Name

VGH International

Legal name

VGH International GmbH Vereinigung von Großhändlern für Haustechnik, Marketing und Vertrieb

Website

https://vgh-international.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Brühl

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Wholesale Network Membership and Joint Purchasing: VGH International operates as a cooperative association of independent building technology wholesalers. Revenue is generated through member contributions and volume-based purchasing advantages derived from collective buying power across the network of 18 shareholders and 650+ locations.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Core offering

VGH International is a European cooperative association of 18 independent building technology wholesalers operating 650+ locations across 16 countries. The core offering is the cooperative network itself, enabling joint purchase strategies, exclusive brand partnerships, and shared market access for heating, sanitary, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) products. VGH connects brand manufacturers with its member wholesalers through joint promotional activities, exclusive promotional series, and category insights.

Product overview

VGH International is a single unified cooperative network — not a modular software platform — comprising 18 independent building technology wholesalers operating across 16 European countries through 650+ locations. The core offering is the VGH International Network itself, which connects suppliers (brand manufacturers in heating, sanitary, ventilation, and air conditioning) with member wholesalers via exclusive brand-focused partnerships and joint purchase strategies. The Supplier Partnership Program and Wholesaler Collaboration Network are operational programs within this cooperative structure, not separate software products or modules.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• VGH International Network A cooperative network of 18 independent building technology wholesalers operating across 16 European countries through 650+ locations, enabling brand manufacturers to access international markets via joint purchase strategies and exclusive brand partnerships. The network spans heating, sanitary, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) product categories.
• Supplier Partnership Program Program connecting top brand manufacturers in heating, sanitary, ventilation, and air conditioning with extensive market access through the VGH network of over 650 locations across 16 European countries. Includes joint promotional activities, exclusive promotional series, and exclusive tools and partnership programs for brand manufacturers.
• Wholesaler Collaboration Network Network offering wholesalers partnership with leading building technology distributors, access to strong brands, joint purchase strategies, category insights, best practice benchmarking, and strategic guidance. Designed for independent building technology wholesalers seeking international reach and collective purchasing power.

