"We want to create sustainable value for our customers, employees and shareholders as an international full-service provider of customized and innovative e-mobility solutions as well as power supply devices!"
FRIWO: Power supplies and charging technology at the highest level
FRIWO AG from Ostbevern, known in the past primarily as a manufacturer of plug-in power supply units in lower power classes, is developing with great strides in a completely new direction. In recent years, the company has already continuously shifted its strategic focus: away from simple, easily copied power supply solutions and price-driven markets with high competitive pressure from Asia, towards intelligent charging and battery technology for demanding and emerging markets such as cordless tools, medical technology or electro mobility. Now FRIWO is completing the transformation from product to system provider.
Configurable systems from a single source
The basic idea that FRIWO is pursuing with the new strategy is to offer a configurable overall system from a single source: optimally coordinated products that can be adapted via software according to the needs of the customer and their application. In this way, the customer is not only spared high development costs and the nerve-wracking coordination of several suppliers, his time-to-market is also drastically reduced through the use of an integrated system.
The company grows: Acquisition of Emerge-Engineering
FRIWO’s approach as a system supplier has not only been about chargers and batteries for some time now, but goes far beyond that: In December 2018, FRIWO took over Emerge-Engineering GmbH, a real technology jewel, and acquired market-leading know-how regarding the software-based configuration and control of electric drives. This is an ideal addition to the existing portfolio, as the combination of the two companies’ products results in complete electric drive trains including the associated charging technology, which can be used in all of FRIWO’s target markets.
History
FRIWO AG accompanies a long and eventful history: The world’s first plug-in power supply unit is invented in Ostbevern. FRIWO becomes the world market leader in the field of chargers for cell phones. The cell phone charger division is sold. From now on, the company focuses on power supplies for demanding and future-oriented markets with special requirements. The transformation from a pure product supplier to a software-oriented solution provider for high-tech power supplies and drive systems takes place. All these are just a few cornerstones of our past development.
Milestones in our Company History
| 2023 | Foundation of FRIWO North America Inc. For worldwide expansion, FRIWO North America Inc. was founded as a sales base in the state of Ohio. From this central location, the important growth markets in the USA, Canada and Mexico are to be served. |
| 2022 | Joint venture between FRIWO and UNO MINDA group opens up new perspectives Successful start of the Indian joint venture in terms of operational structures, but especially in terms of the enormous demand for electric drive systems for two- and three-wheelers. |
| 2021 | FRIWO enters into a joint venture with the UNO MINDA Group Agreement on a joint venture with the Indian UNO MINDA to supply the large Indian two- and three-wheeler market with electric drive systems. FRIWO holds a minority stake of 49.9 percent in this joint venture. |
| 2020 | Foundation of Friemann & Wolf India Pvt. Ltd. As India is one of the fastest growing markets for electromobility worldwide, FRIWO has established its own sales subsidiary in Bengaluru – the Indian high-tech industrial centre in the state of Karnataka. |
| 2019 | An entirely new corporate identity In the course of its transformation into a software-oriented technology company, FRIWO adopts a completely new corporate identity. |
| 2018 | Takeover of Emerge-Engineering GmbH FRIWO’s approach as a system supplier has not only been about chargers and batteries for some time now, but goes far beyond that: In December 2018, FRIWO took over Emerge-Engineering GmbH, a real technology jewel, and acquired market-leading know-how regarding the software-based configuration and control of electric drives. With the takeover, FRIWO is taking the step from a pure product supplier to a system provider, offering complete electric drive trains including the associated charging technology from a single source. |
| 2017 | Vertical integration FRIWO takes over a production of transformers and chokes from a supplier in Vietnam. This adds an important product component to the company’s value chain. The number of employees grows to over 2,000. |
| 2016 | Grand Opening Vietnam Opening of a state-of-the-art production facility in Vietnam. The high-quality production clearly sets itself apart from the local standard and features, for example, an ESD floor, nitrogen soldering systems, and automatic testing and inspection systems. With the new location, FRIWO is also well equipped for future growth. |
| 2015 | Focus on target markets “TIME” Through the targeted development of know-how, FRIWO is becoming a leading supplier in the technologically demanding and future-oriented Tools, Industrial, Medical and E-Mobility sectors. |
| 2014 | A first step towards a system concept The company starts manufacturing battery packs and thus acts as a provider of charging and battery technology with complete solutions from a single source. |
| 2013 | Breaking through the sales barrier FRIWO generates sales of over 100 million euros for the first time. |
| 2009 | FRIWO AG is established CEAG changes its name: CEAG AG becomes FRIWO AG. |
