Pliezhausen, 22 May 2025 – DATAGROUP will continue to support 1. FSV Mainz 05 as a premium partner in the coming season. The IT service provider, which has been involved with Mainz 05 for many years, will continue to be visible in the future with various other sponsorship activities, including matchday sponsorship in the MEWA ARENA.

‘The partnership with DATAGROUP has been a tradition for many years and has developed from a sponsor of young talent in our youth academy to involvement in our social projects to a premium partnership. It’s great that DATAGROUP, as one of Germany’s leading companies in their field, will remain loyal and trustworthy to us for another year,’ says David Schössler, Director B2B at Mainz 05.

‘The long-standing cooperation with DATAGROUP shows how successful sustainable partnerships in football can be when values, goals and people fit together,’ explains Rainer Saggau, Senior Manager Sales and Interim Team Leader at Infront Germany GmbH. ‘We are delighted to continue on this joint path with such a renowned IT partner.’

This is also highlighted by DATAGROUP CEO Andreas Baresel and Sebastian Schmalenbach, Managing Director of DATAGROUP Rhein-Main GmbH. ‘We are one of the leading IT service providers in Germany and offer a comprehensive, high-performance service portfolio with our CORBOX,’ says Andreas Baresel. ‘With over 3,700 employees, we have a nationwide presence – and are therefore always close to our customers. This is precisely why we remain committed to being a premium partner of Mainz 05.’

Sebastian Schmalenbach adds: ‘We fully identify with the 05ER philosophy – the Mainz way. This includes not only being down-to-earth, but above all the consistent promotion of talent. This is also a central priority for us: We make targeted investments in the skilled workers of tomorrow. The close partnership with Mainz 05 therefore not only makes strategic sense for us, but is also a matter close to our hearts.’

Pliezhausen, 10. December 2024 – The first major stage of the DATAGROUP FOREST reforestation project has been successfully completed. Employees, customers and partners of the company participated with great commitment to enable trees for the forest of the future. With the subsequent planting campaigns, employees jointly laid the foundation for the climate-resistant mixed forest on a damaged area in the Black Forest.

The initiative for the DATAGROUP FOREST was launched in fall 2023 on the occasion of the company’s 40th anniversary and aims to create a new, climate-resistant forest for future generations through joint commitment. In cooperation with ForstBW, DATAGROUP’s IT customer, a heavily damaged area in the Black Forest was to be revitalized. With a special idea: Throughout the anniversary year, DATAGROUP employees as well as customers and partners were able to collect points for the project via the website forest.datagroup.de through social, sporting, ecological and cultural activities as well as commitment to education. These unique efforts were then translated into trees. The original target of 40,000 points = 4,000 trees was already exceeded in June, and a total of 5,675 trees were collected, demonstrating the unique and diverse commitment of all those involved.

“The efforts of all the people involved have exceeded all expectations. The DATAGROUP FOREST is a wonderful example of what is possible when many people work towards a common goal. With the Forest of the Future, we have created a project that will have an impact beyond the anniversary year,” emphasizes DATAGROUP board member Dr. Sabine Laukemann. ForstBW also sees the project as a significant contribution to the protection of forests: “We are not just planting trees today, we are laying the foundation for a stable, resilient forest of the future,” says Max Reger, Chairman of the Board of ForstBW.

Collective planting activities in the Black Forest

The location chosen for the DATAGROUP FOREST was the Hirschkopf district in the Central Black Forest. This area had previously suffered considerable damage due to storms, game, snow breakage and fungal infestation. The area was prepared and planted with several work assignments. On October 17, 2024, the DATAGROUP trainees worked hard to prepare the area for planting as part of the Trainee Days. They removed stones and branches and set up protective structures for the seedlings. The “Talent Community”, consisting of managers, then planted the first trees on October 30, 2024. This work was continued on November 8 by dedicated employees from the surrounding DATAGROUP locations and on November 13, the company’s top management finally planted the last seedlings of the first phase in the ground. This year, an initial 4,000 trees were planted.

