AlTi expands into Germany with Kontora Family Office deal

AlTi Tiedemann Global is making a splash across the pond as a multibillion-dollar acquisition gives it a foothold in one of the world's biggest wealth markets.

On Thursday, the firm announced its acquisition of Kontora Family Office, marking the firm’s entry into the German market. The deal expands AlTi’s European footprint and aligns with its broader strategy to grow its presence in wealth hubs catering to ultra-high-net-worth clients.

Hamburg-based Kontora manages approximately €14 billion in assets – a little north of $15 billion – and serves families, entrepreneurs, and institutions in Germany and Austria. The firm offers family office, investment office, and service office solutions, specializing in alternative investment strategies and fund structures.

The transaction follows AlTi’s recent acquisitions in the US and is backed in part by funding from Allianz X, which had earmarked capital for expansion into Germany. In February last year, AlTi received a strategic capital injection from Allianz X and Constellation Wealth Capital, adding up to $450 million in its war chest for global UHNW expansion.

Kontora’s co-chief executive officers, Stephan Buchwald and Dr. Patrick Maurenbrecher, are expected to take senior roles within AlTi and reinvest a portion of the proceeds from the deal.

“Germany is a sophisticated and deep market with established wealth and a thriving entrepreneurial scene, and we look forward to working with Kontora to offer best-in-class global access and solutions with the service of a boutique family office,” Michael Tiedemann, chief executive officer of AlTi Tiedemann Global, said Thursday. “The continued backing from Allianz X reflects their conviction in AlTi’s ability to build a leading position in the UHNW segment.”

Kontora was founded nearly 20 years ago and has grown into one of Germany’s larger independent family offices. Buchwald and Maurenbrecher noted that joining AlTi aligns with their vision for expanding the firm’s capabilities while maintaining its independent approach.

“It is a natural next step to join AlTi, a like-minded, independent, and entrepreneurial business on a global scale,” they said in a joint statement. “Joining AlTi empowers us to drive our business forward with even greater momentum, while staying true to our core values.”

Robert Weeber, president of international wealth management at AlTi, emphasized the strategic value of the deal. “We believe the combination of our global capabilities alongside Kontora’s deep local knowledge and expertise will support us to grow in this important market,” he said.

The acquisition is expected to close early in the second quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

AlTi Tiedemann, whose client base includes entrepreneurs, multi-generational families, institutions, and next-gen leaders, currently boasts $77 billion in combined AUM and AUA. Its three-continent network includes 440 professionals offering fiduciary advisory and alternative investment management services.