In a significant move to expand its reach and product offerings, Günther + Schramm, a leading distributor of special bar qualities in southern Germany, announced its acquisition of International Metal Service Süd on March 31, 2025. IMS Süd is a subsidiary of Jacquet Metals, a French company, and its southern German operations have now been absorbed by G+S, allowing the distributor to enhance its market presence and product portfolio.
About the Acquisition
The acquisition of IMS Süd comes as part of Günther + Schramm’s strategy to further strengthen its position in the competitive market for high-alloyed steels, stainless steels, engineering steels, pipes, and aluminium. With this acquisition, G+S not only broadens its product offerings but also significantly extends its geographical coverage, especially in southern Germany, an area where IMS Süd previously had a substantial market presence.
Expansion of G+S’s Market Reach
Prior to this acquisition, Günther + Schramm had a strong foothold in southern Germany. By absorbing IMS Süd, it has increased its footprint and now covers a larger portion of the region, reinforcing its position as a key distributor of specialty metals. With five warehouses and two distribution hubs, G+S has strengthened its ability to serve a broader range of customers and industries.
The acquisition also expands the company’s ability to supply a vast inventory, with a total of 35,000 metric tons of products available for distribution. This increase in stock capacity enables G+S to better cater to the growing demand for specialty steels, aluminium products, and other engineering materials.
Operational Growth & Capacity
The increased capacity brought by the acquisition will allow G+S to ship up to 90,000 metric tons of products annually. With an expanded staff of 280 employees, G+S is now well-positioned to handle increased demand and maintain strong supply chains. The company’s infrastructure improvements, particularly in its expanded warehouse network and distribution hubs, will enhance its efficiency and ability to quickly serve clients across southern Germany and beyond.
Strategic Focus on High-Alloyed Steels and Other Specialty Products
One of the major benefits of the acquisition is the strengthened product offering. G+S will now have a more comprehensive portfolio, including a broader range of high-alloyed steels, stainless steels, and other specialty products. The company aims to expand its customer base across industries that require high-quality, specialized materials.
This expansion aligns with G+S's overall strategy of becoming a more prominent player in the European market for specialty metals. With the addition of IMS Süd’s product lines, G+S can now offer a wider range of metals and alloys to meet the specific needs of customers in various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and machinery manufacturing.
Future Outlook for Günther + Schramm
With the acquisition of International Metal Service Süd, Günther + Schramm is poised for significant growth in the coming years. The company’s enhanced product offerings and expanded market reach in southern Germany place it in a strong competitive position. G+S plans to continue optimizing its distribution processes and improving its service levels to meet the demands of its growing customer base.
IMS Süd’s five sites in Germany, including those in the southern half of the country, will now be integrated into the G+S network, allowing for streamlined operations and better coordination between the various warehouses and distribution centers. While IMS will retain its northern German operations, this acquisition solidifies G+S's presence in the southern region, which is a key market for specialty metals and high-quality engineering materials.
Key Takeaways:
• Günther + Schramm acquired International Metal Service Süd, a subsidiary of Jacquet Metals.
• The acquisition expands G+S’s product portfolio, especially in high-alloyed steels, stainless steels, and aluminium.
• G+S now operates five warehouses and two distribution hubs, with a 35,000 metric ton inventory.
• The company can now ship up to 90,000 metric tons of products per year, with an expanded workforce of 280 employees.
• G+S significantly enhances its coverage of southern Germany, strengthening its position as a key distributor of specialty metals.
• IMS retains its northern German operations, focusing on other parts of the market.
• The acquisition will boost G+S’s competitive position in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and machinery manufacturing.