Sustainable investment for a stable forest

The planting activities are the start of a long-term commitment. If necessary, replanting will take place in fall 2025: The remaining 1,675 trees of the planting contingent will be used to replace failed seedlings. In the coming years, DATAGROUP and ForstBW will jointly carry out maintenance measures to support the forest in its development into a stable and resilient ecosystem. ForstBW guarantees professional care and DATAGROUP offers financial and personnel support. With DATAGROUP FOREST, DATAGROUP is sending a clear signal for environmental responsibility and sustainability – a contribution to the environment that will endure in the state forest of Baden-Württemberg in the long term.

For interview requests, further information on the topic or a visit to the DATAGROUP FOREST, please contact us.

Pliezhausen, 7 June 2024. Market research institute Lünendonk & Hossenfelder has published the current Lünendonk List. DATAGROUP is among the Top 10 leading IT service companies in Germany this year as well.

DATAGROUP takes seventh place in the Lünendonk List “Leading IT Service Companies in Germany”. The list has been published together with the first results of the 2024 Lünendonk Study on “The Market for IT Services in Germany”.

“We are proud to be in the Lünendonk List’s Top 10 for the fifth consecutive time and to remain one of the leading IT service providers in Germany. Our strength lies in our wide range of IT services, comprehensive expertise of our employees and the satisfaction of our customers, all of which has brought us this far”, says Andreas Baresel, Chief Executive Officer of DATAGROUP.

The study always analyzes the development, trends and focus themes of the market. This analysis shows that investments have grown significantly, especially in data & analytics as well as cyber security. Cloud transformation has been another focus of investments.

“The future topics of cyber security, cloud and artificial intelligence are key components of our strategic path. We strategically invest in these areas to maintain our capacity for growth and to continue to provide our customers with innovative services and solutions”, explains Andreas Baresel.

About the Lünendonk Lists and the Lünendonk Study

The new 2024 Lünendonk Lists “Leading IT Consulting and System Integration Companies in Germany” and “Leading IT Service Companies in Germany” are now available for download (free of charge) under www.luenendonk.de.

More than 100 IT service providers and almost 150 CIOs of Mittelstand companies as well as large companies and company groups were surveyed for the Lündendonk Study “The Market for IT Services in Germany”. The findings deliver important figures and comprehensive information for the planning of IT service providers and their customers. The study is expected to be available for free from the end of July 2024 under www.luenendonk.de.

Pliezhausen, 14. February 2024. DATAGROUP gives used corporate IT such as laptops, PCs, and smartphones a second life in cooperation with non-profit IT refurbisher AfB social & green IT. Last year, almost 8,500 devices were refurbished by DATAGROUP, which has extended their service life. It is planned to widen the scope of cooperation over the next few years.

AfB deletes old data, refurbishes, and resells hardware that has been sorted out but is still fully operational. This ensures that the service life of the hardware is extended, resources are preserved, and energy, CO₂ and water are saved. Thanks to a life cycle assessment study by myclimate (2021), AfB can measure exactly what has been saved: Of the 8,451 IT devices handed over to AfB in the last year, more than 76% were remarketed. PCs even had a reutilization rate of as much as 100 %. In concrete terms, DATAGROUP has saved 4,147,229 kWh of energy, 7,665,035 liters of water and 1,056,869 kg of CO₂ equivalent. The latter corresponds to roughly 503 flights from New York to Berlin and back. Defect hardware is either repaired or disassembled, which produces spare parts or allows for raw material recycling. Additionally, this has secured the jobs of five people with disability. Because IT refurbishing is carried out by some 60 AfB employees, half of which are severely disabled.

“Our cooperative and reliable partnership with DATAGROUP illustrates how successful circular economy is implemented in the IT industry. What is more, it also contributes to inclusion in the mainstream labor market. We have collected IT and mobile devices that are no longer needed from DATAGROUP’s sites since 2020. All data is then deleted with certified software, the equipment is tested, and the current operating system installed. The refurbished hardware finds its way to private individuals, associations, small and mid-sized companies, and retailers or is specifically donated to schools”, explains Daniel Büchle, Managing Director of AfB.

“We at DATAGROUP do not only view sustainability as a responsibility but also as an integral part of our company values. The partnership with AfB social & green IT is an important step on our path towards a green and socially responsible IT industry”, adds Andreas Baresel, Chief Executive Officer of DATAGROUP. “We plan to widen the scope of our cooperation with AfB going forward.”

