Oppose KONE's Acquisition of TKE – Protect Jobs and Ensure Fair Competition

Petition addressed to: German Bundestag Committee on Petitions

We, the undersigned, strongly oppose a possible acquisition of TKE by the Finnish elevator company KONE. Such a merger would have far-reaching consequences — particularly for employees, but also for competition and the economic stability of entire regions.

Threat to Jobs and Social Security

Experience from comparable corporate takeovers clearly shows that mergers of this scale often lead to extensive restructuring. Duplicate structures are eliminated, departments merged, and sites closed.
Administrative divisions, research & development, and production are especially affected.

For the employees of TK Elevator, this would create considerable uncertainty:

• Thousands of jobs could be lost — both directly within the company and indirectly among suppliers, service providers, and partner businesses.
• Highly qualified professionals could lose their long-term prospects or be forced to change jobs or relocate.
• Regional labor markets that depend heavily on TKE locations could suffer lasting damage.

Especially in times of economic uncertainty, it is irresponsible to create additional risks for employees.

Impact on Sites and Regions

TKE is a major employer in many cities and regions. An acquisition by KONE could result in key functions — such as management, development, or strategic planning — being relocated abroad. This would not only lead to the loss of highly qualified jobs, but would also threaten the economic foundation of entire regions.

Site closures or downsizing would severely impact local businesses, tradespeople, and small and medium-sized enterprises. The resulting economic damage would be substantial and felt for years to come.

Weakening of Competition

The elevator industry is already highly concentrated. An acquisition of TKE by KONE would further strengthen the market power of a small number of large corporations. Reduced competition means:

• higher prices for customers and public-sector clients,
• less pressure to innovate,
• less choice and weaker negotiating power for clients and contractors.

This contradicts the fundamental principles of a social market economy.

Our Demands

We call on the responsible competition authorities, political decision-makers, and corporate stakeholders to:

• thoroughly and critically examine this acquisition,
• place the long-term impact on jobs at the center of the evaluation,
• demand binding guarantees for the preservation of jobs and locations,
• prevent the relocation of business divisions abroad,
• and take measures to safeguard fair competition and regional economic value creation

Our Goal

We stand for the protection of jobs, fair competitive conditions, and a responsible industrial policy that strengthens people and regions — rather than weakening them.

Support this petition and send a clear message in favor of secure jobs and a fair economy.