The offshore oil and gas industry in the DACH region is a critical component of Europe's energy framework. It includes companies engaged in exploration, drilling, extraction, and processing of oil and natural gas found beneath the sea. Major corporate players handle projects ranging from supply chain management to API level standard compliance, all while adapting to the shift toward renewable energy sources. Companies are now not only focused on profits but also on sustainability practices and reducing environmental impacts. Innovations in technology and partnerships are paving the way for efficiency improvements and lower costs, securing the future of this vital industry.

This list highlights prominent investors in the offshore oil and gas sector in the DACH region. The investors fall into two categories: corporate and private equity. Several of these firms are headquartered in Switzerland and Germany, showcasing the region's strategic relevance. Their sizes range from thousands to tens of thousands of employees, reflecting robust infrastructures. Notably, in 2024, Deutsche Bank and Mercuria recorded 32 and 7 investments, respectively, signifying an active investment climate despite global challenges. Each investor, distinguished by their year of founding, brings unique capital insights that shape opportunities within this competitive market.

Top 10 Offshore Oil and Gas Investors in DACH

1. Deutsche Bank

• Website: db.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
• Founded year: 1870
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 32
• LinkedIn: deutsche-bank

Deutsche Bank AG is a prominent investment bank and financial services provider based in Frankfurt, Germany, founded in 1870. The bank offers a wide range of solutions including investment banking, corporate banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services. It serves corporate and institutional clients, helping them manage their financial assets and liquidity effectively through its digital platform, Autobahn. In recent transactions, Deutsche Bank has been involved in significant financing activities within the oil and gas sector, including a debt financing deal with Pemex, a major state-owned oil company in Mexico, which underscores its engagement in the offshore oil and gas industry. Additionally, Deutsche Bank participated in financing for Varo Energy, which, while focusing on sustainable energies, is also involved in the broader energy sector, including oil and gas. These transactions highlight Deutsche Bank's active role in providing financial support to companies within the offshore oil and gas space.

2. Mercuria

• Website: mercuria.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2004
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn: mercuria-energy-trading-sa

Mercuria Energy Group Ltd. is an energy trading company based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2004. The company operates globally in the commodity markets, focusing on crude oil, natural gas, and renewable energy. Mercuria provides trading services and investment in sustainable projects, catering to various industries reliant on energy procurement and management. Notably, Mercuria has been involved in several significant transactions in the oil and gas sector, including a $650 million debt raise for Oando and an $825 million debt raise for MACH Resources. They also participated in a $700 million debt financing for Northwind Midstream Partners. Furthermore, Mercuria's acquisition of Noble Americas Gas & Power Corp. highlights their strategic involvement in the energy market, reinforcing their position as a key player in the offshore oil and gas industry.

3. Glencore

• Website: glencore.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1978
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: glencore

Glencore plc is a multinational commodity trading and mining company based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, founded in 1978. The company operates across various sectors, including metals, minerals, and energy, supplying essential commodities such as copper, cobalt, and oil to businesses worldwide. Glencore is committed to responsible sourcing and sustainability in its operations. Notably, Glencore has made significant investments in the offshore oil and gas sector, including the acquisition of 75% of Astron Energy and 100% of Astron Botswana, both previously owned by Chevron South Africa, which enhances their footprint in the oil market. Additionally, Glencore participated in Tullow Oil's recent debt financing, a company known for its offshore oil exploration and production activities. These transactions highlight Glencore's strategic interest in the offshore oil and gas industry, complementing its broader commodity trading operations.

4. Partners Group

• Website: partnersgroup.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 19
• LinkedIn: partners-group

Partners Group Holding AG is a prominent investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative investment strategies and commitment to sustainability. Among their notable transactions in the offshore oil and gas sector, Partners Group acquired the ROSEN Group, a European engineering firm that specializes in testing oil and gas assets, in November 2023. This acquisition highlights their focus on enhancing operational capabilities within the oil and gas industry. Additionally, in April 2019, they acquired CapeOmega, a Norwegian midstream infrastructure company, for nearly €1.2 billion, aimed at improving natural gas transportation from the Norwegian Continental Shelf. These strategic investments underscore Partners Group's active participation in the offshore oil and gas market, alongside their broader investment portfolio.

5. Omv

• Website: omv.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
• Founded year: 1956
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: omv

OMV is an integrated oil, gas, and petrochemical company based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 1956. With over 10,000 employees, OMV operates in both upstream and downstream sectors, providing oil, gas, and petrochemical products. The company has made significant investments in the offshore oil and gas sector, including the acquisition of a 24.99% stake in the Yuzhno Russkoye field from Uniper for USD 1,850 million, which involves offshore operations in Russia. Additionally, OMV's acquisition of a 51% stake in SNP Petrom SA, Romania's largest oil and gas company, positions them as a leading oil and gas group in Central Europe, with substantial reserves and production capabilities. OMV is also committed to sustainability and innovation, focusing on reducing carbon emissions and promoting circular economy practices, which reflects their forward-thinking approach in the energy sector.

