The History of the EG-GÜ Brand: Roots Dating Back to 1888
The historical roots of the EG-GÜ brand date back to 1888. The original company developed from a manufacturer of floor wax into a recognised shoe and leather care brand. The former German company was dissolved in 2017. Since August 2022, the Swiss company Eg-Gü Werke AG has owned the EG-GÜ word mark and markets products under this name.
This overview deliberately distinguishes the history of the original business from the current owner of the brand.
EG-GÜ at a glance
| Brand | EG-GÜ |
|---|---|
| Historical origin | 1888 in Meerane, Saxony |
| Original founder | Egbert Günther |
| Product area | Shoe care and leather care |
| Historical company | Eg-Gü-Werke GmbH, dissolved in 2017 |
| Current brand owner | Eg-Gü Werke AG, Switzerland |
| Acquisition of the word mark | August 2022 |
The historical roots of EG-GÜ
1888: beginning in Meerane
Egbert Günther founded a company in Meerane, Saxony, in 1888. It initially produced floor wax. The brand name was derived from the founder’s name and later became associated with shoe and leather care.
From 1915: shoe and leather care products
The company added shoe and leather care products to its range and gradually developed into a specialised brand in this field.
1919: shoe cream in metal tubes
EG-GÜ filled shoe cream into metal tubes. This packaging simplified storage and dispensing and became an important part of its early product history.
1928: growth and international trading relationships
Historical accounts for 1928 describe around 500 employees, trading relationships across several continents and a leading position in the German shoe care market.
After 1945: rebuilding production
Large parts of the Dresden factory were destroyed during the Second World War. Production was rebuilt after the war and the product range continued to develop.
2017: the end of the historical company
The former Eg-Gü-Werke GmbH was liquidated and removed from the commercial register on 17 August 2017. This specific German company ceased to exist, while the brand name continued.
2022: the brand under Swiss responsibility
In August 2022, the Swiss company Eg-Gü Werke AG became the owner of the EG-GÜ word mark. The current company continues to use the brand but is not legally identical to the business founded in 1888.
EG-GÜ today
EG-GÜ now focuses on products for cleaning, caring for, protecting and preserving different types of footwear. The range covers smooth leather, nubuck, suede, textiles and sneakers.
The PremiumColor line primarily supports classic leather care. The Sportline contains solutions for sneakers and sports shoes. See the complete EG-GÜ product overview.
The official presentation of the brand is available on the About Us page.
What the history means for the brand
A long history does not replace the quality of current products. It does, however, provide context: for many decades, the brand has been associated with materials, cleaning, care and protection.
Frequently asked questions
What is EG-GÜ?
EG-GÜ is a shoe and leather care brand with historical roots in Germany. The word mark is currently held by the Swiss company Eg-Gü Werke AG.
How long has EG-GÜ existed?
The historical roots date back to 1888, when Egbert Günther founded the original business. This is not the founding year of the current Swiss company.
Is today’s company the same company founded in 1888?
No. The historical German company and the current Swiss company are legally separate entities.
When did the Swiss company acquire the brand?
In August 2022.
Sources and further information
- Wikipedia: Eg-Gü – an external overview of the historical company and later brand ownership.
- EG-GÜ: About Us – the official presentation of the brand history and current direction.
Note: “since 1888” describes the historical roots of the brand. The current Eg-Gü Werke AG is not legally the company founded in 1888.