Billionaire Profile
Peter Unger
Global Rank
#1362

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Peter Unger

CEO, Auto-Teile-Unger (ATU)
DE
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.9B
As of December 2025
Age
81
Source
Auto repair
Industry
automotive
Citizenship
DE

Biography

Peter Unger, born in 1944, is a German entrepreneur whose career has been centered in the automotive industry. He is best known as the founder of Auto-Teile-Unger (ATU), an auto parts and repair company that he built into a nationwide chain. His source of wealth primarily stems from the auto repair business, specifically ATU, which he later sold. As of 2024, his estimated net worth is $2.9 billion.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Peter Unger was born in 1944. Details about his early life and education are not widely available in the search results, but it is known that he became a successful entrepreneur in the automotive sector.

Rise to Success

Unger founded Auto-Teile-Unger (ATU) in 1985. Starting from a single location, he expanded the business into a major chain of auto parts stores and repair shops across Germany. The business model proved successful, leading to significant growth and recognition within the automotive industry. The company expanded to have operations in several countries, including Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and the Netherlands.

Key Business Strategies

Unger's business strategy focused on providing auto parts and repair services. His company, ATU, offered a wide range of products and services, including vehicle accessories, tires, auto parts, and vehicle shop services. The expansion of the business started in 2002, and it eventually grew to 600 stores with over 12,000 employees.

Philanthropy

Information regarding Peter Unger's specific philanthropic activities and amounts is not readily available. However, the Unger Foundation was established with a mandate to apply a disciplined investment philosophy to philanthropy, focusing on pillars such as human potential, animal welfare, environment, and culture.

Career Milestones

1985

Founded Auto-Teile-Unger (ATU)

Established ATU, an auto parts and repair company, which he grew into a nationwide chain.

2002

Sold 80% of ATU

Sold a majority stake in ATU to a British investor group for a reported $800 million.

2004

Sold Remaining Stake in ATU

Sold the remaining stake to Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR & Co.) for $360 million.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Philanthropy

The Unger Foundation

Undisclosed

Supports initiatives in human potential, animal welfare, environment, and culture.