| 2008 | New structures: Sale of the FMP division and change of ownership As part of the standardization of chargers for cell phones to the USB standard, the FMP division is sold to the Singapore-based company Flextronics. In addition, Cardea Holding GmbH, a subsidiary of VTC Industrieholding GmbH, acquires the majority shares in CEAG AG from the previous main shareholder, DELTON AG of Bad Homburg. The company headquarters of CEAG AG is relocated to the FRIWO headquarters in Ostbevern. |
| 2006 | Listing in the General Standard The shares of CEAG AG are officially listed in the General Standard. |
| 2002 | FRIWO is divided into two divisions FRIWO Gerätebau GmbH is divided into the two business divisions FRIWO Mobile Power (FMP) and FRIWO Power Solutions (FPS). While the FMP division specializes in chargers for cell phones, FPS develops power supply solutions and chargers for a wide range of other markets. In the field of chargers for cell phones, the company will later be regarded as the world market leader with a global market share of around one quarter. |
| 1996 | Friemann & Wolf becomes FRIWO The company name “Friemann & Wolf” is officially changed to FRIWO. Today’s subsidiary FRIWO Gerätebau GmbH is established. |
| 1983 | CEAG AG takes over Friemann & Wolf Entry into the external power supply business: The company Friemann & Wolf is acquired by CEAG AG. |
| 1977 | Listing of CEAG AG on the stock exchange Industrieanlagen und Leichtbau GmbH changes its name and location: CEAG Industrieaktien und Anlagen AG is formed with new headquarters in Frankfurt. |
| 1967 | The forerunner of CEAG is founded The corporate history of FRIWO AG (formerly CEAG AG) in its current form has its actual origins in Industrieanlagen und Leichtbau GmbH, founded in Düren in 1967. |
Investment Highlights
- Leading, success-critical supplier position in the growth market of e-mobility
- Established position in medical technology, mobile tool technology and industrial applications
- Technology enabler with high innovative strength and R&D focus
- High added value: software and hardware systems from a single source
- Cost-efficient production structure thanks to global footprint
- High earnings and cash flow potential
- Experienced management
Our understanding of sustainability
For us, sustainable management means taking into account all perspectives of sustainability within the orientation of our entrepreneurial activities. As a listed company, we strive for profitable growth that minimizes the utilization of resources as well as negative impacts on the environment, while considering employee interests and needs.
Our efficient products make a contribution
Changing lifestyles and usage habits are leading to an ever-increasing demand for efficient power supply technology and specialized energy supply systems for mobile devices of all kinds. FRIWO considers itself as a leading company for the development and production of assemblies and systems for these applications. In close cooperation with our customers, we are continuously working on making our products both more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. In doing so, we not only comply with all legal regulations for energy efficiency but also strive to always exceed them. Reducing the overall dimensions of our products reduces material usage and therefore helps to conserve valuable resources.
Protecting the environment is an obligation for us
We take the protection of the environment very seriously and therefore have not only implemented an environmental management system in accordance with ISO 14001 at our own manufacturing sites, but also ensure that our business partners in equipment manufacturing set up and maintain an environmental management system also. This enables us to identify risks in good time, prevent damage and are able through continuous improvement to reduce the impact of our products and production on the environment to an inevitable minimum. We are aware that we handle problematic substances within the production of our equipment and that these substances later become part of these products.
Employees guarantee innovations
Our well-trained employees at all our sites play an essential part in guaranteeing that FRIWO can continuously present innovations and produce gains in efficiency. The fair treatment of all employees means therefore more than a matter of fact to us – it is a key success factor. In-house training programs, pay that is exclusively linked to the respective job description as well as fair opportunities for advancements are examples of the measures that we implement.
FRIWO stands for fairness and integrity
Compliance with legal regulations at the various locations by all employees as well as ethically impeccable behaviour by all is indispensable for us. The same applies to our business partners: We do not tolerate legally and morally dubious practices.
Please note that some publications are only available in German. These publications will be displayed in German.
The FRIWO Share
FRIWO AG (formerly CEAG AG), headquartered in Ostbevern/Westphalia, has been listed on the stock exchange since 1977 and has been listed in the General Standard since April 2006. In fiscal year 2022, consolidated sales amounted to 184,9 million euros. FRIWO employs over 2,500 people worldwide. The main shareholder of FRIWO AG is a subsidiary of VTC GmbH & Co. KG, Munich.
| Founding year | 1967 |
| Market segment primary instrument | General Standard |
| Fiscal year | 01/01 to 31/12 |
| Group accounting standards | Consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS (exempting) |
| Total share capital | EUR 22.241.689,60 |
| Start of stock exchange listing | 09/08/1977 |
| Shareholder | Shares currently in % |
| A subsidiary of VTC GmbH & Co. KG, Munich | 81,59% lt. 28.06.2022 |
Corporate Governance
At the top of every successful company is a strong management. With Rolf Schwirz, FRIWO AG has an experienced and competent board of director.