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

92 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• AalbertscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading manufacturer in building technology. VGH International provides access to extensive market through 650+ locations across 16 European countries. Partnership enables joint promotional activities and market expansion.
• ABBcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal technology company in building technology solutions. Partnership provides ABB access to VGH's network of independent wholesalers across Europe.
• ACOcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturer specializing in drainage and building technology products. Sells through VGH International's wholesale network across Europe.
• AllmesscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBuilding technology manufacturer with heating and sanitary solutions. Partnership enables market access through VGH's European wholesale network.
• ArmacellcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturer of insulation and building materials. Products distributed through VGH International's wholesale network.
• A. Schmidt Wuppertal (ASW)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturer in the building technology sector. Partnership provides market access through VGH's European distribution network.
• Austria EmailcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustrian manufacturer specializing in heating technology. Products distributed through VGH International's network.
• BettecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturer of bathroom products. Partnership enables distribution through VGH's European wholesale network.
• Bosch ThermotechnikcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading manufacturer of heating and hot water solutions. Products distributed through VGH's 650+ locations across Europe.
• BurgbadcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBathroom furniture manufacturer. Partnership provides access to VGH International's European wholesale network.
• BWTcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWater treatment technology manufacturer. Products distributed through VGH International's building technology wholesale network.
• Conex/BänningercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturer of piping and connection systems. Partnership enables market access through VGH's European distribution.
• DanfosscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading manufacturer of heating and energy solutions. Products distributed through VGH International's wholesale network.
• DuravitcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremium bathroom furniture and sanitary ware manufacturer. Partnership provides access to European wholesale channels.
• Ebro ArmaturencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturer of industrial valves. Products distributed through VGH's building technology network.
• EmcocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBathroom accessories manufacturer. Partnership enables distribution through VGH International's European network.
• FlamcocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturer of heating system components. Products distributed through VGH's wholesale network.
• GeberitcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading European manufacturer of sanitary products. Partnership provides extensive market reach through VGH's network.
• GebocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturer of technical building products. Products distributed through VGH International's network.
• Georg Fischer (GF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustrial piping and valve manufacturer. Partnership enables market access through VGH's European wholesale network.
• Green DraincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDrainage technology manufacturer. Products distributed through VGH International's building technology network.
• GrohecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading global brand for sanitary fittings. Partnership provides access to VGH's extensive European distribution.
• GrünbeckcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWater treatment and filtration manufacturer. Products distributed through VGH International's network.
• GrundfoscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading pump manufacturer. Products distributed through VGH's European wholesale network.
• HambergercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBuilding technology and sanitary products manufacturer. Partnership provides market access through VGH's network.
• HANSAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSanitary fittings manufacturer. Products distributed through VGH International's European network.
• HansgrohecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremium bathroom and kitchen fittings manufacturer. Partnership provides access to VGH's European wholesale network.
• HenradcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHeating radiators manufacturer. Products distributed through VGH International's network.
• HMEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMetal products manufacturer for building technology. Partnership enables market access through VGH's network.
• HummelcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturer of HVAC components. Products distributed through VGH International's building technology network.
• IMIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHydronic balancing and control manufacturer. Partnership provides market access through VGH's European network.
• Ideal StandardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal sanitary ware manufacturer. Products distributed through VGH International's European wholesale network.
• InventorcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAir conditioning manufacturer. Partnership enables distribution through VGH's building technology network.
• JudocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWater treatment technology manufacturer. Products distributed through VGH International's network.
• Pentair Jung PumpencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPump manufacturer. Partnership provides access to VGH's European wholesale network.
• KALDEWEIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremium bathroom enamel manufacturer. Products distributed through VGH International's network.
• KampmanncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHVAC and heating manufacturer. Partnership enables market access through VGH's European network.
• KempercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerValves and fittings manufacturer. Products distributed through VGH International's building technology network.
• KESSELcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDrainage systems manufacturer. Partnership provides access to VGH's European wholesale network.
• KermicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHeating and shower systems manufacturer. Products distributed through VGH International's network.
• KEUCOcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBathroom accessories and furniture manufacturer. Partnership enables market access through VGH's network.
• KludicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSanitary fittings manufacturer. Products distributed through VGH International's European network.
• LegrandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal electrical and digital building infrastructure provider. Partnership provides access to VGH's network.
• LOROWERK (LORO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBuilding technology components manufacturer. Products distributed through VGH International's network.
• MagracoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturer of building technology products. Partnership enables market access through VGH's network.
• NeoperlcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWater flow technology manufacturer. Products distributed through VGH International's building technology network.
• nVent RAYCHEMcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerElectrical and thermal management solutions. Partnership provides access to VGH's European network.
• Ostendorf KunststoffecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlastic piping systems manufacturer. Products distributed through VGH International's network.
• OventropcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHeating and cooling control systems manufacturer. Partnership enables market access through VGH's network.
• PanasoniccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAir conditioning and heating technology provider. Products distributed through VGH International's network.
• PurmocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHeating solutions manufacturer. Partnership provides access to VGH's European wholesale network.
• ReflexcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPressure vessel and system technology manufacturer. Products distributed through VGH International's network.
• RehaucoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPolymer solutions manufacturer. Partnership enables market access through VGH's European network.
• ResideocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHome comfort and security solutions provider. Products distributed through VGH International's network.
• Roth WerkecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHeating and solar technology manufacturer. Partnership provides access to VGH's wholesale network.
• SANHAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCopper and stainless steel fittings manufacturer. Products distributed through VGH International's network.
• Sanit ChemiecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChemical products for building technology. Partnership enables market access through VGH's network.
• SchedelcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBuilding technology components manufacturer. Products distributed through VGH International's network.
• SchellcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSanitary fittings and systems manufacturer. Partnership provides access to VGH's European network.
• Schlösser ArmaturencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerValve and fitting manufacturer. Products distributed through VGH International's building technology network.
• Hermann SchmidtcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBuilding technology manufacturer. Partnership enables market access through VGH's European network.
• SeppelfrickecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKitchen and bathroom manufacturer. Products distributed through VGH International's network.
• SinusverteilercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDistribution technology manufacturer. Partnership provides access to VGH's wholesale network.
• StrawacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHVAC components manufacturer. Products distributed through VGH International's network.
• SYR Hans SasserathcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSafety devices and control systems manufacturer. Partnership enables market access through VGH's network.
• TaconovacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHydraulic components manufacturer. Products distributed through VGH International's building technology network.
• UponorcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlastic piping systems provider. Partnership provides access to VGH's European wholesale network.
• ViegacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading manufacturer of piping systems. Products distributed through VGH International's extensive network.
• Villeroy & BochcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremium bathroom and ceramics manufacturer. Partnership enables market access through VGH's network.
• WalravencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstallation materials manufacturer. Products distributed through VGH International's building technology network.
• WattscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWater safety and heating solutions provider. Partnership provides access to VGH's European network.
• WESA ArmaturencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerValve manufacturer. Products distributed through VGH International's network.
• WielandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCopper and semi-finished products manufacturer. Partnership enables market access through VGH's network.
• WIKAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPressure and temperature measurement manufacturer. Products distributed through VGH International's network.
• AhlsellcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDanish building technology wholesaler and shareholder of VGH International. Member of the European network since founding.
• CEAcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGerman building technology wholesaler and shareholder of VGH International.
• Deinzer + Weyland (DEWETech)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGerman building technology wholesaler and shareholder of VGH International.
• Frauenthal Handel GruppecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAustrian building technology wholesaler and shareholder of VGH International.
• GÉVIERcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDutch building technology wholesaler and shareholder of VGH International.
• K.T.O.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCzech building technology wholesaler and shareholder of VGH International.
• RensacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDutch building technology wholesaler and shareholder of VGH International.
• SaltokicoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSpanish building technology wholesaler and shareholder of VGH International.
• Sanistål SIAcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLatvian building technology wholesaler and shareholder of VGH International.
• Sanistål UABcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLithuanian building technology wholesaler and shareholder of VGH International.
• SanitopcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPortuguese building technology wholesaler and shareholder of VGH International.
• SanpolcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPolish building technology wholesaler and shareholder of VGH International.
• SpaetercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSwiss building technology wholesaler and shareholder of VGH International.
• SzatmáricoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHungarian building technology wholesaler and shareholder of VGH International.
• TérévacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrench building technology wholesaler and shareholder of VGH International.
• UniprestcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRomanian building technology wholesaler and shareholder of VGH International.
• Van OirschotcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBelgian building technology wholesaler and shareholder of VGH International.
• WoodcotecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSlovak building technology wholesaler and shareholder of VGH International.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Direct peers

