ACQUISITION OF JOH. ACHELIS & SÖHNE GMBH
AI Generated
Rieckermann expands footprint in Africa
Rieckermann has acquired Achelis as part of its strategy to strengthen its presence in East Africa. Effective October 1, 2026, the operations of Joh. Achelis & Söhne GmbH will continue under Joh. Achelis GmbH, as part of the Rieckermann Group. Headquartered in Bremen, Achelis will continue to operate independently within the Group.
The strategic acquisition follows discussions initiated in late 2025, with teams from Rieckermann and Achelis across Bremen, Hamburg, and East Africa now working together to strengthen the East African operations. In particular, the collaboration will focus on broadening the product and service portfolio for customers and building a scalable platform for future growth across the region.
Founded in 1826, Achelis is a long-established Hanseatic trading house specializing in technical and medical capital goods, integrated project solutions, and related services. Their strong presence in East Africa reflects decades of market development, technical expertise, and long-standing relationships with customers and international manufacturers.
Broader industrial and engineering support for customers
As part of the Rieckermann Group, Achelis will benefit from access to a wider range of products and technologies suited to East African markets, along with Rieckermann’s engineering expertise and international supplier network. In turn, Achelis brings its extensive market knowledge, long-standing customer relationships, and established local presence to the Group. By combining these strengths, the two companies can offer customers across East Africa a broader range of solutions while creating new opportunities for suppliers and supporting long-term growth in the region.
“Both rooted in hanseatic values, Achelis and Rieckermann share the same core belief: sustainable market development is built on local presence, technical competence and relationships based on trust. By combining Achelis’ outstanding East African network with Rieckermann’s broader industrial portfolio and engineering capabilities, we are creating a strong platform for the next chapter of growth,” says Flynn Seidel, Managing Director of Rieckermann GmbH.
Continuity for customers and partners across East Africa
Continuity for customers and partners remains a key priority. Achelis’ head office will remain in Bremen, while its business units and local operations in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, and Madagascar. will continue serving their respective markets. Importantly, customers and partners will continue to be supported by their established local teams.
Key facts about the Rieckermann and Achelis combination
- Effective date: October 1, 2026
- Achelis headquarters remain in Bremen
- Local operations continue in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, and Madagascar.
- Customers and partners retain access to established operational teams
The combined platform brings together local reach, industrial technologies, engineering and central support capabilities
ABOUT ACHELIS
Founded in 1826 and headquartered in Bremen, Achelis is a long-established German trading house focused on East Africa. The company supplies technical and medical capital goods and delivers project solutions across Healthcare & Scientific, Technical & Industrial, Energy & Water, and related sectors. Its local organizations combine sales expertise, technical service, and long-standing customer and manufacturer relationships.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What has Rieckermann acquired?
Rieckermann has acquired the assets of Joh. Achelis & Söhne GmbH. The acquired operations will continue under Joh. Achelis GmbH as part of the Rieckermann Group.
When does the Rieckermann and Achelis transaction take effect?
The transaction took effect on October 1, 2026.
Will Achelis remain headquartered in Bremen?
Yes. Achelis’ headquarters will remain in Bremen.
Which East African markets will Achelis continue to serve?
Achelis’ local operations will continue serving Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, and Madagascar.
What does the combination mean for customers in East Africa?
Customers will gain access to the combined strengths of Achelis’ local market knowledge and established teams with Rieckermann’s broader industrial technologies, engineering expertise and project capabilities.
Will customers and partners keep their existing local support?
Yes. Customers and partners will continue to be supported by established local teams in their respective markets.
How do Rieckermann and Achelis complement each other?
Achelis brings established market access, local networks and deep knowledge across East Africa, while Rieckermann contributes a broader technology portfolio, engineering capabilities, project support and central group functions.
