The engineering market is entering a phase of consolidation
Many industrial companies are currently reducing their supplier base. Instead of working with numerous small providers, they increasingly favor partners offering a broad technology portfolio, scalability, and long-term stability.
As Uwe Hihn explains in the interview:
“Target customers are reducing their supplier lists. In the future, demand will focus on larger partners with broad technological capabilities and strong financial stability.”
This development is reshaping the entire engineering and IT services market. Clients are seeking partners who can support complex projects holistically—from development and digitalization initiatives to modern software and data solutions.
For engineering and IT service providers, this means that specialization alone will often no longer be sufficient. Companies must combine diverse capabilities while remaining flexible enough to respond to evolving requirements.
ACONEXT’s response: Building a strong engineering and IT platform
For several years, ACONEXT has been pursuing a clear growth strategy centered on a buy-and-build approach. The ACONEXT Group acts as a shared platform that is continuously expanded through companies with complementary capabilities.
Uwe Hihn describes it as follows:
“The strategy is based on a clear buy-and-build approach: ACONEXT provides the organizational, operational, and cultural foundation onto which complementary engineering and IT competencies are added through targeted acquisitions.”
The goal is not growth at any cost. Instead, ACONEXT aims to build a high-performing network of engineering, technology, and digitalization experts that delivers real value to customers.
Cross-industry expertise creates competitive advantages
In addition to technological expansion, diversification across different industries plays a crucial role.
Across sectors, requirements are becoming increasingly similar:
- Digitalization of development processes
- Software-defined products
- Artificial intelligence
- Data management
- Systems engineering
- Automation
- Sustainability and efficiency improvements
Through its platform strategy, ACONEXT brings together expertise from various industries and technology domains, including automotive, aerospace, defense, railway, and industrial engineering.
This creates a significant advantage for clients: experiences and best practices from different industries can be transferred and applied to new projects.
Why clients benefit from this development
Market consolidation is not only a challenge for service providers—it also presents significant opportunities for customers. By consolidating competencies, companies benefit from:
- A single point of contact for complex projects
- Scalable teams and resources
- Broad technological expertise
- High speed of innovation
- Long-term partnership stability
- Faster access to new technologies
Especially in times of economic uncertainty, strong and reliable partnerships are becoming increasingly important.
Growth depends on the right people
Despite all strategic and economic considerations, Uwe Hihn emphasizes in the interview that successful acquisitions ultimately depend on people.
The integration of new companies is not just about metrics or synergies. Corporate culture, mutual trust, and a shared vision are decisive factors. That is why ACONEXT places great importance on getting to know teams early and incorporating the needs of employees and customers into the integration process.
CONCLUSION: Turnaround means actively shaping opportunities
The current market environment requires courage, adaptability, and a clear strategic direction. The ACONEXT Group demonstrates how growth can succeed even in challenging times—through targeted acquisitions, a strong platform strategy, and a consistent focus on customer value.
To explore Uwe Hihn’s full insights, along with perspectives from other leading entrepreneurs and experts, read the cover story “Turnaround 2026: How a Restart Can Succeed” in Unternehmeredition.
https://www.unternehmeredition.de/wp-content/uploads/EPAPER/epaper-Unternehmeredition-2-2026/#12
The article provides valuable insights into the future of mid-sized businesses and outlines the strategies that can make a successful turnaround possible.
