Google Germany GmbH is the main German subsidiary of Google LLC, operating under the global corporate structure of Alphabet Inc. Headquartered in Hamburg, the company manages Google’s operations across marketing, sales support, and research and development in the German market. It plays a critical role in Alphabet’s European network, supporting both the commercial and technological footprint of the company in one of Europe’s largest digital economies.
Google Germany GmbH is wholly owned by Google Germany Holdings Inc., based in Mountain View, California. It is consolidated within the financial reporting of Alphabet Inc. The company’s legal structure is that of a German GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung), and it is registered with the commercial court in Hamburg (HRB 86891).
Google Germany GmbH operates primarily as a service company for other Google group entities, such as Google Ireland Ltd., Google LLC (USA), and Google Cloud EMEA Ltd. It provides: Marketing and advertising services, Research and development support, Sales and business operations for products and services offered by Google across Germany.
It does not sell services directly to customers in Germany, but rather generates revenue through intra-group service agreements. Revenue rose 9.7% in 2023, driven by increased service volume and demand from other Alphabet entities. The company returned to profitability in 2023 after a one-time merger-related loss in 2022.
In 2023, the company employed an average of 3,052 staff, divided across three major functions:
- Sales Support & Marketing: 1,394 employees
- Research & Development: 1,401 employees
- General & Administrative: 257 employees
Google Germany operates offices in Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Munich. It also manages infrastructure development projects, including the renovation of company-owned office buildings in Berlin and Munich.
As of 2024, Google Germany GmbH is jointly managed by:
- Paul Terence Manicle, Regional Controller EMEA (Google Ireland Ltd.)
- Liana Sebastian, Director Global Trade Compliance (Google LLC, USA)
Both directors are appointed from within the Alphabet group and are authorized to represent the company individually.
The company is classified as a large corporation under §267 HGB and publishes detailed annual financial statements and management reports in the Bundesanzeiger.
