For the past 20 years, the experts at FrankfurtRheinMain GmbH International Marketing of the Region (FRM GmbH) have been promoting the Frankfurt RheinMain area as a business location to foreign companies on behalf of the region. The results are impressive: since the company was founded, more than 1,500 international companies have settled in the region. Around half of these have been actively supported by FRM GmbH and its regional partners.
Mike Josef, Mayor of the City of Frankfurt and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of FRM GmbH, said: 'Since its foundation in 2005, FRM GmbH has enabled international companies to write their own success stories in our region. Despite fierce competition and global crises and challenges, we have succeeded in continuously attracting foreign companies to Frankfurt RheinMain and positioning our region successfully internationally. The region's appeal as a business location is evident in the fact that Asian automotive companies such as Nexen Tire, Kia Motors, Hyundai and Chery have established their European headquarters and research and development centres here. The Frankfurt financial centre has been strengthened by the establishment of banks such as Vietinbank, one of the largest Vietnamese banks and the only Vietnamese bank with a branch in Germany and Europe; ICICI Bank, one of the largest Indian private banks; the Australian Westpac Bank; and the Bank of Taiwan."
FRM GmbH: successful location marketing in the region
FRM GmbH began its work in August 2005 with 22 shareholders. Initially, some shareholders doubted whether the work of the newly founded company would primarily benefit the city of Frankfurt. However, the realisation that everyone benefits from joint location marketing and the central placement of foreign investors has long since prevailed. This is demonstrated by the steadily increasing number of shareholders and membership applications since FRM GmbH's reorganisation in 2014.
The regional location marketing organisation currently has 36 shareholders. The latest addition this year was the city of Oberursel, while Frankfurt is the largest single shareholder with 37.5 per cent of the shares. Other shareholders include cities, districts, chambers of industry and commerce, the Chamber of Crafts, the state of Hesse, and several regional associations.
All FRM GmbH shareholders have the opportunity to attract foreign companies. In the international competition between locations, the Frankfurt RheinMain region scores highly thanks to its diverse range of sectors, excellent transport links, international character, academic excellence and high quality of life. While Frankfurt is primarily perceived internationally as a financial centre, international airport and trade fair location, the region is also associated with the IT, automotive, pharmaceutical and life science sectors. FRM GmbH's operations across national borders enhance the range of services and industries, as it also represents the Bavarian Lower Main region and parts of Rhine Hesse.
Another advantage of the joint presence in the international arena is the region's approximately 30 international schools. This makes it easier for foreign specialists and managers to relocate with their families: “All of our shareholders recognise that successful location marketing only works together. The entire region benefits from the establishment of a foreign company, regardless of the branch's location. For example, employees may work in Frankfurt but live in the surrounding area, and vice versa. They also spend their leisure time across the region, taking advantage of the cultural offerings," explains Eric Menges, CEO of FRM GmbH.
Rooted in the region, at home in the world
FRM GmbH boasts an excellent international network, with offices and agents in London, Chicago, Shanghai, Beijing, Pune, Sydney, Taipei, Tokyo, Ho Chi Minh City and Seoul. This brings numerous advantages and synergies for both the region and companies interested in relocating here. Companies considering investing in Germany receive all the information they need to set up in the Frankfurt RheinMain area. Initial contacts with companies are made directly on site. Thanks to close coordination between colleagues abroad and the Frankfurt RheinMain head office, customers receive optimum support and a customised service package. This means that when they arrive, they have all the necessary information, appointments, and contacts. A team of experts with international experience and multilingual skills provides advice and support tailored to the sector and nationality in questions relating to relocation, labour and residence regulations, and the search for a suitable property.
Welcome and Become a part of Frankfurt RheinMain!
While the majority of FRM GmbH's work involves providing individual support for foreign companies, the company also organises highly attended events for investors in Germany and abroad. These include the reception at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Since 2009, Frankfurt RheinMain has been the only German region to organise its own reception at this event. Initially, FRM GmbH organised this with the Maleki Group and later with the dfv Mediengruppe. From 2024 onwards, the company has been organising "Frankfurt RheinMain. The Reception." independently. The reception has been reorganised and upgraded to include a high-calibre panel discussion, and now takes place at a central venue. Past panellists have included Dr Joachim Nagel (President of the Deutsche Bundesbank), Dr Jörg Kukies (former Finance Minister of the Federal Republic of Germany), Souâd Benkredda (Member of the Executive Board of DZ BANK), Michael Sen (CEO of Fresenius) and Stefan Wintels. , Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors of KfW Bankengruppe. The revised concept generated significant interest from international decision-makers. “In competition with regions such as London, Paris and Amsterdam, it is crucial for us to be present at events with international appeal, such as the WEF. Every year, our reception is attended by representatives of companies that have already invested in the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region, as well as by those we would like to convince to invest, and by people who will spread our message as multipliers," says Eric Menges.
FRM GmbH has been responsible for the region's annual presence at the Expo property fair since 2012. The company coordinates the cities' and districts' presence at the joint Frankfurt RheinMain metropolitan region stand. FRM GmbH successfully coordinates different interests, ensuring that stand partners have a perfect presentation and return from Munich with new contacts, projects, ideas and investors.
Looking back on 2024
Despite facing numerous economic and political challenges, as well as a generally difficult economic situation, FRM GmbH can reflect on a successful year. A total of 100 foreign companies settled in the region, 41 of which were supported directly by FRM GmbH's experts. Most of the new companies came from China, the USA, the UK, India, Japan, Australia and Taiwan. Companies that settled in the region with the support of FRM GmbH in 2024 include Warpspace, a Japanese aerospace specialist that has developed a laser-based communication system for satellites and will provide optical communication services in space from Darmstadt using small satellites in near real time. Smithers Medical Device Testing, an international medical services provider, opened a branch in Neu-Isenburg, offering contract laboratory tests to customers in the pharmaceutical and medical technology industries. Rystad Energy, an independent Norwegian energy consultancy firm specialising in analysing global energy issues, has relocated to Frankfurt. Other companies that have settled in Frankfurt include Chungwa Telecom, Taiwan's largest telecoms provider, and Tata Elxsi, a leading global provider of design and technology services from India, which has opened a Robotics and Automation Innovation Lab here.
FRM GmbH is currently processing 244 open enquiries from international companies that could result in a successful relocation at any time.
FRM GmbH internal
The company employs 30 people and has one CEO. It has an annual budget of around five million euros. FRM GmbH has had its own representative office in Shanghai since 2006, and opened an office in Chicago in 2009. The location marketing company currently has offices and representatives in Pune, Beijing, London, Ho Chi Minh City, Seoul, Taipei, Tokyo and Sydney.
At the beginning of its business activities in 2005, FRM GmbH had 22 shareholders. Over the past few years, this number has risen to 36.
Mike Josef, Lord Mayor of the City of Frankfurt am Main, is the Chairman of the Supervisory Board. His deputy is Michael Cyriax, District Administrator of the Main-Taunus district. Eric Menges is in charge of management. The City of Frankfurt am Main is the largest shareholder of the location marketing company with a 37.5% stake. The Frankfurt am Main Chamber of Industry and Commerce holds five per cent, and the state capital of Wiesbaden holds four per cent.