• Ciffreo Bona: French distributor of heating, plumbing and sanitary products serving professional installers. Overlaps directly with VGH's core product categories (heating, sanitary, ventilation) and B2B installer customer base.
• Eurobaustoff: European trade cooperative for building materials, sanitary, and heating wholesalers operating across multiple countries. Closely comparable cooperative model and product mix to VGH, with joint purchasing and brand-only distribution as core value drivers.
• Hagebau Handelsgesellschaft: German building materials and DIY wholesale cooperative with a multi-brand model and several hundred member locations. Highly comparable to VGH in cooperative structure, German/European focus, and brand-led distribution of building technology products.
• GC Group (Partedis): French HVAC, sanitary and plumbing wholesale group serving installers across France. Directly comparable to VGH members in product categories (heating, sanitary) and target customer (professional installers) — only at single-country scale.

Regional players

• AHK (Arge Heizung-Sanitär / Austrian HVAC wholesalers): Austrian HVAC and sanitary wholesale association grouping independent specialist wholesalers. Closely mirrors VGH's cooperative model and brand-focused distribution approach but at national Austrian scale only.

Broad incumbents

• Saint-Gobain Distribution: Distribution arm of Saint-Gobain serving European builders and contractors with building materials including plumbing and insulation. Broader and more vertically integrated than VGH, but operates overlapping B2B distribution of building technology products across Europe.
• Travis Perkins: UK-listed builders' merchant group with national branches serving tradespeople across construction categories. Comparable in serving professional installer customers, though broader product mix and UK-centric versus VGH's European HVAC/sanitary specialty.
• Ferguson Enterprises (formerly Wolseley UK): Global plumbing, heating and HVAC distributor with significant European presence (formerly Wolseley). Overlaps with VGH in core product categories (plumbing, heating) and B2B installer base, but operates a centralized corporate model rather than cooperative.
• RUBIX (formerly Brammer and IPN): Pan-European industrial and MRO distribution group with operations across multiple European countries. Adjacent to VGH in multi-country industrial distribution scale and B2B customer model, though focused on industrial MRO rather than building technology.

Others

• Robert Bosch (Thermotechnology division): Major VGH supplier (Bosch Thermotechnik) and leading European heating/hot-water manufacturer. Included as an ecosystem participant representing the supplier-side counterpart VGH distributes for, with potential vertical-integration threat.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 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 VGH International