Um dem Anspruch eines Technologieführers gerecht zu werden, braucht es eine starke Führung: Seit 2017 ist Rolf Schwirz CEO der FRIWO sowie Vorstandsvorsitzender des Konzerns und verantwortet die Bereiche Technik, Produktion und Vertrieb. In ihm hat die FRIWO-Gruppe nicht nur eine charismatische Führungspersönlichkeit mit außergewöhnlicher Vertriebserfahrung, sondern kann auch auf einen breiten Erfahrungsschatz bauen.
Vor seiner Tätigkeit für FRIWO war Rolf Schwirz bereits in leitenden Funktionen bei vielen namhaften Hard- und Softwareunternehmen aktiv: Seine Laufbahn begann er 1983 als Systemberater bei Unternehmen wie Siemens Nixdorf oder der Siemens AG, wo er verschiedene Managementpositionen innehatte.
In seinem weiteren Werdegang bekleidete er beim Softwarekonzern SAP die Position des Head of Mature Markets für EMEA und nahm beim Branchenriesen Oracle über einen Zeitraum von zwölf Jahren eine Reihe internationaler Managementfunktionen wahr. Unter anderem war er hier Senior Vice President Western Continental Europe, Managing Director Nordic-Germany und Vice President Sales Germany.
Anschließend leitete Herr Schwirz die Fujitsu Technology Solutions GmbH als CEO und agierte von 2013 bis 2016 in gleicher Position bei der Kontron AG, ehe er schließlich für die spannende Führungsaufgabe bei der FRIWO-Gruppe gewonnen werden konnte.
An accomplished expert in industrial management and restructuring – Oliver Freund has an impressive career with over 35 years of experience in international companies, particularly in the automotive and mobility sectors.
Oliver Freund laid the foundation of his professional career as an industrial clerk, before spending more than 20 years at Siemens VDO Automotive in various commercial functions at the beginning of his career. His journey took him on to internationally recognized positions, including Chief Financial Officer at Becromal, a subsidiary of the Japanese TDK Group, as Commercial Director at Grammer AG and finally as Head of a Business Unit and member of Executive Management at Yazaki Europe.
In recent years, he has worked as an interim manager, especially in restructuring and transformation topics as a managing director or comparable positions in Germany and abroad.
The Supervisory Board plays an important role at FRIWO not only as a supervisory body, but also as an important sparring partner for the Board of Management thanks to the concentrated experience of its members. With their cross-industry expertise, the individual members are valuable advisors in important corporate decisions.
Member of the Audit Committee
Member since 2008
Richard Ramsauer is Managing Partner of VTC GmbH & Co. KG in Munich. Over the past two decades, he has executed numerous corporate transactions for VTC in the areas of industry, infrastructure technology and electronics. In addition, he is responsible for VTC’s public relations.
Prior to his current position, Richard Ramsauer worked for several years for the strategy consultancy Bain & Company in Munich and Stockholm. During his consulting work, he was responsible for efficiency programs and strategy projects in the industrial and raw materials sectors. In addition, Richard Ramsauer is active in his family’s forestry operation.
Richard Ramsauer holds a lic.oec. (HSG) degree in business administration from the University of St. Gallen Switzerland, and an MBA from the University of Chicago, USA. Richard Ramsauer is an Austrian citizen.
After graduating from high school in Admont, Austria, Michael Jaeger studied mechanical engineering at the RWTH in Aachen.
He stayed at RWTH Aachen for another five years as a research assistant and senior engineer at the Institute of Automotive Engineering.
From 2002 to 2012, he worked for Robert-Bosch GmbH in Bühlertal, Schwieberdingen and Tamm. Here he held various positions as Vice President Product Management and R+D as well as Senior Vice President Product Center E-Machines for BEV/(P)HEV.
In 2012, Michael Jaeger went to HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA in Lippstadt, where he was a member of the Executive Board, Electronics Division, until 2021.
On October 1, 2021, Michael Jaeger took over as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Behr-Hella-Thermocontrol Group (BHTC).
Member since 2018
After graduating from high school in Hamburg, Dr. Gregor Matthies studied aerospace engineering at the Technical University of Munich from 1981 to 1986 and received his doctorate in electrical engineering from the University of Duisburg in 1990. From 1987 to 1990, Dr. Matthies worked for the former Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm GmbH in Ottobrunn and from 1990 to 1993 for Daimler-Benz AG in Stuttgart. From 1993 to 2013, he worked for the international management and strategy consultancy Bain & Company in Munich, including 13 years as a partner and 10 years as head of the global automotive industry practice group.
