Energy management: Luther advises ista on the strategic expansion of its platform for installation services through the acquisition of SGW Metering

In addition to continuing its existing business, the company will expand its service portfolio in the area of hardware solutions closely related to property. ista anticipates further strengthening of operational excellence for the installation of all products from the ista Group through this acquisition – from heat cost allocators and smart metering systems to intelligent heating optimisation. SGW Metering brings significant expertise in the installation of smart metering systems, with around 130 experts. Sabrina Ullrich, a member of the founding family, will remain part of the company (SGW Metering) and will continue her work as Managing Director alongside Mr Björn Dewever, who also heads up ista Express Service GmbH.

“The Luther team, led by Partners Dr Björn Simon and Dr Johannes Becker, accompanied ista from the initial analysis through to the completion of the takeover, providing tailored advice that went beyond pure M&A consultancy, which was particularly crucial for the successful conclusion in light of the operational issues involved,” emphasises Jens Busse, Head of Mergers & Acquisitions at ista.

“We are delighted to be accompanying ista on another project in the energy sector. The transaction was characterised by complexity in the operational handling, but represents an important step for ista to further expand its leading position as a provider of installation services and meter services,” says Dr Björn Simon, the lead lawyer at Luther. “The transaction underscores Luther’s expertise in advising on strategic transactions in the energy industry, even in the context of family-owned businesses.”

About ista:

We’re giving buildings a future. We do this with products and services that help reduce the carbon footprint of buildings. We manage data and processes that make properties more climate-friendly, secure and comfortable. The foundation for our products and services is digital. At the same time, we ensure that switching to our sustainable technologies is easy for everyone. This enables everyone to contribute to climate protection.

We already have over 45 million wireless devices in operation worldwide and are developing solutions for energy-efficient and future-proof buildings. We employ over 6,300 people in 20 countries, and our products and services are used in over 14 million residential and commercial properties worldwide – with more than 460,000 customers. In 2024, the extended ista Group generated revenue of €1.22 billion. More information can be found at http://www.ista.com.

About SGW Metering:

SGW Metering is a leading service company for municipal utilities and energy suppliers in the metering services sector. As an expert in smart metering, SGW Metering specialises in the installation, maintenance and replacement of intelligent metering systems for electricity, gas, water and heat. SGW Metering utilises its many years of experience in the energy industry to the benefit of its customers and offers comprehensive solutions for efficient energy management. SGW Metering’s clients include both municipal utilities and private energy companies, as well as owners’ associations.

For ista:

Luther, Corporate/M&A: Dr Björn Simon (Partner, Lead), Dr Johannes Becker (Partner), Dr Sven C. Stumm (Counsel)

Luther, Employment Law/Pensions: Paul Schreiner (Partner), Prof Dr Annekatrin Veit (Partner), Nina Stephan (Counsel)

Luther, Real Estate Law: Ruth-Maria Thomsen (Partner)

Luther, Environmental, Planning, Regulatory: Bernhard Burkert (Partner)

Luther, Commercial & Distribution Law: Dr Johannes Teichmann (Partner), Benedikt Stücker (Senior Associate)

Luther, IP/IT: Dr Maximilian Dorndorf (Partner), Dr Kuuya Chibanguza (Partner)

Luther, Administrative Law: Dr Rut Herten-Koch (Partner)

Luther, Banking Law: Christoph Schauenburg (Partner), Stefan Jokel (Counsel)

Luther, Tax Law: Ulrich Siegemund (Partner), Dr Frank Seidel (Counsel)