50+ Years of
Professional Heritage

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Local Business. Global Vision.

ETL GLOBAL has evolved from a single entrepreneurial practice in Germany into one of the world’s leading international professional services groups. Built through trusted relationships, specialist expertise and a long term commitment to supporting SMEs and internationally growing businesses, the organisation has established a strong international reputation across professional services.

Today, ETL GLOBAL brings together thousands of professionals across more than 60 countries, combining international capability with the personal service and local understanding that define the group’s relationship led approach.

1971

The Beginning

Franz Josef Wernze establishes EKW Treuhand GmbH in Germany, laying the foundations for what would become the ETL Group.

1970s–2000s

Building a Strong Reputation

Over the following decades, ETL grows into one of Germany’s leading SME-focused advisory firms, specialising in accounting, tax and legal services.

2014

Expansion into the UK

ETL begins its UK journey as the first UK firms join the Group, laying the foundations for future growth across the region.

2015

Launch of ETL GLOBAL

ETL GLOBAL is launched as the Group’s international platform, creating a coordinated approach to global expansion and collaboration.

2018

A Multi-Disciplinary UK Platform

The first UK legal firm joins the Group, transforming the UK business into a fully multi-disciplinary professional services platform.

2020

Global Scale Achieved

ETL reaches a major international milestone, expanding into more than 50 countries with over 1,000 offices worldwide and annual revenues exceeding €1 billion.

2021

Entering the UK Top 20

ETL Global UK secures its place in the UK Top 20 accountancy rankings (Top 50+50) for the first time.

2021–2025

Continued International Growth

The Group continues to expand globally, growing its presence to more than 60 countries and over 1,600 offices worldwide.

A Heritage Shaped by
Long-Term Partnerships

ETL GLOBAL’s heritage is rooted in entrepreneurial leadership, independence and collaboration. Founded by Franz-Josef Wernze, the ETL Group was built on the belief that businesses benefit most from integrated professional advice delivered through trusted personal relationships. This philosophy became the foundation of ETL’s growth across Germany and internationally, bringing together expertise across tax, legal, audit, accounting and advisory services within one integrated professional services group.

Over time, the organisation has expanded significantly, while remaining committed to preserving the individuality, culture and independence of its partner firms. This balance between autonomy and scale continues to define the ETL GLOBAL model today.

At its core, the group remains focused on close client relationships, international collaboration and multidisciplinary expertise, enabling firms to grow sustainably while staying true to their identity.

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Countries
Clients
Professionals
Ranked Top 10 in Europe
heritage

The Principles
Behind the Heritage

For more than five decades, ETL GLOBAL has remained guided by the same core principles. These values continue to shape the culture, partnerships and international growth of the group today.

  1. Trusted long-term relationships

    Built on continuity, confidence and mutual understanding, forming the foundation of enduring client partnerships.

  2. Entrepreneurial thinking and independence

    Encouraging firms to retain their autonomy while embracing opportunity, innovation and long term growth. International collaboration and knowledge sharing

  3. International collaboration and knowledge

    Connecting expertise across borders to deliver stronger outcomes through shared insight and experience.

  1. Expertise across professional disciplines

    Bringing together deep technical knowledge across tax, legal, audit, accounting and advisory services.

  2. Personal service with local understanding

    Delivering responsive, relationship led advice grounded in a clear understanding of local markets and client needs.

  3. Commitment to SMEs and growing businesses

    Supporting ambitious businesses with the capability, insight and continuity required for sustainable growth.

Continuing the legacy

Today, that same philosophy continues to guide the business. Under the leadership of Sara and Pete, the group builds on this long-standing heritage, strengthening capability, preserving entrepreneurial culture and supporting long-term growth across its partner firms.

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Join the group

    Head Office

    Manchester

    hello@etlglobal.co.uk
    +44 01942 816 512

    Head Office

    Manchester

    hello@etlglobal.co.uk
    +44 01942 816 512