G.B.S. Handelsgesellschaft mbH

What G.B.S. Handelsgesellschaft mbH does

G.B.S. Handelsgesellschaft mbH is an independent German specialist dealer (Fachhändler) for fire protection and safety equipment, founded in 1991 and headquartered in Ludwigsfelde-Löwenbruch, Brandenburg. The company serves volunteer and industrial fire departments, police/EMS units, and industrial/commercial customers across Germany with a broad product portfolio spanning fire trucks, fire-extinguishing systems, breathing apparatus, personal protective equipment (PPE), mobile water tanks, rescue equipment, and related accessories. Core manufacturer partnerships include MSA, Dräger, uvex, SEIZ, Lukas, Gollmer & Hummel, Vetter, and Barth, with multi-tier certifications such as MSA Safety 5-Star Authorized Partner, SEIZ Premium Partner, and uvex Fire & Rescue Authorized Partner.

The business operates a hybrid distribution model combining a Germany-wide field sales force with named regional sales consultants, inside sales, four physical branches (Ludwigsfelde HQ, Glauchau, Göda, Roggentin), and the GBS-Onlineshop B2B e-commerce platform. Revenue is generated primarily through hardware sales, with recurring contributions from authorized workshop services (Dräger, Interspiro, MSA), DGUV-compliant inspection and maintenance contracts, and training seminars covering breathing apparatus, height rescue, aerial platform vehicles, and PPE.

The company is a privately held GmbH with no external investors, managed by Torsten Haase and Ronny Freitag. It maintains a digital inspection database to support recurring service revenue and uses social media content, an online shop, and a customer magazine as marketing channels. The competitive moat rests on multi-vendor one-stop-shop positioning, certified workshop status, and 34 years of brand reputation in a trust-driven, regulation-intensive procurement environment.

Name

G.B.S. Handelsgesellschaft mbH

Legal name

G.B.S. Handelsgesellschaft mbH

Website

https://gbs-brandschutz.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Independent German specialist dealer of fire protection and safety equipment, serving fire departments, police/EMS, and industrial customers with hardware, authorized maintenance services, and training seminars across Germany since 1991.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Fire Protection Equipment Distribution

NAICS

Security Systems Services (56162)

SIC

Special Industry Machinery (No Metalworking Machinery) (3550)

akta.pro primary industry

Security, Safety & Fire/Life Safety Management (BPABAAAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Fire Protection Systems Contracting (Sprinklers, Alarms, Suppression) (IMAFALAD)

Keywords

• Fire protection equipment
• Firefighting gear
• Breathing apparatus
• Rescue equipment
• Industrial safety PPE

Headquarters

HQ city

Ludwigsfelde

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Firefighting Equipment Sales: Sale of firefighting equipment including fire trucks, hoses, nozzles, water tanks, lighting equipment, helmets, protective clothing, and specialized firefighting gear to fire departments and industrial customers.
2. Police & Rescue Equipment Sales: Sale of equipment to police and emergency medical services, including badges, uniform components, and specialized operational and safety products.
3. Industrial Safety & PPE Sales: Sale of personal protective equipment, work clothing, gas detection devices, and technical equipment to industrial and commercial enterprises.
4. Maintenance, Inspection & Repair Services: Charged services for maintenance, inspection, testing, and repair of breathing apparatus, gas detection devices, rescue equipment, ladders, safety harnesses, and chemical protective suits, performed at workshops or on-site.
5. Seminars & Training: Fee-based professional training seminars for firefighting and rescue personnel, covering topics such as hose knowledge, gas measurement device maintenance, PPE hygiene, door-opening techniques, ladder expertise, rescue training, and operational training under real fire conditions. Some seminars offered free of charge (e.g., MSA Atemschutz-Anwender-Seminar).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

G.B.S. Handelsgesellschaft mbH is an independent specialist dealer (Fachhändler) that distributes professional fire protection and safety equipment from 30+ leading manufacturers to fire departments, police and rescue services, and industrial/commercial customers in Germany. Its core offering spans firefighting vehicles and equipment (fire trucks, hoses, nozzles, water tanks, lighting, helmets, turnout gear, breathing apparatus, gas detection), police/rescue operational products, industrial PPE and occupational safety gear, complemented by manufacturer-authorized maintenance/inspection/repair services and fee-based professional training seminars. Sales and account management are delivered through a territorial field sales force, inside sales, a B2B e-commerce portal, and on-site service technicians.

