ZENNER International

What ZENNER International does

ZENNER International GmbH & Co. KG is a Saarbrücken-headquartered, privately held metering and IoT infrastructure provider that has manufactured water meters for over 100 years (founded 1923) and now produces more than 10 million measurement devices and sensors annually. The company operates one of the world's largest LoRaWAN networks, integrating 11+ million sensors across 15 countries, and packages connectivity (LoRaWAN, Wireless M-Bus, M-Bus), IoT gateways, and a proprietary B.One software ecosystem (Element Suite, Element IoT, BuildingLink, Metering as a Service, Scada Pro). Its product portfolio spans water, gas, and heat/cooling meters; submetering; smart city and smart energy sensor solutions; and a dual-radio ultrasonic water meter with automatic leak detection.

The business monetizes through five revenue streams: (1) hardware sales of meters, sensors, and gateways; (2) managed LoRaWAN network services operated via subsidiary ZENNER Connect GmbH; (3) recurring B.One software subscriptions including Metering as a Service; (4) IoT project consulting drawing on 450+ completed deployments; and (5) gateway provisioning and installation. The go-to-market is B2B field sales targeting water utilities, energy and gas suppliers, municipalities, and (secondarily) property managers, with a heavy reliance on industry trade shows (E-world, IFAT, Smart City Expo, Enlit Europe, Metering Days) and direct enterprise sales. The company is part of the Minol-ZENNER Group, is GDPR-compliant, and reports as a German GmbH & Co. KG with managing directors Alexander Lehmann and Zeljko Petrina. No public revenue or headcount growth disclosures are available, and the legal-entity headcount of 68 sits alongside an operating footprint that is substantially larger at the group level.

Name

ZENNER International

Legal name

Zenner International GmbH & Co. KG

Website

https://zenner.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1923

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

ZENNER International is a Germany-based manufacturer of water, gas, and heat meters and operator of one of the world's largest LoRaWAN networks (11+ million sensors), serving utilities, energy suppliers, and municipalities with its B.One software and IoT ecosystem.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Smart Metering and IoT Infrastructure

NAICS

Totalizing Fluid Meter and Counting Device Manufacturing (334514), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (5182)

SIC

Totalizing Fluid Meters & Counting Devices (3824)

akta.pro primary industry

Network Monitoring & Smart Water Sensors (Pressure/Flow/Noise Loggers, IoT) (EUANAKAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Meter Data Management & Analytics (MDM, validation/estimation/editing, usage insights) (EUANAIAB), AMI/AMR Smart Meter Deployment & Operations (Head-End, Network & MDM) (EUAJACAD), Flood & Sump Pump Monitoring/Alarm Systems (HSAHAGAB)

Keywords

• Smart metering solutions
• LoRaWAN network operation
• Water meter manufacturing
• IoT infrastructure services
• Smart city solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Saarbrücken

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Smart Metering Hardware Sales: Sale of water meters, gas meters, heat meters, ultrasonic meters, and IoT sensors. ZENNER produces over 10 million measuring devices and sensors annually, representing the core product revenue stream.
2. LoRaWAN Infrastructure and Network Operation: Operation and provision of LoRaWAN network infrastructure for utilities and municipalities. ZENNER operates one of the world's largest LoRaWAN networks with 11+ million integrated sensors across 15 countries.
3. Software Platforms (B.One Element Suite, MaaS): SaaS-style platform subscriptions for data management, visualization, and process control including B.One Metering as a Service, B.One Element IoT, B.One Element Suite, and B.One BuildingLink. Delivered as recurring software services.
4. Concept and Strategy Consulting: IoT project consulting services drawing on experience from over 450 successful IoT projects, helping municipal utilities and energy providers plan and execute smart city and smart metering rollouts.
5. IoT Gateway Provisioning: Supply and optional installation and commissioning of IoT gateways for remote meter reading. Gateways are owned by ZENNER and remain installed even after contract termination, enabling ongoing network operation.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

ZENNER International manufactures smart water, gas, and heat meters (producing over 10 million devices annually) and operates one of the world's largest LoRaWAN networks with 11+ million integrated sensors across 15 countries. The company delivers end-to-end IoT infrastructure for utilities and municipalities, combining metering hardware, LoRaWAN connectivity (Wireless M-Bus/M-Bus), and the proprietary B.One software platform suite for data aggregation, visualization, and remote meter reading.