Pliezhausen, 30. January 2024. In its journey towards greater sustainability and climate neutrality by 2024, DATAGROUP has reached a significant milestone at its locations in Pliezhausen and Leinfelden. The company has become the first in Germany to attain the coveted Gold status in Zero-Waste certification (DIN SPEC 91436). This recognition highlights the commitment of the subsidiary DATAGROUP Stuttgart to responsible resource management and sends a clear signal for sustainable corporate governance.

The Zero-Waste certification (DIN SPEC 91436), audited and awarded by TÜV SÜD, aims to conserve resources through responsible production and consumption. The certification comes in three maturity levels, from Bronze to Gold. To achieve the coveted Gold certification, a company must demonstrate that at least 95% of its generated waste is returned to the recycling loop. The DATAGROUP subsidiary at the Pliezhausen and Leinfelden locations is the first company in Germany and one of the few in Europe to receive the Gold-level certification. The recycling rate at these locations even stands at an impressive 96%.

“Our stated goal is to become carbon neutral by 2024,” says Sascha Patka, Business Unit Manager at DATAGROUP. “On this journey, we have made excellent progress this year. However, sustainability is much more than just CO2 avoidance. We approach the issue comprehensively and are proud to have achieved Gold status in the Zero-Waste category.”

The IT service provider DATAGROUP has been committed to sustainability for years, with the subsidiaries in Leinfelden and Pliezhausen playing a pioneering role within the company. The company continues to expand its commitment in this area gradually.

“Certifications like Zero Waste are a crucial element of our sustainability strategy,” explains Martin Voelker, Managing Director at DATAGROUP. “Equally important to us is the corporate culture, where awareness of sustainability and commitment plays a central role.”

“As a company, we are aware of our responsibility. Therefore, we consistently and continuously expand our engagement in environmental and social areas. We are delighted to be pioneers in Germany at these two locations,” says Andreas Baresel, CEO of DATAGROUP. The company has regularly published a sustainability report since 2020.”

Pliezhausen, 25 January 2024. In 2024, DATAGROUP will again support the jazzopen in Stuttgart and thus continues its long-term commitment for this cultural highlight. The IT service provider has promoted this music event since 2017. It is one of the Top 3 jazz & beyond festivals in Europe. From 18 July until 29 July 2024, international stars and upcoming talents from the jazz, pop and rock scenes will make the audience dance, sing, and celebrate during their live acts in the Stuttgart city center. “This year, two significant anniversaries coincide: We are proud to again be a sponsor of the 30th edition of the jazzopen, the unique music festival in Stuttgart, close to our headquarters in Pliezhausen, in the year of our 40th company jubilee. Local commitment and promotion of culture are vital parts of our sustainable corporate strategy, which makes us one of the strongest IT service providers in Germany”, says Andreas Baresel, Chief Executive Officer of DATAGROUP. All employees of DATAGROUP are offered exclusive discounts on the tickets for all acts of the jazzopen, which is a special opportunity to enjoy the music.

International stars like Lenny Kravitz, Sam Smith, Jamie Cullum and Sting will shake the stage on Stuttgart’s Schlossplatz in this summer as well. On top, a legend of the German music scene will add to the line-up: Herbert Grönemeyer. The other stages in Stuttgart’s city center, for instance in the Old Castle or the BIX jazzclub, will feature curated performances from musicians. Additionally, the popular “Jazz for Kids” event and the “jazzopen playground BW”, a competition for upcoming artists, have again found their way into the festival’s program.

Sustainability and social responsibility are an integral part of the jazzopen: There is a free music program on the open stages to make the festival accessible for everyone. Since 2014, the jazzopen has been climate neutral by compensation through climate certificates. The festival ticket is valid for public transport on the event day in the Stuttgart transport network in this year as well. Music fans can drive directly into the center of Stuttgart by public transport in an eco-friendly manner.