Product overview

G.B.S. Handelsgesellschaft mbH operates as an independent specialist dealer for professional fire protection and modern safety solutions, founded in 1991. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of firefighting and safety equipment through its GBS-Onlineshop customer portal, complemented by professional training seminars and maintenance services. Core products include Dönges mobile water tank systems (FOL-DA-TANK series) for flexible water supply at deployment sites, GH Schlauchpaket hose carrying systems from Gollmer & Hummel, MSA Gallet F2XR multifunctional rescue helmets, Barth Double Twin-Light portable LED lighting bridges, Vetter Magnaseal magnetic leak sealing pads for hazardous materials, and AWG Turbospritze EVO hollow stream nozzles. The company provides related training seminars covering hose technology, gas measurement, PPE hygiene, opening techniques, rescue equipment, fall protection, and breathing apparatus, as well as maintenance services for protective clothing, gas measurement technology, rescue equipment, and respiratory protection systems.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• GBS-Onlineshop: The company's customer portal and e-commerce platform offering a comprehensive selection of high-quality fire protection products for commercial customers, including fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.

Products and services

• Feuerwehrtechnik / Fire Department Equipment Range Comprehensive product range for volunteer and industrial fire brigades, including fire trucks, turnout gear, breathing apparatus, hoses, nozzles, water tanks, lighting, helmets, and rescue tools. Sourced from 30+ brand partners (MSA, Dräger, S-Gard, Gollmer & Hummel, Lukas-Hydraulik, Vetter, AWG, Dönges, Barth, and others). Customer target: German fire departments and industrial fire brigades.
• Polizei & Rettungsdienst / Police & Rescue Equipment Range Selected badges (Abzeichen), uniform components, and specialized operational and safety products in tested quality for police forces and emergency medical/rescue services. Customer target: police and emergency medical services.
• Industrieausstattung / Industrial Safety Equipment Range Personal protective equipment (PPE), work clothing, gas detection devices, and technical equipment for daily operations and workplace safety compliance (DGUV, BGR, BetrSichV). Customer target: industrial and commercial enterprises.
• Wartung & Service / Maintenance, Inspection and Repair Services Manufacturer-authorized maintenance, inspection, testing, and repair services for breathing apparatus (MSA, Dräger, Interspiro), gas detection devices (ALTAIR series, Orion, Sirius, Galaxy GX2), protective clothing, rescue equipment, ladders (Günzburger roll containers), safety harnesses (Skylotec), and chemical protective suits (Dräger). Inspections documented digitally with serial numbers and full service histories. Customer target: fire departments, industrial users, and safety-critical operations.
• Seminare / Professional Training Seminars Training seminars for firefighting and rescue personnel covering hose technology (Gollmer & Hummel), gas measurement device maintenance (TG-2/TG-W), PPE hygiene per DGUV-Grundsatz 305-002 (S-Gard), applied opening techniques (SHG Schmitz), Paratech stabilization workshops, hydraulic rescue equipment training (Lukas), fall protection per BGG 906 (Skylotec), nozzle technology and tactics, tactical ventilation, real fire operational training (Leader), and MSA respiratory protection seminars. Customer target: professional firefighters, rescue personnel, and safety officers.
• GBS-Onlineshop / Kundenportal (B2B E-Commerce Portal) B2B e-commerce portal providing commercial customers with comprehensive product selection, online ordering, order tracking, and account management capabilities for the full fire protection product range (fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, firefighting and safety equipment). Customer target: commercial buyers (fire departments, industrial customers, rescue services).

