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On Wednesday evening, 14 January, the gala ceremony for the 18th Handelsblatt Hall of Fame for Family Businesses took place at The Charles Hotel in Munich. The award recognises outstanding entrepreneurial achievements, sustainable commitment across generations and the exemplary role of family-run businesses in Germany.
Since 2009, it has been jointly awarded by Handelsblatt, the auditing firm KPMG and the Family Business Foundation.
This year, Hans-Julius, Johanna and Iver Ahlmann were inducted into the Hall of Fame as new members – in recognition of their joint entrepreneurial commitment and their formative role in the development of the ACO Group.
The members inducted into the Hall of Fame since 2009 include such renowned family businesses as Miele, Würth and STIHL.
As a family of entrepreneurs, we are naturally very proud of this award. Now, in 2026, ACO's 80th year, we look back on the many key events that have led to us receiving this award. In this sense, the entire ACO family can be very proud, because it was always a group of people who worked together to achieve something significant.
Hans-Julius Ahlmann
Managing Director
My parents have been entrepreneurs here in the north and around the world for 45 years, putting their heart and soul into their work. I am therefore delighted that they are receiving recognition for their life's work with this award. My own award is of course also an honour for me and encourages me to continue along the same path in the future.
Iver Ahlmann
Managing Director
