Friedhelm Loh Enters German Wealth Top Ten Amidst Group’s Financial Turnaround
HAIGER, 31 January 2026 – German industrialist Friedhelm Loh has been recognised in two prominent rankings this week, solidifying his status as a titan of German industry. The 79-year-old owner and chairman of the Friedhelm Loh Group has been ranked tenth on the Forbes 2026 list of the richest Germans. Concurrently, he was inducted into the “Hall of Fame der Familienunternehmen” (Hall of Fame for Family Businesses) by Handelsblatt for his lifetime achievement. The accolades come as Flagstar Financial (NYSE: FLG), a key part of his group’s portfolio, reported a strong return to profitability for the fourth quarter of 2025.
Forbes Ranking and Hall of Fame Honour
According to the newly published Forbes list for 2026, Friedhelm Loh ranks as the tenth wealthiest individual in Germany. Loh, who turns 80 this year, founded the Friedhelm Loh Group in 1961. The group, which remains owner-operated, is a global player in enclosure technology, power distribution, and software for industrial automation, primarily through its flagship companies Rittal and Eplan. His induction into the Handelsblatt’s “Hall of Fame der Familienunternehmen” further underscores his influence, with the publication citing his “commitment, analytical ability, and a strong will to change” as defining characteristics.
Flagstar Financial’s Q4 2025 Performance
The group’s US-based banking subsidiary, Flagstar Financial, held its earnings call on 30 January, reporting results for the quarter ended December 2025. The bank marked a significant turnaround, achieving its first profitable quarter since Q3 2023. It reported adjusted net income of $30 million and net income attributable to common stockholders of $21 million, or $0.05 per diluted share. Revenues for the quarter were $497 million. The return to profitability was driven by robust Commercial & Industrial (C&I) loan growth and a major reduction in Commercial Real Estate (CRE) exposure, which was cut by $12.1 billion year-over-year.
Key Facts: Friedhelm Loh & The Loh Group
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name & Title | Friedhelm Loh, Owner & Chairman of the Board, Friedhelm Loh Group |
| Forbes Ranking 2026 | 10th Richest German |
| Recent Honour | Inducted into the “Hall of Fame der Familienunternehmen” (Handelsblatt) |
| Group Founded | 1961 |
| Key Subsidiaries | Rittal (enclosure systems), Eplan (engineering software), Flagstar Financial (US banking) |
| Flagstar Financial Q4 2025 | Returned to profitability with $21M net income; reduced CRE exposure by $12.1B YoY. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Friedhelm Loh Group?
The Friedhelm Loh Group is a global, owner-operated German industrial group founded in 1961. It is best known for its market-leading companies Rittal (enclosure technology and power distribution) and Eplan (software for control cabinet and industrial engineering). The group also holds a significant stake in US regional bank Flagstar Financial.
Why is Flagstar Financial’s performance significant?
Flagstar Financial’s return to profitability in Q4 2025 after several quarters of losses is a positive signal for the group’s diversified holdings. The strong performance was attributed to strategic growth in C&I lending and a deliberate de-risking of its commercial real estate portfolio, indicating effective management under the group’s stewardship.
What does Loh’s Hall of Fame induction mean?
Induction into the “Hall of Fame der Familienunternehmen” is a prestigious honour in German business circles, reserved for individuals who have made an exceptional lifelong contribution to the success and culture of family-owned enterprises. It recognises Loh’s leadership in growing a small German business into a worldwide industrial player while keeping it within family ownership.