1978
An idea is born
In 1978, Wolfgang Grenke had an idea. As modern telephone systems, copiers, and computers were becoming more common in offices, he decided to make these investments easier for companies by offering attractive leases. He established his one-man business in Baden-Baden. In the first year, Wolfgang Grenke and two employees managed 21 resellers and 198 leases. Recognizing the massive potential in leasing low-cost office equipment (small-ticket IT leasing), he began a success story that shows no sign of slowing down.
2000
IPO and even stronger performance
In April 2000, grenke went public. We have remained faithful to our promise of working with small and mid-sized businesses as a reliable partner on an equal footing. In 2005, we introduced Invoice Finance as a new market offering.
2002
grenke meets the UK
In 2002, grenke expanded into the UK, establishing a branch in Guildford in the Home Counties just outside London. Guildford has remained its headquarters to this day.
2010
Branch Evolution
New branches were established in Bristol in 2010, Manchester and Hemel Hempstead in 2011, Tamworth in 2012, Glasgow in 2013, Newport in 2015, and Leeds in 2018. Belfast, previously a separate franchise, became part of grenke in 2022.
2018
Change and continuity
grenke celebrate 40 years in business. At the end of February, Wolfgang Grenke steps down as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
2019
grenke UK move into new Headquarters
After more than 10 years in our central Guildford office, our expanding team moved to a new headquarters at No. 2 London Square to accommodate our continued growth.
2020
Expanding international network
grenke spans the globe with a presence in 30 countries and is now listed on the MDAX. What began as a one-man business has grown into a multinational group of companies offering a wide range of services. Invoice Finance and banking services now complete our comprehensive portfolio.
2021
Ideally positioned for the future
In August 2021, Michael Bücker became the new CEO of grenke AG. His mission is to sustainably align the leasing specialist with the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. His focus is particularly on 'ESG' (environment, social, and governance) and digitalisation.
2021
Branch Development
In October 2022, three of our UK branches changed their names: Tamworth became grenke Birmingham, London was renamed London & Southern Counties, and Hemel Hempstead joined the UK headquarters as London & Northern Home Counties.
2023
Back to normality
grenke is laying the foundation for increased earnings in the coming years and is well-positioned to return to the strong growth that characterized the company for four decades. CFO Dr. Sebastian Hirsch became Chairman of the Board of Directors on December 1, 2022, initially on an interim basis and then permanently from February 16, 2023.