About jazzopen

Founded in 1994, the jazzopen has become one of the leading jazz & beyond festivals in Europe in 30 years. Under the motto “Be Jazz, be Open”, the festival every year presents international acts with a line-up from jazz, blues, soul and pop on four main stages – Schlossplatz, the Old Castle, BIX Jazzclub and SpardaWelt Event Center – and turns the regional capital into a hotspot for music fans with some 50,000 visitors. It is not without reason that the jazzopen has been awarded the annual Live Entertainment Award (LEA) as “Festival of the Year 2017” and as “Concert of the Year 2018” for the concert of Kraftwerk with a live video stream to astronaut Dr. Alexander Gerst in the ISS space station. Mord under www.jazzopen.com

Pliezhausen, 17. January 2024. The IT service provider DATAGROUP has officially signed the ‘Diversity Charter.’ By signing, the company commits to creating a work environment that promotes and respects diversity and inclusion.

The Diversity Charter is an employer initiative that aims to foster diversity and inclusion in companies. It now has more than 4,900 supporters. By signing the Diversity Charter, companies and institutions commit to creating a work environment that is free from prejudice, where each employee is valued and respected regardless of individual characteristics.

DATAGROUP already has a work environment that attracts talents with diverse backgrounds and stands for openness and tolerance. The signing of the Diversity Charter is the company’s step to codify these lived values. The IT service provider already publishes an annual sustainability report on this matter.

“As DATAGROUP, we stand for diversity and openness. By signing the Diversity Charter, we want to reaffirm our commitment to these values,” explains Dr. Sabine Laukemann, Member of the Board responsible for Human Resources, Strategy and Organization. “As a company, we recognize the value of the diverse backgrounds, skills, and experiences of our employees – diversity is and remains a part of our success.”

Customers, business partners, investors and employees make decisive contributions to the present and future growth – in the anniversary year, this also includes the DATAGROUP FOREST

Pliezhausen, 1 October 2023. DATAGROUP today celebrates the company’s foundation 40 years ago. On this occasion, the nationally operating IT service provider has initiated a very special campaign for the anniversary year just started and for many years to come: Collaborating with Forst Baden-Württemberg (ForstBW), DATAGROUP will transform an area of disused woodland in the Black Forest into a “Forest of the Future” with the so-called “DATAGROUP FOREST”. For this campaign – as well as in its IT Services core business – DATAGROUP relies on the outstanding commitment of its employees and the support from customers, business partners, investors and other persons associated with the company: They can all collect points for their commitment and “good deeds” during the anniversary year. The more points they score, the more trees will be planted in the Forest of the Future in a first planting campaign. This will presumably take place in the fall of 2024 to mark the close of the anniversary year. Andreas Baresel, Chief Executive Officer of DATAGROUP: “We are just so grateful and proud of how DATAGROUP has evolved to become a “powerhouse” of the German IT service industry in the 40 years since its foundation. And this is why we wish to contribute something to society with the DATAGROUP FOREST in a joint campaign with customers, business partner, persons associated with the company and with the entire staff. The long-term “Forest of the Future” project fits our philosophy, as sustained and continued success has always and will continue to define us as a company.

Future as well as inspiration for an area in the Black Forest

The area which ForstBW plans to turn into a “Forest of the Future” with the support of DATAGROUP is situated close to Freudenstadt in the “Mittlerer Schwarzwald” forest district right in the “Hirschkopf” territory. The ground is currently covered by young, severely damaged spruce wood. In a first step, the planting area will be prepared by extracting trees that were damaged by snow, red deer and fungal decay so as to make room for the new “Forest of the Future”. At least 4,000 new trees will be planted afterwards – depending on the points collected in the anniversary campaign. Planting various tree species such as durmast oak, hornbeam, small-leaved lime, whitebeam, field maple, Norway maple, and Douglas fir, the area will be transformed into a climate-resistant mixed forest and thus into a stable ecosystem rich in deciduous trees. “With the support of DATAGROUP, this place can be turned into a climate-friendly Forest of the Future, which will also have an impact on the surrounding forests. In a figurative sense, the commitment for this special forest area also provides inspiration for the important topic of climate-proof forests, which will be created at many other places”, says Simon Stahl, Head of the “Mittlerer Schwarzwald” Forest District, ForstBW.

