Klett Gruppe

The Klett Gruppe is a prominent European education company that operates as a strategic holding entity, overseeing a diverse portfolio of businesses within the education sector. The firm's activities span educational media publishing, adult and continuing education institutions, and the operation of day-care centers and schools. As a strategic holding company, Klett AG supports and promotes the initiatives of its affiliated companies, providing necessary funding without dictating their day-to-day operations.

The origins of the Klett Gruppe trace back to 1897 when Ernst Klett the Elder acquired a printing house in Stuttgart, Germany. Over the decades, the family-owned business evolved from a local printing and publishing house into a significant educational enterprise. The company expanded its focus beyond traditional publishing to include a wide array of educational services, diversifying its business areas and acquiring stakes in numerous organizations, particularly since the 1990s.

Klett Gruppe's investment strategy focuses on building successful partnerships and enhancing the value of its participations. They primarily target EdTech companies with a strong connection to the education industry. The firm seeks minority stakes, typically between 10% and 50%, in young corporations based in Europe, with a preference for the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). Notable entities within their portfolio include CBS International Business School, ThiemeMeulenhoff (a major Dutch educational media publisher), Langenscheidt (known for adult education and school reference materials), and Kinderzentren Kunterbunt (a provider of children's daycare services). They also established institutions like Wilhelm Büchner Hochschule, Europäische Fernhochschule, and APOLLON Hochschule.

The Klett Gruppe is led by a management board comprising Christian Döttinger, Philipp Haußmann (Spokesperson), Lothar Kleiner, and Dr. David Klett. Philipp Haußmann and Dr. David Klett represent the fourth generation of the Klett entrepreneurial family, underscoring the company's enduring family ownership and commitment to its educational mission.