Germany is a federal parliamentary republic in central-western Europe. Germany has the world's 3rd largest economy by nominal GDP, and the 5th largest by PPP. As a global leader in several industrial and technological sectors, it is both the world's third-largest exporter and importer of goods.
Of the world's 500 largest stock-market-listed companies measured by revenue in 2017, the Fortune Global 500, 29 are headquartered in Germany. 30 Germany-based companies are included in the DAX, the German stock market index. Well-known international brands include Mercedes-Benz, BMW, SAP, Volkswagen, Audi, Siemens, Allianz, Adidas, Porsche, Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bank and Bosch, BMW Motorrad, Canyon Bicycles, Wiesmann GmbH, Ariola Records, UFA GmbH, Jako AG, Zalando SE.[1]
Germany is recognised for its large portion of specialised small and medium enterprises, known as the Mittelstand model. Around 1,000 of these companies are global market leaders in their segment and are labelled hidden champions.[2]
For further information on the types of business entities in this country and their abbreviations, see "Business entities in Germany".
See also: List of largest German companies. This list shows firms in the Fortune Global 500, which ranks firms by total revenues reported before 31 March 2018.[3] Only the top five firms (if available) are included as a sample.
| Rank | Image | Name | 2017 revenues (US$M) | Employees | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Volkswagen Group | 260,028 | 642,292 | Multinational consumer and commercial vehicle manufacturer operating in more than 150 countries. Consumer brands include Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, MAN SE, Porsche, Scania AB, SEAT and Škoda Auto. | ||
| 16 | Daimler AG | 185,235 | 289,321 | Stuttgart-based multinational automotive manufacturer. Brands include Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, Detroit Diesel, Freightliner Trucks, Western Star Trucks, Thomas Built Buses, Setra, BharatBenz, Smart and Maybach. | ||
| 38 | Allianz | 123,532 | 140,253 | Munich financial services company focused on insurance and asset management. One of the largest insurance firms in the world, subsidiaries include AGF, Allianz Life (life), Euler Hermes (credit life), and PIMCO (investments). | ||
| 51 | BMW | 111,231 | 129,932 | Vehicle manufacturer producing commercial and consumer automobiles and motorcycles. Brands include Mini, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, and BMW Motorrad (motorcycles). | ||
| 66 | Siemens | 91,585 | 372,000 | Multinational industrial manufacturing conglomerate founded by Werner von Siemens that includes diversification into energy, healthcare, and infrastructure. |
This list includes notable companies with primary headquarters located in the country. The industry and sector follow the Industry Classification Benchmark taxonomy. Organizations that have ceased operations are included and noted as defunct.