The first and only German magazine focusing on interviews, featuring people from art, culture, society and politics.
• Konradin Corporate Publishing Specialist B2B communication services covering customer magazines, newsletters, web forums and digital publishing, with expertise in architecture, trades, working world and science sectors.
• Konradin Marktforschung Market research services including advertising research, copy tests, campaign pre/post-tests and market/target group studies.
• Konradin Fachevents Professional trade events organized across architecture, industry, trades, eye care, fine living and knowledge sectors for knowledge transfer and networking.
• direktabo.de The subscription portal of Konradin Mediengruppe offering print, digital and combined subscription options across all media brands.
• Wissenschaft Shop A curated science shop offering experiment kits, technology products and gift ideas for science and discovery enthusiasts since 1995.
• Architekturbuch.de An architecture book shop combining specialist media with offerings for adjacent trades from architecture to woodworking crafts.
• MINT Shop A curated shop for vinyl enthusiasts offering magazines, binders, record sleeves and accessories.
• Natur Shop A sustainable products shop combining selected products with editorial content encouraging a slower pace of life.

Quantifiable outcome

• 220+ employees with average tenure of 17 years indicating workforce stability and expertise retention
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature4 records

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• WEKA Media Group: German B2B media company headquartered in Haar near Munich, specializing in trade publications and professional information for trades, construction, and management — directly comparable in publishing specialty verticals (trades, construction adjacent to architecture) and serving professional B2B audiences across DACH.
• Handelsblatt Media Group: Major German business media brand operating Handelsblatt and WirtschaftsWoche publications with B2B audience focus, paid subscription model, events, and corporate services — sharing Konradin's model of monetizing B2B decision-maker audiences through print/digital subscriptions, events, and high-margin services in the German-speaking market.
• DVV Media Group: Hamburg-based German B2B trade media publisher with publications in transport, logistics, and rail verticals — operating a similar trade magazine + corporate publishing model for niche B2B audiences in German-speaking markets, though narrower in vertical scope than Konradin.
• Vogel Communications Group: Würzburg-based German B2B media company with ~600 employees publishing trade magazines, digital portals, and events across industrial, automotive, and IT verticals — directly comparable in vertical mix, German-speaking focus, and cross-media B2B trade media strategy to Konradin's Industry and Trades portfolios.
• Deutscher Fachverlag (dfv): Frankfurt-based German trade publishing group with deep B2B trade magazine portfolio across multiple verticals, similar cross-media and event-based business model, and family/independent ownership — making it the closest direct peer to Konradin in size, structure, and go-to-market approach.

Broad incumbents

• Informa plc: London-listed global events, digital media, and B2B information group with Taylor & Francis, Informa Intelligence, and Informa Markets — sharing Konradin's trade media + events business model across professional verticals, with significantly larger scale and global reach.
• Haymarket Media Group: UK-based privately-held B2B and consumer media company with trade publications, events, and digital properties across multiple verticals including medical, automotive, and marketing — comparable business model to Konradin with cross-media B2B trade publishing plus consumer titles.
• Springer Nature: Heidelberg-based global publisher of academic and professional content with B2B/professional subscriptions, open research publishing, and events — much larger and academically focused, but overlapping with Konradin on B2B professional publishing and the Konrad-Kohlhammer-Stiftung's knowledge mission.
• Wolters Kluwer: Dutch-listed global provider of professional information, software solutions, and services for healthcare, tax, legal, and compliance verticals — comparable to Konradin in monetizing B2B professional audiences through subscription/content + services bundles, though at much larger international scale.
• IDG Communications / IDG Tech Media: International technology media and events company publishing trade titles like CIO, Computerworld, and PCWorld with B2B technology audience focus — overlapping with Konradin's Computer Zeitung history and current IT/industrial technology trade publishing business across DACH and global markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xkonradin.de/de
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/konradin-business-gmbh

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Konradin Mediengruppe