“We have learned from the DATAGROUP success story that stamina is needed to grow and have sustained success – this is why our commitment for the DATAGROUP FOREST in the anniversary year is just the beginning. We want to look after this area and it is our wish that the forest and the project continue to grow as a joint effort of DATAGROUP, its employees, customers, and partners as well as Forst BW”, Andreas Baresel, CEO von DATAGROUP points out. Oliver Thome, Chief Financial Officer, Investor Relations, and M&A adds: “Responsibility, the principles of partnership and sustainability are an integral part of DATAGROUP’s DNA and our relationships to our customers and investors. This becomes visible through the DATAGROUP FOREST, and it also shows that we do not only have big ambitions, but we also put them into practice.

Commitment and “good deeds” score points for the DATAGROUP FOREST

The forest will initially “grow” virtually in the anniversary year: Employees, customers and business partners are encouraged to score with their commitment for social purposes, education and training, for environment and sustainability issues or with other “good deeds”. The goal is to reach 40,000 points, with 10 points standing for one tree in the first planting session of the DATAGROUP FOREST. The people participating in this campaign will enter their points on the forest.datagroup.de campaign website. Little by little, this website will provide an overview of all the great activities as well as a digital model of the forest that shows how many trees have already been gathered with the dedication of everyone involved.

Dr. Sabine Laukemann, Chief Human Resources Officer, Organization and Strategy at DATAGROUP: “The success of DATAGROUP has been and will always be a team effort – the 40 years of corporate history would not have been possible without our amazing employees. And because we know that we can rely on our team, they are key in our commitment for the DATAGROUP FOREST during our anniversary year. We look very much forward to hit top form in sustainability and social commitment together with them as well as our customers and partners, thus helping to grow the “Forest of the Future”.

DATAGROUP – Becoming an IT powerhouse in 40 years

On 1 October 1983, DATAGROUP was founded by today’s Supervisory Board member Max H.-H. Schaber and Herbert Schwarzkopf in Filderstadt-Bonlanden under the name of DATAPEC. With the focus originally directed towards software, DATAGROUP has evolved to become one of the leading German full-IT-outsourcing service providers 40 years later. In fiscal year 2021/2022, DATAGROUP reached a historic milestone by generating revenues of more than half a billion euros for the first time. Some 3,500 employees at locations across Germany today design, implement, and operate IT infrastructures and business applications for mid-market and large companies as well as public authorities.

Until today, the success story of DATAGROUP has taken many ground-breaking turns: In the 80s, the company moved from a software developer to a pan-European hardware retailer. After the margins of this industry had fallen, it developed into a software and system house. In 2001, the name “DATAGROUP” was born.

The IPO in 2006 marked a decisive step in the company’s history. After a couple of acquisitions had already taken place before, DATATROUP to date has implemented 30 company takeovers thereafter. The acquisition strategy is particularly noted for its optimal integration of new companies. DATAGROUP is actively participating in the IT service market’s consolidation process with its “buy and turn around” and its “buy and build” strategy. Additionally, the company has tapped new regions in Germany and gained valuable expertise for its portfolio, for instance in cloud technology, IT security, automation and robotics, or Artificial Intelligence, thanks to the strategic acquisitions of the past few years.

Ceremonial start to the anniversary year

The start to the anniversary year will be celebrated with a hybrid event. The employees and their families, but also customers, business partners, and other friends of the company can watch a video stream from the DATAGROUP headquarters in Pliezhausen either live at home or in several locations. DATAGROUP founder Max H.-H. Schaber, the Management Board of DATAGROUP and representatives of ForstBW will present the “DATAGROUP FOREST” project from there. We will also take a look at the company’s history as well as its future.

Pliezhausen, 22 August 2023. Following intense market observation and comparison with competitors, DATAGROUP has been awarded “Leader” status in the internationally renowned “Private/Hybrid Cloud – Data Center Services” study 2023 by ISG Provider Lens™ in the fields of “Managed Services for Midmarket” and “Managed Hosting for Midmarket”.

“DATAGROUP presents itself as a popular IT provider for midmarket companies, which undergoes continuous development and expansion”, Wolfgang Heinhaus, Distinguished Lead Analyst for IT Infrastructure Research & Consulting at ISG explains the decision for the award. That DATAGROUP excels in cloud services and is always prepared to provide forward-looking services is evident from the “Enterprise Cloud made in Germany” offering. The service stands for cloud services which are exclusively hosted in data centers in Germany with no data being submitted to foreign countries. Furthermore, DATAGROUP’s employees and processes around enterprise cloud are certified according to the highest German standards. And the hardware and software used for the cloud services also meets the highest requirements.

