UNITI and VSI merge to represent the German Lubricants Market

UNITI (Federal Association of Medium-Sized Energy Companies) and the German Lubricant Industry Association (VSI) voted unanimously to merge the two associations. The merger will represent approximately 95% of the German lubricants market and a significant portion of the European market.? 

 Founded in 1927, UNITI has approximately 1,000 member companies from the energy SME sector, currently representing around 62 percent of the German petrol station market, with approximately 8,600 filling stations, of which around 3,700 are independent. In lubricants, their member companies currently hold around 50 percent of the market share. Through the merger with VSI, the share of represented members in the German lubricant market will rise to approximately 95 percent. 

Initially founded in 1947 as a supply association for grease manufacturers, VSI has developed into a technical association of the German lubricant industry, with memberships ranging from highly specialized, medium-sized companies to multinational corporations.? 

“This merger is a historic milestone for our industry,” said Dr. Peter Seifried, Chairman of the VSI. “Together, we are pooling expertise, networks, and influence to decisively address the challenges of transformation in the lubricant, energy, and mobility industries.” 

Christine Keslar-Tunder, Chair of UNITI, added: “The pooling of the expertise of both associations and the associated synergies will directly benefit our member companies, as we will be able to support them even more comprehensively than before in addressing the diverse current challenges. Above all, the merger will also further strengthen our regulatory and political influence potential, for which the highest possible market coverage and an efficient organizational structure of an association are crucial.”? 

The merger into UNITI Bundesverband EnergieMittelstand eV (UNITI German Association of Medium-Sized Energy Companies) is expected to be formally completed in the fourth quarter of 2025. Both organizations are already working intensively on the structural merger to join forces and further advance the interests of companies in the lubricants industry.