Quantifiable outcome

• Equipment maintenance and inspection services ensure regulatory compliance (DGUV, BetrSichV, TRGS 1203) and maximum operational readiness of safety-critical equipment.
• +1 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

35 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• MSA SafetyflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. is an authorized partner and 5-star certified partner of MSA Safety, distributing MSA firefighting helmets, breathing apparatus, gas detection devices, and related safety equipment. G.B.S. conducts MSA-authorized maintenance, inspections, and training for MSA products including ALTAIR/ALTAIR PRO, ALTAIR 2X, ALTAIR 4/4X, ALTAIR 5/5X, ORIONplus, SIRIUS, and GALAXY GX2 devices.
• Lukas-Hydraulik GmbHflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. is a partner of Lukas-Hydraulik, distributing hydraulic rescue equipment (spreaders, cutters, rescue cylinders) and conducting training seminars including 'Patientengerechte Unfallrettung mit hydraulischen Rettungsgeräten'. Lukas-certified service support is provided.
• Gollmer & Hummel GmbHflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. distributes Gollmer & Hummel firefighting equipment including the GH Schlauchpaket (efficient hose carrying system for firefighting operations). G.B.S. also organizes 'Fachvortrag Schlauchkunde' seminars with Gollmer & Hummel as the presenter.
• S-Gard SchutzkleidungcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. distributes S-Gard protective clothing and conducts 'Einsatzstellenhygiene (PSA)' seminars presented by the S-Gard training team, covering PSA care and inspection according to DGUV-Grundsatz 305-002.
• Vetter GmbHcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. distributes Vetter rescue and safety equipment including the Magnaseal magnetic leak-sealing patch for hazardous materials incidents, and Vetter SafetyCushion. G.B.S. technicians are certified for Vetter equipment inspection and maintenance.
• AWG Fittings GmbHcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. distributes AWG fittings including the Turbospritze EVO hollow-stream nozzle (DIN EN 15182 Type 3) for firefighting applications. G.B.S. actively promotes and sells AWG products through its e-commerce platform.
• Dönges GmbHcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. distributes Dönges mobile water tank systems (FOL-DA-TANK series) including Klapprahmentank, Single Lane Tank, ROL-LA-Tank, and self-erecting tanks for firefighting water supply at remote locations.
• uvex Safety GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. holds uvex Fire & Rescue authorized partner status, distributing uvex safety helmets, eye protection, hearing protection, and other PPE for firefighting and industrial applications.
• SEIZ (Friedrich Schlicker GmbH)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. holds SEIZ Premium Partner status for the fire department segment, distributing SEIZ protective gloves for firefighting and rescue operations.
• Barth FeuerwehrtechnikcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. distributes Barth Feuerwehrtechnik products including the Double Twin-Light portable LED light bridge with dual LED double beams providing up to 24,000 lumens for emergency scene illumination.
• Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaAcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. service technicians are authorized for Dräger breathing apparatus, gas detection devices, and chemical protective suits. G.B.S. operates an authorized service workshop for Dräger safety equipment with cleaning, inspection, and maintenance per manufacturer specifications.
• Skylotec GmbHcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. distributes Skylotec personal fall protection systems and conducts 'Sachkunde für persönliche Absturzsicherungssysteme nach BGG 906' seminars. G.B.S. technicians are certified for Skylotec equipment inspection.
• Leader GmbHminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. hosts Leader GmbH seminars including Module I (Strahlrohrtechnik und -taktik), Module II (Taktische Ventilation und Rettungsbelüftung), and Module III (Einsatztraining unter Realbrandbedingungen) for operational firefighting training.
• Günzburger Steigtechnik GmbHcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. is designated as an official competence center (Kompetenzzentrum) for Günzburger roll containers. G.B.S. technicians are authorized to perform expert inspections, maintenance, and repairs on roll containers per manufacturer and DGUV standards.
• Lenhardt & Wagner GmbHminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. provides maintenance, repair, and spare parts service for Lenhardt & Wagner breathing air compressors, from standard inspections to complete overhauls, performed by trained G.B.S. technicians.
• Haix-SchuhfabrikminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. distributes Haix professional footwear for firefighting and rescue applications.
• Schuberth GmbHminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. distributes Schuberth helmets and safety headgear for firefighting applications.
• Swissphone Telecom AGminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. distributes Swissphone telecom and alerting equipment for emergency services communication.
• Paratech (by Hydraulik-Rettungsgeräte GmbH)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. hosts Paratech virtual workshops providing compact specialist knowledge on Paratech stabilization equipment for rescue operations.
