37 member companies from seven countries, 29 industry partners and three intensive days of dialogue, workshops and personal encounters: IGH Forum 2026 in Innsbruck once again demonstrated the added value that a strong international network brings to the future of the specialist trade sector. As the organiser of this high-profile event, IGH Einkaufs- und Marketing eG welcomed representatives of the E/D/E Group as invited guests. The focus was on cross-border exchange, the further development of joint business relationships and the strengthening of partnerships between specialist distributors and industry.

Members and industry partners from various European markets accepted IGH e.G.’s invitation to discuss current developments in the building services and HVAC sector, learn from one another and develop shared perspectives for future cooperation. In doing so, IGH once again reinforced its position as an independent and powerful wholesale organisation that works closely and successfully with E/D/E in strategically important areas. In an increasingly complex and dynamic market environment, this kind of cross-border dialogue is becoming ever more important. Different market insights, experience and best practices from individual countries provide valuable inspiration and create new opportunities for shared growth.

Alongside an internal IGH e.G. assembly, the event focused primarily on the many opportunities for interaction between member companies and industry partners. Personal discussions helped deepen existing partnerships, establish new contacts and initiate joint projects. The strong level of participation further highlighted the strength of the network and the particular value of trusting relationships within the European specialist trade community.

For EDE International, events such as this, to which the organisation is invited as a partner, are an important part of active network development. They provide the ideal platform for bringing people together, fostering the transfer of knowledge between countries and markets, and strengthening European collaboration for the long term.

In addition to the professional programme, Innsbruck provided the perfect setting for personal interaction. The attractive social programme organised by IGH e.G. created further opportunities for discussions beyond day-to-day business and helped deepen connections within the European network.

Representing the E/D/E Group as invited guests were Peter Jüngst, Member of the Management Board of E/D/E GmbH; Annegret Franzen, CEO of EDE International AG; Oliver Anders, Head of Building Services at E/D/E GmbH; and Stefanie Giesel, Team Leader Building Services at E/D/E GmbH. Through numerous discussions with IGH members and industry partners, they gained valuable insights into developments across different European markets and took away important ideas for further cooperation.

For Annegret Franzen, CEO of EDE International AG, IGH Forum 2026 once again demonstrated the value that strong European partnerships create for the specialist trade sector. Encounters with members and industry partners from different countries, combined with the open and collaborative atmosphere, generated many new perspectives and ideas for future joint development. She expressed her particular thanks to IGH e.G. as a cooperation partner for the excellent organisation, outstanding hospitality and the overall success of the event in Innsbruck.

In June, on the occasion of the Insperience Day, the E/D/E Group and Ferney Group B.V. celebrated a significant anniversary: 25 years of successful and trusted cooperation.

Over the past quarter century, this partnership has developed into a strong, cross-border collaboration that continues to generate sustainable growth and open new opportunities. From the very beginning, Ferney has played an active role in this development – as a long-standing FORUMplus partner and an early member of the EHN competence group.

A key element of this successful collaboration is the established E/D/E chain transaction model (“Reihengeschäft”), which enables efficient international business processes with partners such as Ferney Group B.V. In this context, ETRIS BANK plays an important role by ensuring reliable and secure financial processing, thereby contributing to the stability and efficiency of the entire value chain.

The cooperation between the E/D/E GmbH, EDE International AG and Ferney Group B.V. is characterized by continuity, mutual trust and a shared commitment to further development – values that have proven their strength over many years.

To mark this special milestone, Dr. Andreas Trauwein (Chairman of the Management Board of the E/D/E Group) and Annegret Franzen (Managing Director of EDE International AG) personally attended the event and presented a specially designed cooperation certificate. The certificate highlights key milestones and reflects the successful partnership over the past 25 years.

The certificate was handed over with great appreciation to Gert Rademaker (Managing Director of Ferney Group B.V.) and Fred Huurman (former Managing Director of Ferney Group B.V.), thereby honouring both the current leadership and the individuals who have shaped and accompanied this partnership over many years.

For Dr. Andreas Trauwein, the key to this long-standing partnership lies above all in the human factor. Built on trust, mutual respect and collaboration at eye level, the cooperation has evolved into a stable and deeply rooted relationship within the networks of both organisations, continuously generating sustainable added value for members and suppliers.

Looking ahead, both partners are committed to continuing this successful cooperation and further strengthening their collaboration within the European network.

Representatives from EDE International recently conducted an initial visit to Synergas S. Coop. in Spain, marking a significant step in the partnership between the two organizations. Martin Ochelski, Sales Director at EDE International, and Marcello Röös, Regional Sales Manager (Iberia) at EDE International, met with Iñigo Pérez, Managing Director of Synergas S. Coop., during this visit.

The EDE International delegation toured Synergas’s warehouse facilities and engaged in productive discussions about future cooperation and upcoming joint projects. The atmosphere throughout the visit was positive and constructive, with both parties expressing enthusiasm for the collaboration ahead.

Synergas S. Coop. is a Spanish cooperative central purchasing organization in the industrial supply and hardware sector. With over 50 years of experience, the company has its roots in the Basque region and is headquartered in northern Spain (Navarre), supporting its member companies across Spain—especially in the industrial and construction sectors.

EDE International looks forward to further strengthening this cooperation. As part of the next steps, the Synergas team is expected to make a return visit to the Einkaufsbüro Deutscher Eisenhändler (E/D/E Group) headquarters in Germany in the near future, underscoring the positive momentum of this new partnership.

At the end of February 2026, EDE International had the pleasure of attending ExpoCadena, the annual trade fair organised by its Spanish cooperation partner Ehlis S.A., held in Seville from 25^th to 27^th February.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Seville, ExpoCadena once again proved to be one of the key meeting points for the Spanish hardware and DIY industry. As a private, business-focused event, it brings together members, suppliers and industry professionals to discover innovations, exchange ideas and strengthen commercial relationships.

The 2026 edition reflected the continued success and relevance of the format: around 348 exhibiting companies filled the exhibition halls, presenting a wide range of products and solutions across the sector – from tools and equipment to DIY and garden products.

Beyond the exhibition itself, ExpoCadena once again offered a strong congress programme, providing insights into strategic developments and future initiatives within the Ehlis company. At the same time, the event also created memorable moments beyond business: alongside the informative sessions, participants enjoyed an entertaining programme featuring a well-known Spanish comedian and a musical performance by the Royal Film Concert Orchestra, adding a dynamic and inspiring dimension to the overall experience.

For EDE International, being present on site in Seville was not only about gaining market insights, but above all about nurturing the close and trusted relationship with Ehlis and meeting Iberian members and suppliers.

As Annegret Franzen, CEO of EDE International, emphasised:
“What makes the cooperation between EHLIS and EDE International so special is our shared mindset: both family-driven companies, shaped over generations and united by a strong focus on trust, partnership and long-term success.”

The event stood out for its excellent organisation, the high professional standard and the open, dynamic atmosphere throughout the exhibition halls. At the same time, it once again demonstrated how valuable personal encounters and direct dialogue are in strengthening partnerships and identifying new opportunities together.

We sincerely thank Ehlis for their outstanding organisation and hospitality and look forward to ExpoCadena 2027.