Dr. Matthies is still active as a senior advisor for Bain & Company and has been involved in venture capital since 2012 – as a venture partner/advisor at Earlybird, but also as an active angel investor. Currently he holds five investments in various start-ups, in each of which he is also a member of the advisory board/supervisory board. In addition, Dr. Matthies delivers guest lectures on technological and organizational developments in the automotive industry at the LMU in Munich and at the ESCP in Berlin.
Dr. Thomas Robl is Managing Partner at VTC GmbH & Co. KG in Munich. During his time at VTC, Thomas Robl has contributed his extensive transaction experience in the context of numerous corporate transactions. In the early years of VTC, he implemented a number of industrial consolidations and and also assumed operational responsibility for individual investments.
Prior to founding VTC in 1992, Thomas Robl worked for IMM Industrie Management Munich for several years, one of the first German investment companies at the time.
Dr. Thomas Robl was involved in the founding of a leading issuing house for private equity fund of funds and is now a member of the company’s supervisory board.
Thomas Robl holds a Dr. rer. nat. degree in Physics from the Technical University of Munich and an MBA from INSEAD, France.
Member since 2016
Uwe Leifken is a trained wholesale, import, and export merchant and later passed his examinations to become a commercial specialist and a state-certified business economist. Uwe Leifken has been working with FRIWO since 1998 and has held various positions in sales. As Group Manager Internal Sales, he was most recently responsible for distribution in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and was in charge of the entire small customer business. Uwe Leifken has been a member of the Works Council at FRIWO relieved of duty since January 1, 2019.
Member since 2023
Sabine Vennekötter completed her vocational training as an industrial clerk and foreign language correspondent. In 2006, she graduated with a degree in business administration (UAS) and completed her studies in “European Business Studies”. Since then Sabine Vennekötter has been working for FRIWO and has gained extensive experience in various positions. In addition to her work as a project manager, where she has been responsible for the management, planning and control of international projects for many years, she is also a member of the works council.
Basic Features of the FRIWO Compliance Management System
The management of the FRIWO Group puts a special emphasis to compliance with laws and regulations for the corporate group throughout the group, and equally to observance of the company’s internal guidelines and requirements (corporate compliance). Correct behaviour as well as integrity and fair dealings with our business partners are key imperatives at FRIWO. FRIWO aims at effectively preventing white-collar crime and actions detrimental to the company through preventive measures. A key element of the Compliance Management System (CMS) at FRIWO, in addition to the web-based FRIWO whistleblower system, is a compliance training, which intends to ensure fundamentally compliant behaviour in all areas on the one hand and on the other hand places particular emphasis on the topics of prevention of corruption and compliance with antitrust as well as capital market law.
Organisation
The Compliance department is the responsibility of the Chairman of the Management Board of FRIWO AG. Key aspects of the CMS are decided by and the responsibility of the entire Board of Management (hereinafter referred to as the Management Board). The Management Board regularly informs the Supervisory Board about compliance-relevant issues. The Compliance Officer is appointed by the Management Board of FRIWO AG and reports to the Chairman of the Management Board. He supports the Executive Board in bundling and supervising the compliance measures implemented by the Executive Board. His tasks include defining and further developing FRIWO’s corporate ethics with regard to compliance and conducting compliance training. The Compliance Officer also handles compliance inquiries and compliance cases for the FRIWO Group. In the foreign subsidiaries of the FRIWO Group, the respective managing directors are responsible for observing and ensuring compliance. They may appoint local Compliance Managers to take care of the regional implementation and processing of compliance measures. Compliance Managers act as competent contacts in matters of compliance in the respective subsidiary and report to the Compliance Officer.
Whistleblower
In order to identify violations at an early stage and avert damage, we rely on the assistance of our employees and business partners as well as the public. Our employees are encouraged to contact their supervisor, the human resources manager or the compliance officer if they suspect that they have been involved in any harmful activities. In addition, FRIWO offers all whistleblowers the opportunity to report tips via the protected electronic FRIWO whistleblower system. With this web-based communication system, FRIWO offers whistleblowers the opportunity to report harmful activities at any time and from any location, either by giving their name or anonymously. The system can be accessed from any Internet-enabled PC and functions like an electronic mailbox. It thus allows a confidential online dialog between the whistleblower and the person handling the report. All reports are carefully examined and further measures are initiated in justified cases. Here you will find our electronic whistleblowing system.
Below you will find all the documents and information relating to our Annual General Meetings.
Please note: the following documents are currently only available in German.
The FRIWO financial calendar
Our financial calendar gives you an overview of important publication dates. FRIWO AG’s fiscal year begins on January 1 and ends on December 31.
| 25.04.2024 | Publication of the annual report 2023 |
| 08.05.2024 | Press release on Q1 2024 |
| 13.06.2024 | Annual General Meeting |
| 08.08.2024 | Publication of the half-year financial report 2024 |
| 07.11.2024 | Press release on Q3 2024 |
