The oil and gas industry in DACH is a vital sector, characterized by its extraction, refining, and distribution of fossil fuels. Companies involved include drilling firms, refineries, and energy traders, operating extensively across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The region is renowned for high-tech innovations and sustainable practices amid the global transition to greener energy solutions. With increased investment focus on renewable technologies alongside traditional fossil fuel projects, anticipation mounts for further transformation—ultimately balancing energy needs and environmental responsibilities. This evolving landscape reveals much about the industry's resilience and commitment to energy sustainability.


The list features 14 notable investors focused on the oil and gas sector in DACH, comprising corporate, private equity, and venture capital firms. Spanning locations like Essen, Baar, and Frankfurt, these companies vary in size, from small 11-person teams to large corporations with over 10,000 employees. Established between 1865 and 2012, their 2024 investment activities showcase varying levels of engagement in the oil and gas landscape, with strategies ranging from direct acquisition to infrastructure support and technological advancement.


Top 14 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, Hesse, 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 2024, Deutsche Bank has been involved in 32 investments, showcasing its active role in the financial market. Among its notable transactions in the oil and gas sector, Deutsche Bank participated in debt financing for Pemex, a key player in the oil industry, on August 22, 2024. Additionally, the bank was part of a $3.33 billion financing for Varo Energy, which is planning to invest significantly in energy, including oil and gas, over the next few years. Furthermore, Deutsche Bank provided $600 million in debt financing to BB Energy, further emphasizing its engagement in the oil and gas market.


2. Mercuria


Mercuria Energy Group Ltd. is a global energy trading company based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2004. The firm operates extensively in the commodity markets, with a strong focus on crude oil and natural gas, alongside renewable energy initiatives. Mercuria provides trading services and investment solutions, catering to businesses transitioning to net zero. Notably, they have been involved in significant transactions within the oil and gas sector, including a $650 million debt raise for Oando in August 2024 and an $825 million debt raise for MACH Resources in December 2023. They also participated in a $700 million debt financing for Northwind Midstream Partners in March 2025. Furthermore, Mercuria's acquisition of Noble Americas Gas & Power Corp. highlights their strategic interest in expanding their footprint in the gas sector. Their diverse portfolio and active engagement in oil and gas transactions underscore their relevance in this 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. With over 10,000 employees, Glencore operates across various sectors, including metals, minerals, and energy. The company supplies essential commodities such as copper, cobalt, and oil to businesses and organizations, supporting their production and manufacturing needs. Notably, Glencore has been active in the oil and gas sector, having finalized the acquisition of 75% of Astron Energy in South Africa and 100% of Astron Botswana, both previously owned by Chevron South Africa, in April 2019. This acquisition aimed to enhance growth and increase black economic empowerment in the businesses. Additionally, Glencore participated in Tullow Oil's debt financing, raising $400 million in November 2023, and has a history of significant transactions, including a $11 billion investment in Rosneft in December 2016. Glencore is committed to responsible sourcing and sustainability in its operations, making it a key player in the oil and gas industry.


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 approach and commitment to sustainability. Among their notable transactions in the oil and gas sector, Partners Group acquired CapeOmega, a Norwegian midstream infrastructure company, for nearly €1.2 billion, enhancing its capabilities in natural gas transportation. Additionally, they acquired ROSEN Group, an engineering firm specializing in testing oil and gas assets, further demonstrating their active role in the industry. Other relevant transactions include the acquisition of ESENTIA Energy Systems, which also aligns with their investment strategy in energy-related sectors.


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 a wide range of oil, gas, and petrochemical products. The company has made significant investments in the oil and gas industry, including the acquisition of a 51% stake in SNP Petrom SA, Romania's largest oil and gas company, for EUR 669 million, which solidified its position as a leading oil and gas group in Central Europe. In 2017, OMV acquired 24.99% of the economic rights in the Yuzhno Russkoye field from Uniper for USD 1,850 million, further expanding its portfolio in the oil and gas sector. Additionally, OMV has been active in enhancing its market presence through acquisitions, such as the recent purchase of a network of 27 filling stations in Slovakia. While OMV is also investing in geothermal technology through Eavor Technologies, its core business remains firmly rooted in oil and gas, underscoring its relevance as an oil and gas investor.


6. Brenntag

  • Website: brenntag.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1874
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: brenntag

Brenntag SE is a leading global chemical distributor based in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1874. The company connects chemical manufacturers and users, providing a diverse range of specialty and industrial chemicals along with value-added services. Brenntag serves approximately 195,000 customers across various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and notably, oil and gas. In recent years, Brenntag has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in the oil and gas sector. For instance, their acquisition of Petrolube, an Italian specialty distributor of fuel and oil additives, highlights their focus on expanding distribution capabilities in this area. Additionally, their joint venture with Raj Petro Specialities Pvt. Ltd. aims to strengthen their foothold in the Indian market for chemicals and lubricants, which is significant for the oil and gas industry. Furthermore, their acquisition of Reeder Distributors' lubricants division and the Aik Moh Group also reflect their strategy to enhance their industrial chemicals and lubricant distribution services in key markets.


7. Basf

  • Website: basf.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
  • Founded year: 1865
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: basf

BASF SE is a multinational chemical manufacturer based in Ludwigshafen, Germany, founded in 1865. The company provides a wide range of products and solutions across various industries, including agriculture, automotive, and construction, with a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability. Notably, BASF has made significant investments in the oil and gas sector, including the acquisition of Wintershall Group in December 2008, which marked a major expansion into oil and gas exploration and production. Additionally, in June 2011, BASF acquired RWE's 50% stake in Zandvliet Power NV, enhancing its energy independence and efficiency, which is relevant to its operations in the energy sector. These transactions highlight BASF's strategic interest in the oil and gas industry, alongside its core chemical manufacturing business.