Product overview

ZENNER International is a globally leading provider of innovative measurement technology and smart IoT solutions for utilities, energy suppliers, and municipalities. The product portfolio consists of three interconnected layers: (1) Core Measurement Technology - water meters, gas meters, and heat/cooling meters including the IUWS B.One ultrasonic water meter with parallel radio function; (2) Communication & Infrastructure - LoRaWAN networks (operated as one of the world's largest with 11M+ sensors), LoRaWAN gateways, Wireless M-Bus, and M-Bus solutions; (3) IoT Software & Services - B.One platform ecosystem comprising B.One element suite, B.One element iot, B.One BuildingLink, B.One Metering as a Service (MaaS), and B.One Element Scada Pro. Solution areas include Smart Metering, Smart Submetering, Smart Building, Smart City, Smart Energy, and Smart Water. The company also offers IoT sensors and submetering solutions, plus professional consulting services for IoT project implementation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• B.One: Digital solutions ecosystem of the Minol-ZENNER Group, representing all components of modern digital infrastructure with interoperability, technology openness, security, and reliability.
• B.One Element
• B.One Metering as a Service (MaaS)
• ZENNER Connect

Products and services

• Water Meters (Wasserzähler) Complete portfolio of traditional and smart water meters for drinking water supply and distribution measurement, including radio-enabled variants for remote reading. Target customers: water utilities and municipal water suppliers.
• Gas Meters (Gaszähler) Smart gas meters and the Atmos gas meter series meeting regulatory requirements, combining high measurement accuracy with longevity and cost-effectiveness. For energy providers and gas distribution companies.
• Heat Meters (Wärmezähler) Heat meters and cooling meters characterized by high quality and precision, conforming to current requirements and regulations. For district heating and cooling applications.
• IUWS B.One Ultrasonic Water Meter Ultrasonic household water meter with dual-radio (Parallelfunk) function transmitting data simultaneously over LoRaWAN and Wireless M-Bus, enabling flexible rollout scenarios and walk-by/drive-by reading in areas with incomplete network coverage. Includes automatic leak detection.
• Radio Water Meters (Funkwasserzähler) Wireless-enabled water meters for automated remote reading of consumption data via radio networks.
• IoT Sensors (Sensorik) Complete portfolio of measurement technology and sensorics for submetering and smart city applications, combining smart measurement technology with IoT sensors over LoRaWAN networks.
• Submetering Solutions Measurement technology and sensorics for all submetering tasks, compliant with latest technical standards and legal requirements for energy suppliers, measurement services, and self-billers.
• LoRaWAN Gateways IoT gateways for LoRaWAN network infrastructure, enabling reliable and energy-efficient data transmission over long distances for utilities and smart city deployments.
• B.One Gateway Outdoor 16 Outdoor IoT gateway optimized for LoRaWAN applications, compatible with all common LoRaWAN network servers, enabling reliable, energy-efficient data transmission over long distances.
• LoRaWAN Network Operation Operation and management of LoRaWAN networks for IoT data transmission. ZENNER operates one of the world's largest LoRaWAN networks with over 11 million integrated sensors across 15 countries.
• Wireless M-Bus Flexible wireless solution for meter data acquisition using the open Wireless M-Bus standard, supporting walk-by and drive-by meter reading scenarios.
• M-Bus Modern wired readout solution for meter data collection using the M-Bus (Meter Bus) standard.
• B.One Element Suite Comprehensive IoT platform aggregating and processing measurement data from water infrastructure and smart city sensors, enabling real-time visualization. Integrates with LoRaWAN infrastructure.
• B.One Element IoT IoT platform providing network operation capabilities and integration point for third-party sensors and devices. Used with FAST GmbH acoustic loggers for modular pipe network monitoring and leak detection.
• B.One Metering as a Service (MaaS) Complete solution package for remote reading of water meters without additional infrastructure investment. Includes remote reading, pipe network monitoring, water level monitoring, and pump station monitoring delivered via dedicated app.
• B.One BuildingLink Smart control of radiator thermostats via LoRaWAN for intelligent building management and energy consumption monitoring.
• B.One Element Scada Pro Hardware-software solution for analysis and visualization of network parameters including voltage, power, harmonics, and temperature. Enables distribution network operators to monitor network activity in real-time and detect critical situations early.
• Concept & Strategy Consulting IoT project consulting services leveraging experience from over 450 successful IoT projects, helping municipal utilities and energy providers plan and execute smart city and smart metering rollouts.

