Strategic Acquisition Sets Sights on Transforming Construction B2B Marketplace

The Platform Group AG (ISIN: DE000A2QEFA1), a prominent European provider of digital platform solutions, announced the acquisition of a majority stake in We Connect Work GmbH, a specialized B2B platform for industrial and construction sectors headquartered in Bad Ems, Germany. Since its founding in 2022, We Connect Work has rapidly established itself as a digital intermediary for electrical, plumbing, heating, drywall construction, and welding technology services, enabling efficient project execution for clients across Germany, Austria, and Eastern Europe.

This move marks The Platform Group’s (TPG) strategic entry into a high-growth digital construction market estimated by Statista to reach €1.2 trillion in Europe by 2026, with B2B procurement platforms playing a pivotal role in industry modernization. We Connect Work brings to the table robust long-term framework agreements with major real estate and industrial companies, positioning TPG for significant scale and cross-selling opportunities.

Expanding Platform Offering: A Digital Frontier for Building Materials

The acquisition aligns with TPG’s vision to expand its digital ecosystem. The Group plans to launch an integrated B2B platform for building materials, sanitary products, heating, and electrical systems by 2026—a segment with currently minimal digital penetration. According to Eurostat, only 18% of EU construction businesses utilize advanced digital procurement solutions, signaling substantial growth potential. This initiative aims to bridge the gap for property developers, contractors, and industrial operators seeking streamlined procurement, transparency, and reliable partners in a sector often challenged by fragmented supply chains.

Dr. Dominik Benner, CEO of The Platform Group AG, commented, “The acquisition of We Connect Work represents a new industry for us, one that we have analyzed for some time. We believe that B2B platform approaches are both exciting and profitable in the construction industry. Our goal is to expand the existing We Connect Work and add the product areas of building materials, heating, plumbing, and electrical systems starting in 2026. There is currently no comprehensive B2B platform for these product groups, so we see great potential.”

The current management team at We Connect Work will remain at the forefront of operations and retain a minority share, ensuring business continuity and sector expertise as they integrate further into TPG’s digital platform infrastructure.

Industry Context: Digitalization Accelerates in Construction and Real Estate

Europe’s construction sector is experiencing a wave of digital transformation spurred by supply chain disruption, rising material costs, workforce shortages, and increased sustainability mandates. Digital platforms are increasingly being leveraged to optimize project management, procurement, and regulatory compliance. International Data Corporation (IDC) forecasts that by 2027, over half of all large construction projects in Europe will rely on integrated digital procurement solutions to reduce costs and environmental impact.

We Connect Work’s platform, focusing on electrical and mechanical services, stands out for its digital-first approach tailored to B2B clients—real estate owners, industrial companies, property developers, and architects—who require reliable partners for complex multi-site projects. Its business model also incorporates long-term framework agreements, creating recurring revenue streams and reinforcing customer dependencies.

This acquisition enables TPG to capitalize on two converging trends: the rapid adoption of B2B e-commerce solutions in construction and the increased willingness of legacy industry players to collaborate via digital marketplaces.

TPG’s Track Record and Market Position

The Platform Group AG, headquartered in Düsseldorf, operates across 27 distinct industries—including furniture retail, machinery, dental technology, automotive platforms, and luxury fashion—through its portfolio of proprietary online platforms. The Group has 18 locations across Europe, serving both B2B and B2C customers. In 2024, TPG reported consolidated sales of €525 million and an adjusted EBITDA of €33 million, underlining its role as an increasingly influential force within the European platform economy.

This newest acquisition reflects TPG’s ambition to further diversify its offerings and leverage economies of scale in vertical markets. By integrating We Connect Work, TPG adds technical construction expertise to its digital business units, complementing its existing position in retail and specialist industries. The deal also strengthens its competitive stance against both traditional construction wholesalers and emerging tech-driven market entrants.

Next Steps: Innovation, Integration, and Growth Outlook

From 2026 onwards, TPG will launch enhanced platform features specifically targeting procurement, ordering, and logistics for building materials and related services. Key priorities include improving user experience for industrial buyers, implementing advanced data analytics for demand forecasting, and ensuring seamless interoperability with common construction management software.

Dirk Wiedenhues, Managing Director of We Connect Work, added, “As a successful B2B platform in the construction and trade sector, we are delighted to be working with TPG to expand our reach in the future. The expansion of the platform to include specific product groups for heating, plumbing, and electrical systems will be the first of its kind. This is an important step toward directly linking our B2B services with products.”

Industry analysts expect that by strengthening its service and product integration, TPG could accelerate digital adoption amongst mid-market construction firms and attract additional enterprise partnerships. The collaborative approach between TPG and We Connect Work’s management will ensure agility and sector responsiveness during this growth phase.

Investor and Stakeholder Information

For investors and stakeholders, this acquisition signals TPG’s continued commitment to expansion and innovation within the platform economy. The Group remains well-capitalized and listed across several European exchanges, including Frankfurt (Scale), Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover, Munich, Stuttgart, Tradegate, and Oslo. Investor relations can be contacted via ir@the-platform-group.com.

Additional company information is available on the Group’s corporate portal at the-platform-group.com.