8. 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 made significant strides in the oil and gas sector through strategic acquisitions. Notably, in 2011, SGS acquired InTech, a company specializing in upstream services, for approximately $100 million, enhancing its presence in the oil and gas industry. In 2021, SGS acquired a majority stake in Sulphur Experts Inc., a Canadian firm focused on process engineering consulting and testing for sulfur recovery, further expanding its capabilities in this sector. These transactions highlight SGS's commitment to supporting the oil and gas industry through specialized services, making it a relevant player in this field.


9. Momenta

  • Website: momenta.one
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Engelberg, Obwalden, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: momentapartners

Momenta is a venture capital firm based in Engelberg, Obwalden, Switzerland, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in industrial impact and digital transformation, providing strategic investments and advisory services to Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups across various sectors, including energy, manufacturing, smart spaces, and supply chain. In 2023, Momenta led a $9M Series A1 funding round for APERIO, a company that focuses on enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency in the energy sector. This funding round included participation from major players in the oil and gas industry, such as Chevron Technology Ventures and Delek US, highlighting Momenta's engagement with the energy sector. Additionally, Momenta has made several acquisitions, including 151 Ventures and ThingMUSE, which further strengthen their advisory capabilities in the Connected Industry sector, potentially benefiting energy-related initiatives.


10. Wintershall Dea


Wintershall Dea GmbH is an energy company based in Kassel, Hesse, Germany, specializing in the exploration and production of oil and gas. Founded in 1894, the company has a long history in the energy sector and serves a diverse range of customers, including governments and energy companies. Wintershall Dea is actively involved in carbon capture and storage initiatives, reflecting its commitment to sustainable energy practices. Notable transactions include the acquisition of the Wintershall Group in December 2017, which strengthened its position in the oil and gas market. More recently, in November 2023, Wintershall Dea acquired a 10% stake in the Poseidon CCS project, further expanding its involvement in carbon storage efforts in the UK. These transactions underscore Wintershall Dea's ongoing commitment to the oil and gas industry while also exploring innovative energy solutions.


11. VARO Energy

  • Website: varoenergy.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: varo-energy

VARO Energy is a corporate investor based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, founded in 2012. The company specializes in the manufacturing, storage, and distribution of both conventional and sustainable energy solutions. VARO Energy has made significant strides in the oil and gas sector through various acquisitions, including Bayernoil Raffineriegesellschaft mbH, which established them as a key midstream player in north-west Europe, and NWB Nord- und Westdeutsche Bunker GmbH, enhancing their position in the fuels value chain. In 2019, they acquired Calpam BV to bolster their focus on sustainable oil, aligning with their growth strategy. More recently, in 2023, VARO Energy acquired an 80% stake in Bio Energy Coevorden, a biogas manufacturer, indicating their interest in diversifying their energy portfolio while still maintaining a strong foothold in the oil and gas industry. Their involvement in seed funding for the Net Zero Company also reflects their commitment to innovative energy solutions, but their core operations remain deeply rooted in oil and gas.


12. 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. Notably, Gunvor has made significant acquisitions in the oil and gas industry, including the acquisition of the Kuwait Petroleum Europoort refinery in Rotterdam in 2016, which enhanced their refining operations and integrated the facility into their European network. Additionally, in 2023, Gunvor acquired the Ingolstadt refinery and its marketing activities in Germany from Petroplus for USD $100 million, further expanding their footprint in the oil and gas sector. While Gunvor also invests in renewable energy through its subsidiary Nyera, their primary operations and recent transactions demonstrate a strong commitment to the oil and gas industry.


13. Redstone


Redstone is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in investing in technology startups across various sectors, including FinTech, Industrial, Sustainability, and Quantum. Redstone provides investment management services and conducts research on the venture capital landscape, particularly focusing on the participation of pension funds in the startup ecosystem. Notably, Redstone was involved in a significant transaction with Kraftblock, a Germany-based energy storage startup that raised €20M in a Series B funding round led by Shell Ventures. This funding aims to expand production capacity and tackle energy-intensive industries across Europe and East Asia, highlighting Redstone's engagement in the energy sector. Additionally, Redstone's clients include innovative startups seeking funding and institutional investors looking for high-growth investment opportunities.


14. Edmond de Rothschild


Edmond de Rothschild Group is a financial institution founded in 1953, specializing in private banking and asset management. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the group offers a range of investment solutions and emphasizes responsible investment practices aimed at creating positive societal impact. In recent years, they have engaged in several transactions relevant to the energy sector, including significant debt financing for Française de l'Energie, which raised over $46 million in 2021 and nearly $20 million in 2022. Additionally, they participated in a funding round for North Star Holdco Limited, which is involved in energy-related services. Their investment in Turbocoating, a company specializing in protective coatings for gas turbine airfoils, further highlights their connection to the energy sector, particularly in applications relevant to gas turbines. These transactions suggest that while their primary focus may not be solely on oil and gas, they are actively involved in the energy landscape.



Oil and Gas Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Deutsche BankFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany10001+187032
MercuriaGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland1001-500020047
GlencoreBaar, Zug, Switzerland10001+19783
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
OmvVienna, Vienna, Austria10001+19563
BrenntagEssen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+18748
BasfLudwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany10001+18651
SgsGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+18785
MomentaEngelberg, Obwalden, Switzerland11-5020127
Wintershall DeaKassel, Hesse, Germany1001-500018940
VARO EnergyBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-500020121
Gunvor GroupGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland1001-500020001
RedstoneBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201414
Edmond de RothschildGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland1001-500019533


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