International consulting firm recognized for its expertise in supporting SMEs and its global network / Dr. Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg congratulates ALTIOS at the award ceremony in Heidelberg
Paris, France – June 26, 2026 – ALTIOS has been awarded the TOP CONSULTANT 2026 seal of quality in the 17th edition of Germany’s renowned TOP CONSULTANT competition. The international consulting firm distinguished itself through its outstanding expertise in advising small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The award is granted exclusively to consulting firms that can demonstrate exceptional client satisfaction among medium-sized businesses. Entrepreneur, investor, and former German Federal Minister Dr. Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, who serves as the mentor of the competition, personally congratulated ALTIOS during the award ceremony held at the German SME Summit on Friday, June 26, in Heidelberg.
Prior to the awards, the Scientific Society for Management and Consulting (WGMB) conducted an independent evaluation on behalf of compamedia, the organizer of the TOP CONSULTANT competition. The assessment was based on a scientific client survey. ALTIOS nominated several SME reference clients, who were subsequently interviewed by the WGMB. The evaluation focused on how satisfied these clients were with the consulting services provided and whether they would recommend ALTIOS to other businesses (more information is available at: www.top-consultant.de/pruefkriterien).
132 consultancy firms applied for the TOP CONSULTANT seal in this round. 98 passed the selection process. One of the winners: Altios. Since the company was founded in 1991, the consultancy – with over 500 experts across more than 40 locations in 25 countries – has established itself as a leading partner for international expansion.
With its pragmatic consulting approach, operational implementation expertise and international infrastructure, Altios supports medium-sized clients in their global expansion. Its services range from market entry strategy, recruitment and company formation to accounting, human resources management, compliance and the acquisition of companies abroad (M&A).
“This award confirms what we have believed in from the very beginning: sustainable consulting success is achieved when clients are supported as equals – with a local presence, international expertise and a commitment to working behind the scenes so that our clients can succeed in the spotlight.”
ALTIOS is particularly sought after in regions where today’s SME sector faces both its greatest opportunities and its greatest uncertainties—especially across the Indian subcontinent, North America, and China.
Through its specialist brand Maier+Vidorno (M+V), ALTIOS has, for decades, been one of the most experienced partners for German and European companies expanding into India. According to the company, this depth of local expertise, combined with long-term client relationships and an extensive international network, is what truly differentiates ALTIOS—and evidently, what resonates most strongly with its clients.
The scientific directors of the competition, Prof. Dr. Dietmar Fink and Dr. Bianka Knoblach, emphasized the human aspect of outstanding consulting.
“An advisor to medium-sized businesses requires not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of entrepreneurship and the unique culture of family-owned and medium-sized companies,” said Dr. Bianka Knoblach.
Professor Fink added:
“A consultant must understand that they are not optimizing an anonymous organization, but rather a business built on responsibility, emotions, tradition, and personal entrepreneurial risk.”
According to the client feedback that formed the basis of the evaluation, ALTIOS consistently meets these standards.
A detailed company profile of ALTIOS is available on the competition’s official website at www.top-consultant.de.
About the TOP CONSULTANT Competition
The TOP CONSULTANT quality seal recognizes consulting firms that provide client-focused, SME-oriented consulting services of exceptional quality. Organized annually by compamedia since 2010, the competition primarily attracts management, IT, and HR consulting firms.
Participants undergo an independent scientific assessment conducted by Prof. Dr. Dietmar Fink, Professor of Management Consulting at Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, together with Dr. Bianka Knoblach. Both serve as directors of the Scientific Society for Management and Consulting (WGMB) in Bonn.
The competition’s mentor is entrepreneur, investor, and former German Federal Minister Dr. Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg. The media partner is manager magazin.
For more information and press materials, visit:
www.top-consultant.de/presse
or contact:
presse@compamedia.de
Press Contact – ALTIOS
Maximillian KIRFEL – International Business Advisor
Altios International
m.kirfel@altios.com
Siegburger Str. 231, 50679 Köln
0221 8804080
