2013 Share and Quality Leaders in German Middle Market Corporate Banking

Deutsche Sparkassen continues to be the leader in German middle market corporate banking — with respect to both market penetration and quality of service, according to the results of Greenwich Associates 2013 German Middle Market Corporate Banking Study.

“Some market participants might be surprised at this result, due to Deutsche Sparkassen’s reputation as a lender to small businesses,” says Greenwich Associates consultant Jan Lindemann. “But in reality, Deutsche Sparkassen’s franchise extends well into the lower end of the middle market, and it is its strength in this segment that propels the bank to the top of the overall market in terms of market penetration.”

Deutsche Sparkassen claims a market penetration of 47% in middle market banking, easily topping runner up Commerzbank at 36%, Deutsche Bank at 25%, and Volksbanken and UniCredit, which are tied with a market penetration of 15%. These banks are the 2013 Greenwich Share Leaders in German Middle Market Corporate Banking.

Deutsche Sparkassen also receives very strong quality ratings from its middle market clients. However, unlike last year, when the bank clearly bested its rivals in terms of quality ratings, this year Deutsche Sparkassen’s quality scores are matched by those of LBBW, Volksbanken and Commerzbank. These banks are the 2013 Greenwich Quality Leaders in German Middle Market Corporate Banking. “This is not a case of any slippage on the part of Deutsche Sparkassen, but rather improvements in the quality of service delivered by several key competitors,” says Greenwich Associates consultant Dr. Tobias Miarka. “In particular, this year’s findings show clearly how much middle market companies value their longstanding relationships with both Sparkassen and Landesbanken, and the ability of these lenders to make credit decisions at a local level.”