DRS Investment SE has acquired a majority stake in Aurena GmbH, a leading Austrian auction service provider, aiming to expand its geographical presence and enhance technological capabilities in the auction industry.

Target Information

DRS Investment SE has acquired a majority stake in Aurena GmbH, a prominent Austrian auction service provider specializing in the liquidation of large volumes of goods. Founded by Karl Kühberger, who will continue as a significant minority shareholder and leader of the company, this acquisition enhances DRS's investment strategy focused on technology-enabled service platforms. With this transaction, DRS adds an established market leader in digital auction solutions to its portfolio.

Aurena operates a dedicated auction platform offering a wide range of used goods across various sectors, including office equipment, construction machinery, vehicles, collectibles, and antiques. The majority of items are sourced from insolvencies, business closures, and clearance sales, providing businesses and private bidders access to unique items at competitive prices. With over 350,000 registered bidders and a skilled team of more than 180 employees, Aurena serves as a central platform for asset liquidation in the German-speaking region.

Industry Overview

The auction services industry in Austria is witnessing significant growth, particularly in the digital domain. As consumers and businesses increasingly turn to online platforms for purchasing and liquidat