Quantifiable outcome

• 11+ million LoRaWAN sensors integrated in the ZENNER network globally
• +3 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability6 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• FAST GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Partnership announced April 2025 for digital water network monitoring. ZENNER integrates FAST GmbH's mobile acoustic loggers into the B.One Element IoT platform, creating a modular leak detection and pipe network monitoring system. This complements ZENNER's existing LoRaWAN network infrastructure with adaptive acoustic sensing capabilities for early leak detection.
• LoRa AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016ZENNER has been an active member of the LoRa Alliance since 2016. The company presents regularly at the LoRa Alliance booth at trade shows (e.g., Smart City Expo World Congress, Enlit Europe). ZENNER operates one of the world's largest LoRaWAN networks and contributes to the development and adoption of the LoRaWAN standard globally.
• Waassertechnik.luminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWaassertechnik.lu (a division of Bultgen S.àr.l.) in Luxembourg collaborated with ZENNER on a leak detection case study in the municipality of Mersch, Luxembourg. Waassertechnik.lu serves as a regional implementation partner contributing field expertise in acoustic leak detection using LoRaWAN.
• ZENNER Connect GmbHcoreTechnology or IntegrationNetwork provider responsible for operating the LoRaWAN radio network used by ZENNER's IoT solutions. Per the AGB, ZENNER Connect GmbH handles all radio network operations, while ZENNER supplies and optionally installs IoT gateways for remote meter reading services.
• Minol Messtechnik W. Lehmann GmbH & Co. KGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMinol is part of the Minol-ZENNER Group. Together they form one of the world's leading groups in measuring technology and IoT solutions. Minol operates the internal whistleblower hotline for ZENNER. Minol's expertise in smoke detectors, solar technology, and residential property management complements ZENNER's utility-focused solutions.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Itron: Global leader in smart metering and utility solutions across electricity, gas, and water, with extensive AMI platform capabilities. A larger, publicly listed incumbent whose portfolio overlaps ZENNER's but at much greater scale and geographic reach.
• Sensus (Xylem): Smart metering specialist (now part of Xylem) focused on water, gas, and electricity utilities with AMI and analytics platforms. Particularly comparable in the smart-water metering segment that is core to ZENNER's offering.
• Landis+Gyr: Major global provider of smart metering and grid management solutions, primarily focused on electricity with adjacent gas/water offerings. Comparable as a broad metering incumbent serving utilities, though with stronger electricity emphasis.

Emerging players

• Senet: North American LoRaWAN network operator providing connectivity-as-a-service for IoT applications including smart utilities. Comparable as a LoRaWAN network operator serving utility customers, though focused on the US market.
• Everynet: Global LoRaWAN network operator offering neutral-host IoT connectivity across multiple countries. Comparable as a competing large-scale LoRaWAN infrastructure provider with a multi-country neutral-host model versus ZENNER's vertically integrated approach.

Regional players

• Arqiva: UK-based communications infrastructure provider that operates one of the largest LoRaWAN networks globally. Comparable as a LoRaWAN network operator in the utility/smart-city space, though primarily serving the UK market.

Direct peers

• Badger Meter: US-based specialist in flow measurement and smart water metering with strong North American utility presence. Comparable in product focus on water metering and AMR/AMI solutions, though primarily regional to North America.
• Kamstrup: Danish manufacturer of smart metering solutions for water, heat, electricity, and gas with integrated AMI and data-management platforms. Closely comparable in product breadth, European footprint, and utility-focused B2B model.
• Diehl Metering: German smart metering specialist offering water, heat, and gas metering solutions with IoT connectivity. Direct competitor with comparable vertical integration across hardware and software, headquartered in Germany and serving European utilities.

Others

• Minol Messtechnik: Sister company within the Minol-ZENNER Group specializing in submetering, heat-cost allocation, and property-management solutions. Not a competitor but a related-group peer sharing corporate parent and complementary product portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/zenner_news
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCzQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/zennernews
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/zennerinternational
• Instagraminstagram.com/zenner

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries3 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 ZENNER International