DIN remains a shareholder as DQS plans further growth in its areas of expertise and international markets.
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Frankfurt am Main, October 30, 2026 – Montagu, a leading mid-market private equity firm, has completed its acquisition of a majority stake in DQS Holding GmbH (“DQS”). DIN remains a significant minority shareholder and will continue to support DQS’s growth together with Montagu. The transaction was announced in April 2026.
“We have ambitious plans for DQS, and I am very pleased to have Montagu alongside us to help turn them into reality,” says Ingo M. Rübenach, CEO of DQS Group. “Their investment recognizes the expertise of our people and the trust our customers place in us.”
Tobias Weltin, Partner at Montagu, said: “Montagu is committed to supporting Ingo M. Rübenach and the management team as they accelerate DQS’s international expansion, while preserving the Company’s independence, technical integrity and compliance with accreditation bodies and regulators.”
Investing in growth
With Montagu and DIN as shareholders, DQS plans to grow organically and through selective acquisitions in its areas of expertise, including digital trust, medical devices and sustainability. The aim is to deepen specialist expertise and strengthen DQS’s international presence in line with customers’ needs.
Montagu brings experience in supporting growth in regulated markets and provides long-term capital to support these plans.
Continuity for customers
The change of ownership does not affect existing customer contracts or the validity of certificates. DQS will continue to operate within its established accreditation frameworks. Certification decisions remain independent of shareholders and commercial interests.
Founded in 1985 by DIN, DGQ and German industry associations, DQS has grown into an international provider of assessment and certification services, serving more than 20,000 customers in more than 60 countries. DIN has been a shareholder since the company’s founding.
Press contact:
Amsal Alihodzic
Director Marketing, Brand & Communications
DQS Holding GmbH
August-Schanz-Straße 21
60433 Frankfurt am Main
Tel.: +49 69 95427-270
E-Mail: [email protected]
About DQS
DQS – Leveraging Quality, Driving Success.
DQS empowers organizations worldwide to build trust, drive innovation, and achieve sustainable growth by certifying the future of business. Founded in 1985, DQS has grown into a global leader in the assessment and certification of management systems, with a team of 3,000 highly qualified auditors delivering over 130,000 audit days per year in more than 60 countries. Through internationally recognized certifications across more than 200 standards, DQS helps businesses manage risks, ensure compliance, and unlock new opportunities in an evolving regulatory and business landscape.
Thinking beyond compliance, DQS is a trusted partner for digitalization, automation, and sustainability leadership. The company’s expertise spans cybersecurity and AI governance, ESG compliance, supply chain management, medical device safety, and future mobility. By leveraging advanced auditing methodologies, predictive analytics, and real-time insights, DQS supports organizations in future-proofing their operations while demonstrating their commitment to excellence and responsible business practices.
About Montagu
Montagu is a leading mid-market private equity firm, committed to finding and growing businesses that make the world work. Focusing on businesses with a must-have product or service in a structurally growing marketplace, Montagu brings proven growth capabilities to help companies achieve their ambitions and unlock their full potential. Montagu specialises in carve-out and other first-time buyout investments and has deep expertise in five priority sectors: Healthcare, Financial Sector Services, Critical Data, Digital Infrastructure and Education. ESG forms an integral part of its strategy, and its commitment to responsible investment is fully integrated into its investment and value-creation process. Montagu has €15bn assets under management