OBI

In the 1960s, Manfred Maus and Emil Lux saw an opportunity in the German market. Inspired by the American “do-it-yourself” concept, they envisioned a new retail format: a large store providing everything for home improvement under one roof. In 1970, with partner Klaus Birker, they opened the first OBI store in Hamburg-Poppenbüttel, branded with a name Maus had discovered in France, a phonetic play on the word "hobby." The model of offering a full range of products in one location proved successful, setting OBI on a path of steady growth throughout Germany. The real catalyst for major expansion, however, came in 1985 when the retail conglomerate Tengelmann Group acquired a majority stake. This move provided the financial backing for OBI to not only solidify its position as Germany's top DIY chain but also to begin its international expansion into other European countries. Under Tengelmann's ownership, which increased in 2007 after buying the Lux family's remaining shares, OBI expanded its footprint across Europe. A significant event was the 2015 acquisition of 68 stores from the bankrupt competitor Baumax, substantially increasing its presence in Austria and neighboring countries. Today, OBI operates hundreds of stores across Europe and remains a key holding of the Tengelmann Group, demonstrating the lasting power of a simple, well-executed retail concept.