• SHG Schmitz (Schlüsseldienst)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. collaborates with SHG Schmitz for the 'Angewandte Öffnungstechnik' (Applied Opening Techniques) seminar, covering door and window opening methods for rescue operations.
• Endress GeneratorenminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. distributes Endress generator equipment for emergency power and field operations.
• BioexminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. distributes Bioex firefighting foam and associated equipment.
• Schlingmann GmbH & Co. KGminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. distributes Schlingmann fire trucks and emergency vehicles.
• Johstadt GmbHminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. distributes Johstadt rescue and safety equipment.
• Munk GmbH (Rettungsmittel)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. distributes Munk rescue equipment and tools.
• Voelkl SchuhfabrikminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. distributes Voelkl professional safety footwear.
• Fladt EngineeringminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. distributes Fladt Engineering products for firefighting applications.
• Ferno GmbHminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. distributes Ferno emergency and rescue equipment.
• Interspiro ABminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. service workshop is authorized for Interspiro breathing apparatus and masks, in addition to Dräger and MSA products.
• Lanco GmbH & Co. KGminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. distributes Lanco cleaning and hygiene products for firefighting equipment maintenance.
• Faltsilo (mobile water tanks)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. distributes Faltsilo folding silo and mobile water tank solutions for firefighting water supply.
• GIFAS EVOminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. distributes GIFAS EVO electrical equipment and lighting solutions for firefighting applications.
• Telsafa / EWSminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. distributes EWS/Telsafa emergency warning systems and electrical safety equipment.
• Haucke KrawattenminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. distributes Haucke ties and uniform accessories for firefighting and rescue service personnel.
• Lawnarine / LavamarineminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorG.B.S. distributes Lavamarine water rescue and marine safety equipment.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Rosenbauer International AG: Austrian-headquartered global leader in fire trucks and emergency vehicles whose products (including Schlingmann, distributed by G.B.S.) compete in the same end markets. Operates a hybrid direct and distributor model that competes with G.B.S. for major fleet tenders.
• Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA: Global safety and medical technology manufacturer whose breathing apparatus, gas detection, and chemical protective suits are distributed by G.B.S. Dräger operates its own direct sales channels that partially overlap with G.B.S.'s intermediated distribution model.
• Honeywell Safety Products: Global manufacturer of PPE, gas detection, and worker safety products (Miller, North, Howard Leight) competing with several of G.B.S.'s distribution lines. Operates as a broad incumbent with both direct and partner channels in the same German end markets.
• Minimax Viking Group: One of Germany's largest integrated fire protection companies, combining fire suppression system installation with equipment distribution and service. A broader incumbent operating at larger scale than G.B.S. with overlapping customer relationships in industrial and municipal fire safety.
• MSA Safety Incorporated: Global safety equipment manufacturer whose fire service helmets (Gallet F2XR), breathing apparatus, and gas detection devices are core G.B.S. products. MSA also pursues direct sales, partially overlapping with G.B.S.'s value proposition as an authorized premium partner.
• Wagner Group GmbH: German fire protection specialist offering detection, suppression, and integrated safety solutions with both product and service capabilities. Competes with G.B.S. in adjacent fire safety verticals while operating at significantly larger scale as an established industry player.

Direct peers

• C. F. Weber GmbH & Co. KG: Established German distributor of industrial safety, fire protection, and occupational health equipment with comparable B2B customer base. Operates as a multi-brand specialist dealer serving municipalities, industry, and emergency services—directly comparable in positioning to G.B.S.
• Feuerschutz Jockel GmbH & Co. KG: German specialist in fire extinguishers, fire protection technology, and related safety equipment with a strong German distribution footprint. Overlaps with G.B.S. on fire suppression products, mobile fire protection, and service-based offerings.
• Brandschutz-Mall GmbH: German online and catalog retailer specializing in fire protection equipment for volunteer and professional fire brigades. Closely mirrors G.B.S.'s product portfolio (extinguishers, smoke detectors, PPE, rescue equipment) and B2B customer base across Germany.

Regional players

• Jebsen & Jessen Industrial Solutions: Germany-headquartered industrial distribution group serving the DACH region with safety, fire protection, and process equipment. Comparable to G.B.S. in distribution-based business model but focused on broader industrial markets and headquartered in a different geographic center.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/g.b.s.-handelsgesellschaft-mbh

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 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 G.B.S. Handelsgesellschaft mbH