Gentner

What Gentner does

Gentner Verlag (Alfons W. Gentner Verlag GmbH & Co. KG) is a Stuttgart-based, family-owned B2B trade publishing house founded in 1927, operating a portfolio of approximately 16 specialist print journals and digital platforms across three core verticals: building technology (HVAC/SHK, refrigeration, facade/glass, solar, technical planning, hydrogen, technical insulation), medical/occupational health, and — as of 2026 — life sciences. The portfolio includes flagship titles such as SBZ, haustec.de (Germany's largest editorial portal for building technology), GLASWELT, KK DIE KÄLTE+Klimatechnik, photovoltaik/pv Europe, TGA+E Fachplaner, Erneuerbare Energien, and Ärzteblatt Baden-Württemberg, complemented by newer formats including the haustec.de Academy webinar platform, the KL-Radio podcast, and the Gebäudewende and 'Gebäudehülle im Fokus' digital event formats. Generation four of the Reisch family controls the company; Robert Reisch completed the acquisition of all shares in 2024 and serves as sole managing director alongside a refreshed management team that includes new Commercial Director Matthias Hampp (joined July 2026).

The company generates revenue through four primary streams: (1) recurring print and digital subscriptions across 14+ trade journals (e.g., haustec+ at €17.29/month or €169/year), (2) advertising sales across print, digital portals, newsletters, and mobile via a dedicated Media Sales team and an external regional sales network covering all German territories plus Austria, Switzerland, and Italy, (3) professional services revenue from webinars, events, and the haustec.de Academy, and (4) one-time e-commerce sales through the Gentner online shop. Go-to-market is sales-led and event-driven, combining direct subscription management, inside and field sales teams, regional media sales representatives, and digital self-serve platforms. Customer concentration is diversified across roughly five B2B verticals (skilled trades, planners/engineers, medical professionals, renewable energy sector, and glass/facade industry), while remaining anchored in the DACH region. Recent strategic activity has been acquisition-led (Erneuerbare Energien 2021, Skills 2024, TI 2025, Laborjournal 2026), reflecting a deliberate roll-up strategy under the new generation of ownership to extend the multi-brand publishing platform into adjacent verticals.

Name

Gentner

Legal name

Alfons W. Gentner Verlag GmbH & Co. KG

Website

https://gentner.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1927

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Family-owned German B2B trade publisher (founded 1927, Stuttgart) operating 14+ specialist journals and digital platforms across building technology, renewable energy, medical, and — as of 2026 — life sciences, monetized through subscriptions, advertising, events, and e-commerce.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trade Publishing (B2B professional media)

NAICS

Book Publishers (513130), Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and Directory Publishers (5131), Other Publishers (51319)

SIC

Books: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2731), Periodicals: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2721), Miscellaneous Publishing (2741)

akta.pro primary industry

Business, Management & HR Reference (Operations, Strategy, HR, Leadership) (EDAGAGAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Life Sciences (Biology, Ecology, Agriculture) Scholarly Publishing (EDAGAFAC), Health, Wellness & Fitness Trade Publishing (MPAJAAAL), Scholarly Society & Association Publishing (EDAGAFAK)

Keywords

• Trade publishing
• Specialist journals
• Building services media
• Renewable energy publishing
• Occupational medicine journals

Headquarters

HQ city

Stuttgart

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Print and Digital Subscriptions: Recurring subscription revenue from 14+ trade journals across building technology, renewable energy, and medical sectors, available as print and digital (E-Paper) formats.
2. Advertising Sales: Revenue from advertising placements across print magazines, digital portals (haustec.de, etc.), newsletters, and mobile platforms. Includes various ad formats such as Skyscraper, Billboard, Homepage Takeover, and special print formats.
3. Webinars and Academy: Revenue from online seminars and structured training programs offered through the haustec.de Academy platform, providing professional development for building technology tradespeople.
4. Events and Sponsorships: Revenue from hosting and sponsoring industry events such as the 'Gebäudehülle im Fokus' digital forum and presence at trade fairs.
5. E-Commerce (Gentner Shop): Revenue from direct sales of specialist books and publications through the Gentner online shop.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Gentner is a German family-owned B2B trade publishing house that produces 14+ specialist trade journals, associated digital portals, e-papers, podcasts, online academies, webinars, and professional events for the building services, renewable energy, and occupational medicine sectors. Its portfolio pairs long-running print titles (e.g., SBZ, GLASWELT, KK DIE KÄLTE, photovoltaik, HZwei, ASU) with digital products such as haustec.de, the haustec.de Academy, and SOLARFOX. Revenue is generated through subscriptions, advertising, training, and events.

