WTS and EQT: A Powerhouse Partnership for Tax Advisory Dominance!

Ladies and gentlemen, buckle up! We've got a blockbuster deal that's going to shake up the tax advisory industry. WTS Group, the Munich-based tax and financial advisory powerhouse, has just inked a long-term strategic partnership with EQT, one of the world's largest private equity firms. This isn't just any partnership; it's a game-changer that's going to catapult WTS into the stratosphere of tax advisory services.

Let's break it down:

1. EQT's Massive Investment: EQT, through its EQT X fund, is pouring significant growth capital into WTS. This isn't just about money; it's about EQT's unparalleled M&A expertise and shared vision for growth.

2. Global Expansion: WTS and EQT are on a mission to create a tax advisory champion in Europe with global reach. This means WTS Global is about to get a massive boost, and we're talking about inorganic growth on steroids!

3. Digital and AI Revolution: With EQT's support, WTS is doubling down on digital services and AI. We're talking about 'plAIground,' one of the leading AI solutions for tax functions. This is going to be a digital revolution in the tax advisory industry!

4. Complementary Financial Advisory Services: WTS is expanding its breadth of services focused on Office of the CFO activities. This means more comprehensive solutions for clients, and that's a win-win!

5. Market Dominance: WTS is already a leading player in the tax advisory industry, with 14 locations in Germany, over 1,500 employees, and an annual revenue of around EUR 250 million. With EQT's backing, WTS is set to become the undisputed king of tax advice, tax technology, and AI in Europe.

Now, let's talk about the numbers. WTS has been on a tear, and this partnership is going to accelerate that growth. EQT's investment is expected to close in the summer of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals. With this deal, EQT X is expected to be 50-55 percent invested, which is a massive commitment to WTS's future.

Fritz Esterer, CEO of WTS Group, couldn't be more excited. "EQT is one of the largest private equity firms in the world. The WTS Executive Board is proud to be working with such a strong partner, who fully supports and shares our vision for the further development of the WTS Group. Together, we want to drive forward our 25-year success story and accelerate our ambitious expansion plans."

Matthias Wittkowski, Partner and Global Co-Head Services at EQT, echoed this sentiment. "WTS has established itself as a highly customer-oriented partner for corporate tax and finance functions with what we believe is a highly attractive business model. It combines industry, finance, consulting, and technology expertise, while deliberately refraining from auditing annual financial statements to prevent conflicts with its consulting services. We have been following the development of WTS very closely for years and we are impressed by the Company's performance and innovation mindset."

So, what does this mean for you? If you're in the tax advisory industry, you need to pay attention. WTS and EQT are about to dominate the market, and you don't want to be left behind. This partnership is a no-brainer, and it's going to be a wild ride. Stay tuned for more updates, and get ready to see WTS soar to new heights!

BOO-YAH! This partnership is a winner, and it's going to be a game-changer for the tax advisory industry. Don't miss out on this opportunity to see a true champion emerge!