6. Sgs

• Website: sgs.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1878
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: sgs

SGS S.A. is a leading testing, inspection, and certification company based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 1878. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, SGS provides independent services to ensure product quality and compliance across various industries. The company has a global presence and offers a range of services including testing, inspection, certification, and training, helping clients meet regulatory standards and enhance operational efficiency. Notably, SGS has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in the oil and gas sector, including the acquisition of InTech, which specializes in upstream services, enhancing its presence in the oil and gas industry. Additionally, SGS acquired Sulphur Experts Inc., which focuses on process engineering consulting for sulfur recovery, indicating its involvement in related sectors. These transactions reflect SGS's commitment to expanding its service offerings in industries that intersect with oil and gas operations.

7. Wintershall Dea

• Website: wintershalldea.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Kassel, Hesse, Germany
• Founded year: 1894
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn: wintershalldea

Wintershall Dea GmbH, based in Kassel, Hesse, Germany, is a prominent energy company founded in 1894, specializing in the exploration and production of oil and gas. The company serves a diverse clientele in the energy sector, including governments and energy companies, by providing essential resources for energy production. Wintershall Dea has been involved in significant transactions that highlight its commitment to the oil and gas industry. Notably, in December 2017, Wintershall Dea AG acquired Wintershall Group, enhancing its operational capabilities. More recently, in November 2023, the company acquired a 10% stake in the Poseidon CCS project in the UK, marking its second involvement in carbon capture and storage initiatives. This acquisition not only expands Wintershall Dea's presence in the UK but also aligns with its efforts to innovate within the energy sector. Additionally, the company has engaged in various funding rounds, showcasing its interest in advancing technologies related to energy production and sustainability.

8. Gunvor Group

• Website: gunvorgroup.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: gunvor-group-ltd

Gunvor Group Ltd is an energy commodities trading company based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2000. The company specializes in the trade, transport, storage, and optimization of petroleum and other energy products, serving businesses in the energy sector with essential resources and logistics solutions. Gunvor has made significant strides in the oil industry, notably through its acquisitions of key refining assets. In 2016, they acquired the Kuwait Petroleum Europoort refinery in Rotterdam, enhancing their refining operations and integrating this facility into their European network. More recently, in 2023, Gunvor acquired the Ingolstadt refinery in Germany from Petroplus for USD $100 million, further solidifying their presence in the oil market. Additionally, Gunvor is involved in renewable energy investments through its subsidiary Nyera, but their primary focus remains on oil and gas, making them a relevant investor in this sector.

9. Georg Fischer

• Website: georgfischer.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Schaffhausen, Schaffhausen, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1802
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn: georg-fischer

Georg Fischer Ltd, founded in 1802 and based in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, is a prominent manufacturing company specializing in innovative solutions across various sectors, including piping systems, building flow solutions, casting, and machining. The company serves a diverse clientele, including municipalities and industries such as automotive and aerospace, with a strong focus on efficiency and sustainability. Notably, Georg Fischer's division, GF Piping Systems, has been involved in significant transactions that intersect with the oil and gas industry. For instance, in June 2020, GF Piping Systems participated in a funding round for Oxford Flow, which raised £8.45 million to accelerate oil and gas new product development. This investment highlights Georg Fischer's commitment to supporting advancements in the oil and gas sector, particularly in enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, the acquisition of Global Supply Company in June 2019 further demonstrates Georg Fischer's strategic expansion and interest in sectors that may include oil and gas applications.

10. Dräger

• Website: draeger.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Schmedeswurth, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
• Founded year: 1889
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn: draeger

Dräger is a corporate investor based in Schmedeswurth, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, specializing in medical equipment and safety technologies. Founded in 1889, the company has a workforce of over 10,000 employees and is known for its innovative products in healthcare, emergency services, and diving industries. In recent years, Dräger has made significant investments in the oil and gas sector, including a notable investment in Kuva Systems, which raised $11.3 million to develop technology for monitoring methane emissions at oil and gas facilities. This investment highlights Dräger's interest in environmental monitoring technologies relevant to the industry. Furthermore, Dräger acquired GasSecure, a startup focused on gas detection technology, for NOK 500 million, enhancing its portfolio in the oil and gas domain. These transactions illustrate Dräger's strategic positioning within the offshore oil and gas industry, despite its primary focus on medical equipment.

Offshore Oil and Gas Insights: Key Investors in DACH

Want to find more investors focusing on the offshore oil and gas industry?

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

• Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
• Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
• Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
• ...and much more!