ISG has also been convinced by the full-service offering of DATAGROUP. “DATAGROUP presents a versatile modular system of standardized IT outsourcing services providing everything customers could possibly need for seamless and efficient IT operations in their companies”, Wolfgang Heinhaus of ISG continues. This full-service concept holds true for both the entire corporate IT, which is reflected in the CORBOX service portfolio of DATAGROUP, and the cloud services which form an integral part. It is a competitive differentiator of DATAGROUP that the cloud is placed at the customer’s disposal fully configured and ready to operate. After that, the DATAGROUP experts also ensure the smooth operations and can provide a large number of managed services in the cloud such as application management.

“This outstanding positioning by ISG is proof of our excellent products for midmarket companies around the theme of cloud. We do not only provide top notch services, but it is also especially the coordinated interaction of our cloud solutions that makes it stand out. The award also proves that our focus with an independent “Enterprise Cloud made in Germany” pays off”, says Andreas Baresel, Chief Executive Officer of DATAGROUP.

The current research of ISG, a leading global technology research and advisory firm, demonstrates the strengths, challenges and competitive differentiators of providers of managed services and colocation services in Germany. The “Managed Services for Midmarket” segment assesses a provider’s ability to offer ongoing management services for private and hybrid clouds and traditional data center infrastructure and platforms. The “Managed Hosting for Midmarkets” segment assesses the offers for standalone hosting solutions for midmarket customers.

About ISG Provider Lens

The ISG Provider Lens™ Quadrant research series is the only service provider evaluation of its kind to combine empirical, data-driven research and market analysis with the real-world experience and observations of ISG’s global advisory team. Enterprises will find a wealth of detailed data and market analysis to help guide their selection of appropriate sourcing partners, while ISG advisors use the reports to validate their own market knowledge and make recommendations to ISG’s enterprise clients. The research currently covers providers offering their services across multiple geographies globally. For more information about the ISG Provider Lens research visit https://isg-one.com/research/isg-provider-lens

About ISG

ISG (Information Services Group) (Nasdaq: III) is a leading global technology research and advisory firm. A trusted business partner to more than 900 clients, including more than 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises, ISG is committed to helping corporations, public sector organizations, and service and technology providers achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm specializes in digital transformation services, including automation, cloud and data analytics; sourcing advisory; managed governance and risk services; network carrier services; strategy and operations design; change management; market intelligence and technology research and analysis. Founded in 2006, and based in Stamford, Conn., ISG employs more than 1,600 digital-ready professionals operating in more than 20 countries. A global team known for its innovative thinking, market influence, deep industry and technology expertise, and world-class research and analytical capabilities based on the industry’s most comprehensive marketplace data. For more information visit www.isg-one.com.

As a company, we bear a special social responsibility. Sustainability and social responsibility have been part of DATAGROUP’s DNA from the very beginning. Among other things, this is vividly demonstrated at our company headquarters in Pliezhausen:

• built at the beginning of the 1990s according to high environmental and sustainability requirements that we had set ourselves at the time
• built for a feel-good working atmosphere for our employees and
• built according to our principle “We think differently. We work differently. We find better solutions”, which ultimately led to more economical solutions in the construction and maintenance of the building.

Sustainability has been the core of our strategy development since our foundation. Now, this responsibility has gained a more holistic dimension, formality and importance under the term ESG (Environment, Social & Governance). DATAGROUP is in a comprehensive process to bundle the numerous measures and initiatives of the company throughout Germany and to make them available to all interested parties under ESG aspects:

A first step was the publication of the first DATAGROUP ESG Report. In a second step, in 2021, DATAGROUP started a comprehensive process with the Landesbank Baden-Württemberg. The ESG experts of the bank have screened DATAGROUP with a Sustainability Readiness Check, talked to executives and analyzed already existing programs. A trained view from the outside can be helpful in uncovering further potential beyond what already exists and then addressing it strategically. The result of this check is a shortlist of topics that DATAGROUP will now successively expand within the company. The further development of the ESG strategy will thus be anchored in the overarching corporate strategy at the management board level in the long term.