In an attempt to synthesize a zero valent germanium compound, we have carried out the reaction of [(Cp∗RuCO)(GeCl2)]2, 1 with potassium metal that led to the formation of a metallagermoxane [(Cp∗Ru(CO)2Ge)4(μ-O)6], 2. Compound 2 is the first example of a tetrametallagermoxane with an exo-{Cp∗Ru(CO)2} fragment. DFT calculations were used to examine the key intermediates associated with the formation of 2. © 2015 The Royal Society of Chemistry.