50+ Years of
Professional Legacy
Local Business. Global Vision.
ETL GLOBAL has evolved from a single entrepreneurial practice in Germany to one of the world’s leading international professional services groups.
Today, ETL GLOBAL brings together thousands of professionals across more than 60 countries, combining international capability with the personal service and local understanding that define the group’s relationship led approach.
The Beginning
Franz Josef Wernze establishes EKW Treuhand GmbH in Germany, laying the foundations for what would become the ETL Group.
Building a Strong Reputation
Over the following decades, ETL grows into one of Germany’s leading SME-focused advisory firms, specialising in accounting, tax and legal services.
Expansion into the UK
ETL begins its UK journey as the first UK firms join the Group, laying the foundations for future growth across the region.
Launch of ETL GLOBAL
ETL GLOBAL is launched as the Group’s international platform, creating a coordinated approach to global expansion and collaboration.
A Multi-Disciplinary UK Platform
The first UK legal firm joins the Group, transforming the UK business into a fully multi-disciplinary professional services platform.
Global Scale Achieved
ETL reaches a major international milestone, expanding into more than 50 countries with over 1,000 offices worldwide and annual revenues exceeding €1 billion.
Entering the UK Top 20
ETL Global UK secures its place in the UK Top 20 accountancy rankings (Top 50+50) for the first time.
Continued International Growth
The Group continues to expand globally, growing its presence to more than 60 countries and over 1,600 offices worldwide.
A Heritage Shaped by
Long-Term Partnerships
Founded by Franz-Josef Wernze, the group was created to bring together independent firms with shared values, combining local expertise with international reach across tax, legal, audit, accounting and advisory services.
Today, that collaborative approach continues to shape the group. ETL GLOBAL has expanded internationally while preserving the culture and identity of its partner firms, creating a network that balances entrepreneurial freedom with the strength of a global organisation.
At its core, the group remains focused on close client relationships, international collaboration and multidisciplinary expertise, enabling firms to grow sustainably while staying true to their identity.
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Countries
Clients
Professionals
Ranked Top 10 in Europe
heritage
The Principles
Behind the Heritage
For more than five decades, ETL GLOBAL has been guided by the same core principles which continue to shape the culture, partnerships and international growth of the group today.
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Trusted long-term relationships
Built on continuity, confidence and mutual understanding, forming the foundation of enduring client partnerships.
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Entrepreneurial thinking and independence
Encouraging firms to retain their autonomy while embracing opportunity, innovation and long term growth. International collaboration and knowledge sharing
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International collaboration and knowledge
Connecting expertise across borders to deliver stronger outcomes through shared insight and experience.
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Expertise across professional disciplines
Bringing together deep technical knowledge across tax, legal, audit, accounting and advisory services.
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Personal service with local understanding
Delivering responsive, relationship led advice grounded in a clear understanding of local markets and client needs.
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Commitment to SMEs and growing businesses
Supporting ambitious businesses with the capability, insight and continuity required for sustainable growth.
Continuing the legacy
Today, the same values continues to guide the business. Under the leadership of Sara and Pete, the group builds on this long-standing heritage, strengthening capability, preserving entrepreneurial culture and supporting long-term growth across its partner firms.
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Head Office
Manchester
hello@etlglobal.co.uk
+44 01942 816 512
Head Office
Manchester
hello@etlglobal.co.uk
+44 01942 816 512