Product overview

Gentner is a specialized B2B publishing house operating multiple trade magazines and digital platforms across building technology and medical sectors. The portfolio consists of approximately 16 distinct print and digital products organized in a multi-brand architecture. Core focus areas include: (1) Building Technology brands covering sanitation/heating (SBZ, SBZ Monteur, K&L MAGAZIN), refrigeration/climate (KK DIE KÄLTE + Klimatechnik), building technology portal (haustec.de with ACADEMY), solar energy (photovoltaik, ERNEUERBARE ENERGIEN), facade/glass (GLASWELT, BAUMETALL), technical planning (TGA+E Fachplaner, Gebäude-Energieberater), hydrogen (HZwei), and technical insulation (TI); (2) Medical publications including Ärzteblatt Baden-Württemberg, ASU, MedSach, and acquired Laborjournal for life sciences; and (3) Emerging audio content through KL-Radio podcast. All products share a unified audience of tradespeople, planners, engineers, and specialists, with cross-selling potential through the central haustec.de portal. Products span print magazines, websites, newsletters, E-Papers, webinars, and podcasts.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• haustec.de: Deutschlands größtes redaktionelles Portal rund um die Gebäudetechnik - Germany's largest editorial portal for building technology
• ERNEUERBARE ENERGIEN
• photovoltaik / pv Europe
• GLASWELT
• BAUMETALL
• Gebäude-Energieberater
• SBZ Das SHK-Magazin
• SBZ Monteur
• KK DIE KÄLTE + Klimatechnik
• K&L MAGAZIN
• TGA+E Fachplaner
• MedSach
• Ärzteblatt Baden-Württemberg
• ASU Arbeitsmedizin | Sozialmedizin | Umweltmedizin
• HZwei / H2int.
• TI – Technische Isolierung

Products and services

• SBZ – Das SHK-Magazin Monthly flagship trade magazine for master craftsmen, installers, and engineers in the German sanitation, heating, and ventilation trades. Covers technical product information, regulations, and installation practice.
• SBZ Monteur Trade journal specifically for journeymen and installers in the SHK trades, providing practical, on-the-job technical information.
• haustec.de Central digital portal for SHK professionals combining news, product information, technical articles, and event listings across the SHK sector.
• haustec.de Academy Online learning platform offering modular courses and continuing education for sanitation, heating, ventilation, and refrigeration professionals.
• KK DIE KÄLTE + Klimatechnik Specialist trade journal covering refrigeration and air-conditioning engineering, technology, and regulation.
• K&L MAGAZIN Trade journal for the refrigeration and air conditioning industry, combining technical and operational content.
• GLASWELT Specialist trade journal for the glass and glazing sector, covering production, processing, and application of flat glass.
• BAUMETALL Trade journal for metal construction, building shells, and metalwork professionals.
• TGA+E Fachplaner Specialist journal for technical building services (TGA) planners and specialist engineers.
• Gebäude-Energieberater Specialist journal for energy consultants and experts focused on building energy efficiency and certification.
• photovoltaik Flagship German-language trade journal for installers, planners, and project developers in the photovoltaic sector.
• pv Europe English-language trade publication covering the European photovoltaic market and serving international solar professionals.
• ERNEUERBARE ENERGIEN Trade journal covering renewable energy policy, market and technology issues across the German-speaking market.
• HZwei – Das Magazin für Wasserstoff und Brennstoffzellen Trade journal dedicated to hydrogen and fuel cell technology, industry, and applications.
• H2int. Online portal reporting on the hydrogen and fuel cell industry, complementing HZwei.
• SOLARFOX Solar plant monitoring and visualization technology operated by Gentner for PV plant owners and operators.
• Ärzteblatt Baden-Württemberg Official publication of the Baden-Württemberg medical chamber, providing mandatory professional information to physicians in the state.
• ASU – Arbeitsmedizin, Sozialmedizin, Umweltmedizin Scientific journal for occupational, social, and environmental medicine.
• MedSach – Der Medizinische Sachverständige Specialist journal for medical experts and assessors in occupational and social medicine.
• Laborjournal Trade journal for laboratory professionals in life sciences and medical laboratories.
• KL-Radio (podcast) Podcast providing industry news and interviews for refrigeration and air conditioning professionals.
• TI – Technische Isolierung Trade journal covering technical insulation technology and applications.
• Gentner Akademie (events, webinars, conferences) Live professional events, conferences, and webinars organized across the Gentner trade-journal portfolio for SHK, refrigeration, glass, PV, and hydrogen audiences.

