Apricorn has expanded its presence in Germany through a partnership with business development specialist BDG, targeting increased demand for secure data storage as European cybersecurity and compliance requirements place greater scrutiny on how organisations protect sensitive information.
The hardware-encrypted storage provider has contracted Thim Werner, managing director of BDG, to develop its German business, strengthen existing distribution partnerships, and identify new customers. Apricorn aims to double its revenue in the country over the next 12 months, focusing particularly on financial services, government, defence, and other highly regulated industries.
The expansion comes as industrial organisations face growing pressure to secure information throughout its lifecycle, including when data moves beyond centrally managed IT environments. Technical drawings, machine configuration files, maintenance records, and other operational documents frequently need to be transferred between production facilities, engineering teams, equipment suppliers, and external contractors.
Such transfers can introduce additional security risks, particularly where removable media is used to exchange information between systems or carry data off-site. Hardware-encrypted storage offers a means of protecting files held on portable devices, reducing the risk of unauthorised access if equipment is lost or stolen. However, encryption remains one component of a broader approach incorporating access management, secure transfer procedures, and appropriate controls over removable media.
Regulatory developments are adding weight to these considerations. Germany’s implementation of the EU’s NIS2 cybersecurity requirements through its revised BSI Act places additional risk management obligations on organisations within scope, including parts of the manufacturing and critical infrastructure sectors. Meanwhile, Article 32 of GDPR identifies encryption among the technical measures organisations should consider when protecting personal data, while the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) establishes specific ICT security and resilience requirements for financial institutions.
Werner brings more than 20 years of experience in business development and sales strategy, alongside established relationships across German industry. Working through BDG, he will provide Apricorn with local representation to develop commercial opportunities and support channel expansion.
“Germany presents a significant growth opportunity for Apricorn, particularly as regulation is increasing the pressure on organisations to demonstrate how sensitive data is protected,” said Werner. “My focus will be on building the right relationships, developing new opportunities and bringing Apricorn’s proposition to organisations where data protection and compliance are critical.”
The partnership also represents a different approach to international expansion for Apricorn. Rather than establishing a conventional corporate operation in each new territory, the company is using locally contracted business development expertise to build its market presence.
Germany will serve as a test case for this model, with Apricorn considering its adoption in other priority markets if the arrangement delivers the expected commercial results.
“Regulation is creating a much stronger focus on the practical protection of data,” said Jon Fielding, managing director EMEA at Apricorn. “Our investment in Germany puts local expertise behind that opportunity and gives us the platform to grow much faster in the market.”
Apricorn will also increase its presence at the it-sa Expo&Congress cybersecurity exhibition in Nuremberg, taking place from 27 to 29 October 2026, where it plans to meet customers and channel partners as part of its German expansion.
