SOCOTEC strengthens its leadership in Germany with the acquisition of Röhll and Koch

• The acquisition reinforces SOCOTEC Germany’s capabilities in explosive ordnance detection and clearance (EOD: Explosive Ordnance Disposal) in infrastructure projects.
• Röhll Munitionsbergung GmbHand Koch Munitionsbergung GmbH bring proven technical excellence and complementary client portfolios to SOCOTEC’s growing European platform.
• The transaction supports the Group’s ambition to lead infrastructure safety and environmental risk management across Europe.

SOCOTEC Germany is a leading German technical service provider in the fields of testing, inspection, certification, and consulting for construction and infrastructure. With now 1,500 employees and an annual turnover of €240 million, SOCOTEC Germany offers integrated expertise across building design and inspection, tunnelling, building construction, geotechnics, surveying, geodata and infrastructure monitoring. Through its nationwide network of offices, SOCOTEC supports clients in achieving compliance, operational excellence, and sustainability throughout every stage of the built asset lifecycle from design and construction to maintenance and modernization.

A Structurally Growing EOD Market in Germany

Germany’s EOD market, valued at approximately €560 million in 2024, has grown at a 13% compound annual rate since 2020, driven by tightening regulations, increasing technical complexity, and major infrastructure investment. The market’s expansion is fueled by government commitments to renovate and modernize critical transport networks, backed by a €500 billion special infrastructure fund.

With an expected growth rate of 10% per year between 2024 and 2029, EOD services have become a cornerstone of large-scale public and private construction initiatives, particularly within railway and highway infrastructure. SOCOTEC’s expertise in risk management, combined with the advanced technical capabilities of Röhll and Koch, positions the Group to play a central role in this dynamic, safety-critical sector.

A Strengthened Market Position for SOCOTEC

The combination of Schollenberger Kampfmittelbergung, Röhll and Koch under the SOCOTEC Kampfmittelbergung name now accounts for around 20% of the German EOD market, positioning SOCOTEC Germany as the industry leader. This integration creates one of the most comprehensive EOD platforms in Europe, combining complementary geographic coverage, diversified clients, and strong technical expertise across land and underwater operations. It enhances SOCOTEC Germany’s ability to manage large-scale national projects, meet complex regulatory standards, and deliver reliable, end-to-end safety solutions. For Röhll and Koch, joining SOCOTEC provides access to a wider European network and advanced technical resources, reinforcing the Group’s ambition to set the benchmark for safety, quality, and performance across Germany and Europe.

Looking Ahead: Building Europe’s Safest Infrastructure

Through this acquisition, SOCOTEC continues to execute its European growth strategy, focusing on high-value, mission-critical sectors where safety and technical precision are paramount. As infrastructure investment intensifies across Germany and Europe, SOCOTEC’s integrated EOD expertise will play a vital role in ensuring the sustainable and secure development of future transport, energy, and construction projects.

“The acquisition of Röhll and Koch reinforces SOCOTEC’s commitment to supporting Germany’s infrastructure modernization with best-in-class technical expertise. The combined EOD activities will represent 20% of the EOD market in Germany with SOCOTEC Germany being #1 on this market.  SOCOTEC Germany is one of our main strategic assets within the group, capable of addressing all safety and sustainability challenges of the built environment.” said Hervé Monjotin, SOCOTEC Group’s CEO.

For Ludger Speier, CEO of SOCOTEC Germany: “With the integration of both companies, we are bringing together expertise, experience, and innovative strength under one roof. More than 600 employees are now working within SOCOTEC Kampfmittelbergung in Germany to ensure the safety of people, the environment, and infrastructure. This merger marks an important step in strengthening our long-term position in the unexploded ordnance (UXO) remediation market. It creates synergies in technology, logistics, and know-how, providing the foundation to deliver complex projects even more efficiently and safely in the future. At the same time, this step also means security for our employees, who can rely on a stable, forward-looking company structure, as well as for our clients, who can continue to count on the highest standards of quality and reliability.”