Quantifiable outcome

• 14 specialist trade journals and digital offerings covering building technology, renewable energy, and medical sectors
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Stadtwerke StuttgartcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStadtwerke Stuttgart designed and installed Gentner's building-integrated PV system (rooftop and facade), battery storage, new climate control systems, and E-charging stations as part of the energy transition partnership. Stadtwerke Stuttgart also uses Gentner's facility as a demonstration project for the energy transition in the Stuttgart region.
• MVFP Medienverband der freien Presse e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGentner is a member of the MVFP (German Independent Press Association). CEO Robert Reisch serves on the board of the MVFP Southwest regional association. The MVFP represents the interests of magazine publishers in Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland.
• Deutsche Fachpresse (Commissions)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGentner participates in multiple Deutsche Fachpresse commissions: Digital Media (led by Axel Burkert), Sales (led by Jörg Detzel), Media Production (led by Uwe Staskiewicz), and Social Media Working Group (led by Antje Bussinger). These commissions drive industry-wide standards and best practices.
• Börsenverein des Deutschen BuchhandelsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGentner is a member of the German Booksellers Association, the main industry body for book and media publishing in Germany.
• STELP e.V.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerGentner has been a Premium Partner of STELP since March 2023, a humanitarian aid organization from Stuttgart operating projects in 14 countries across 4 continents. Gentner donates a fixed monthly amount to STELP's internal structural costs, supporting their ability to grow and manage humanitarian projects.
• Viessmann (ViMove project)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGentner participates in the ViMove reforestation project created in cooperation with Viessmann. Employees earn trees through physical activities (running, cycling) tracked via an app. The project combines employee wellness with environmental action.
• el molinillo (Inclusive Coffee Roastery)minorOthersGentner sources its office coffee from el molinillo, an inclusive coffee roastery in Welzheim that provides employment for people with disabilities while producing sustainable, fairly traded organic coffee roasts.
• Zentralverband Sanitär Heizung Klima (ZV SHK)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerSBZ (Sanitär Heizung Klima) magazine is an official media partner of the Zentralverband Sanitär Heizung Klima and SHK industry associations. This partnership provides SBZ with access to industry decision-makers and association news, strengthening its position in the SHK trade.
• World Skills Germany e.V.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerGentner acquired the 'Skills' magazine from World Skills Germany e.V. in 2024, serving professionals and trainers in vocational education and skills competitions.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Rudolf Müller Medien: Cologne-based German B2B trade publisher specializing in construction, architecture, and building technology. Directly comparable as a family-owned German specialist trade publisher with multiple titles in overlapping verticals (the source of Gentner's 2025 acquisition of TI – Technische Isolierung).
• Schlütersche Verlagsanstalt: Hanover-based German B2B media company operating trade journals, books, and digital products across craft, energy, and automotive sectors. Comparable as the previous owner of Erneuerbare Energien (acquired by Gentner in 2021) and a peer in German trade magazine publishing for skilled trades.
• Konradin Verlag (Ernst Kohlmann): Leinfelden-Echterdingen-based German B2B publisher focusing on industrial management, occupational safety, and production technology. Comparable as a German specialist trade publisher with print, digital, and event products serving technical and operational decision-makers — intersecting with Gentner's TGA+E Fachplaner and operational management content.
• Ebner Verlag: Ulm-based German B2B publishing house operating local newspapers and trade journals. Comparable as a German family-owned publisher with mixed local and niche trade publishing assets, operating on a similar mid-market scale to Gentner.
• Bauverlag (BV GmbH): German specialist publisher focused on construction, building materials, and structural engineering. Direct competitor in print and digital trade media for German construction professionals, with overlapping advertiser bases in building technology and adjacent verticals.
• Hüthig GmbH (South Media): German B2B technical publisher specializing in electronics, electrical engineering, and automation. Comparable as a German B2B trade publisher with print magazines, digital platforms, and events serving technical professional audiences.
• Vincentz Network: Hanover-based B2B media company and trade publisher serving coatings, adhesives, construction chemicals, and woodworking sectors. Comparable as a German mid-market specialist publisher with print, digital, and event products across technical building and industrial verticals.

Emerging players

• Fachverlag Dr. Rolfes: Smaller German B2B publisher of specialist trade content for industrial and technical audiences. Comparable as a niche German specialist publisher with print and digital products serving defined professional segments, though smaller in scale than Gentner.

Broad incumbents

• WEKA Media: Large German B2B information and media company serving construction, engineering, management, and HR audiences. Comparable as a German mid-market B2B publisher with print, digital, events, and training products across multiple technical verticals, including overlap with Gentner's building technology and HR/operations content.
• Springer Fachmedien: Wiesbaden-based B2B publisher part of Springer Nature, covering automotive, construction, electrical engineering, and management. Broader incumbent offering overlapping capabilities in building technology, electrical engineering, and energy through titles that intersect Gentner's portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/gentnerverlag
• Facebookfacebook.com/gentnerverlag

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 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 Gentner