Top 10 Pharmaceutical Companies in Germany
As the third-biggest economy globally, behind only the United States and China, Germany is a major exporter of goods and services, from cars and electronic hardware through to pharmaceuticals.
In fact, according to figures from the European Commission, Germany is the largest EU exporter of medicinal and pharmaceutical products to countries outside of the European Union (€67.9b annually).
In this article, we’ll examine the key Germany-based companies innovating in the pharmaceutical industry from Düsseldorf to Berlin. The pharmaceutical companies listed include those operating in drug development, distribution, and medical device manufacturing.
Methodology
To be eligible for this ranking, a company has to meet the following criteria:
- Headquartered in Germany
- Listed as ‘Active’ on the German Handelsregister
- Classified within the pharmaceutical industry in Germany, using Beauhurst’s industry classification
Companies have been ranked by annual turnover. Only companies with turnover filed from 31st December 2023 onwards have been included in the ranking.
The data for this report was found using the Beauhurst platform, and is accurate as of 27 June 2025.
Germany’s top 10 pharmaceutical companies by turnover
Medios
Incorporated: 1980
Location: Berlin
Turnover: €1.89b
Medios operates in the specialty pharmaceuticals sector, supplying medicines and personalised therapies for patients with chronic and rare conditions.
Headquartered in Berlin, the company also manufactures sterile infusions through its facility in Aschaffenburg, adhering to the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Good Manufacturing Practices standards across a range of therapeutic areas. Its activities span pharmaceutical wholesale, compounding, and logistics, with a focus on supporting public and private pharmacies across Germany.
Medios reported a turnover of €1.89b in its latest financial year.
AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
Incorporated: 1925
Location: Wiesbaden
Turnover: €2.05b
AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG operates as the German subsidiary of the global biopharmaceutical company AbbVie Inc.
Based in Wiesbaden, the business focuses on the research, development, and commercialisation of therapies in areas such as immunology, oncology, neurology, and virology. It manages local clinical trials and supports the distribution of AbbVie’s pharmaceutical portfolio within Germany.
In its most recent financial year, the company reported a turnover of €2.05b.
Gerresheimer
Incorporated: 1894
Location: Düsseldorf
Turnover: €2.10b
Gerresheimer is a manufacturer specialising in pharmaceutical packaging and drug delivery systems.
Headquartered in Düsseldorf, the company supplies products such as vials, ampoules, syringes, and inhalers to the global healthcare and life sciences sectors. It operates across a network of international production sites and has partnerships with major pharmaceutical firms.
In its most recent accounts, Gerresheimer reported a turnover of €2.10b.
Sartorius
Incorporated: 1973
Location: Göttingen
Turnover: €3.43b
Sartorius develops laboratory and bioprocessing equipment for use in the biopharmaceutical industry.
Based in Göttingen, the company provides solutions including filtration systems, analytical instruments, and single-use technologies to support drug development and manufacturing. Its operations span multiple regions, serving clients ranging from research institutions to large-scale pharmaceutical producers.
Beauhurst data reveals that Sartorius reported a turnover of €3.43b in its latest financial statements.
BioNTech
Incorporated: 1997
Location: Mainz
Turnover: €3.92b
BioNTech is a biotechnology company focused on the development of immunotherapies and vaccines, including mRNA-based treatments.
Headquartered in Mainz, it gained international prominence through its partnership with Pfizer to produce one of the first approved COVID-19 vaccines. The company continues to advance a pipeline of oncology and infectious disease therapies, supported by collaborations with global pharmaceutical firms.
Its most recent financial data shows a turnover of €3.92b.
Wacker
Incorporated: 1918
Location: München
Turnover: €5.86b
Wacker is a chemical company specialising in silicone, polymer, and biotechnology products for industrial and consumer applications.
Headquartered in München, it operates globally, supplying sectors including electronics, construction, automotive, and pharmaceuticals. The company maintains a broad manufacturing footprint and invests in R&D across its business divisions.
Its most recent accounts recorded a turnover of €5.86b.
Sanacorp eG Pharmazeutische Großhandlung
Incorporated: 1948
Location: Planegg
Turnover: €6.32b
Sanacorp eG Pharmazeutische Großhandlung is a pharmaceutical wholesaler supplying medicines and healthcare products to pharmacies across Germany.
Based in Planegg, the cooperative operates a network of distribution centres and provides logistics, IT, and consultancy services to its member pharmacies. It plays a key role in supporting the national pharmaceutical supply chain.
In its latest financial year, Sanacorp reported a turnover of €6.32b.
Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
Incorporated: 1811
Location: Bad Homburg vor der Höhe
Turnover: €22.1b
Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA is a diversified healthcare group operating globally across hospital management, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals.
Based in Bad Homburg vor der Höhe, the group includes subsidiaries such as Fresenius Medical Care, Fresenius Kabi, and Helios. Its operations span inpatient care, infusion therapies, and biosimilars, with a presence in over 100 countries.
The group reported a turnover of €22.1b in its latest financial statements.
PHOENIX Pharma SE
Incorporated: 1875
Location: Mannheim
Turnover: €36.6b
PHOENIX Pharma SE is a pharmaceutical wholesaler and healthcare provider operating across Europe.
Headquartered in Mannheim, the company supplies pharmacies, hospitals, and medical practices, while also operating retail pharmacy brands in several markets. The company’s long-standing presence in Mannheim aligns with the city’s role as a regional logistical transport hub.
In its latest financial year, PHOENIX Pharma SE reported a turnover of €36.6b.
Bayer
Founded: 1927
Location: Leverkusen
Turnover: €49.3b
Topping our list of pharmaceutical companies in Germany is Bayer; a global life sciences company with core operations in pharmaceuticals, consumer health, and agricultural solutions.
Headquartered in Leverkusen, the group develops products ranging from prescription therapies and over-the-counter medicines to crop protection and biotechnology solutions. It operates internationally, with significant investment in research and development across its divisions.
The company also has historical ties to the Bundesliga football club Bayer 04 Leverkusen, founded as part of its employee welfare programme.
Bayer reported a turnover of €49.3b in its most recent financial year.
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