The Steinbock Group has merged with the Hamburger urban apes Group, creating the largest bouldering gym operator in the DACH region and enhancing market presence and operational efficiency.

Information on the Target

The Steinbock Group has officially joined the Hamburger urban apes Group, creating the largest operator of bouldering gyms in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland). This merger is set to unlock significant advantages for all stakeholders involved. By combining forces, both entities will enhance investment opportunities at existing and new locations, secure better purchasing conditions, and optimize operations through unified management. Furthermore, this collaboration aims to enrich the bouldering experience and leverage network effects to foster deeper connections and engagement within the rapidly growing community.

The founders and managing directors of Steinbock will assume key roles within the newly formed corporate group. Dr. Heinz Gores will take on the role of Regional Director South, overseeing the Steinbock locations, while Johannes Müller will step into the newly created position of CFO, responsible for overseeing the finances of the entire group. Claudio Nardi will serve as the Sport Director, responsible for the overall sports offerings at the locations, including route building, training programs, and the development of new concepts. The newly consolidated group will be led by Lars Großkurth as CEO.

Industry Overview in Germany

The bouldering industry in Germany has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, driven by increasing interest in climbing sports. The country boasts a diverse landscape of indoor climbing facilities, providing