With 8,500 employees and 1.4 billion marks in annual sales, the largest technical inspection association was formed in Germany.

From 1 January 1996, TÜV Bayern and TÜV Sudvest merged to create TÜV Suddeutschland AG (named TÜV SUD AG from 2005). TÜV Hessen became part of the new company based on a resolution at the members’ meeting in March of that year.

Dr. Ing. Carl Eugen Becker, director of the newly founded joint-stock company and key architect of the merger, wanted to continue the company’s expansion, especially abroad.

“Our strategy is to become number one in security services, so we can follow our clients as partners wherever our advice provides them with a competitive advantage.” Günther Hafner played a key role in the creation of a new revolutionary legal structure.