Integrated Micro-Electronics (IMI) is to acquire a 76 per cent stake in VIA Optronics, an optical bonding and display solutions provider, from Alpina Partners for EUR47.4 million.
Alpina Partners is selling all of its 55 per cent shareholding as part of the transaction. Alpina Partners has been a shareholder in the company since June 2010.
VIA was established in 2005 and has approximately 290 employees across four countries. With its headquarters in Schwarzenbruck, Germany, VIA has research facilities and manufacturing sites in Mörsdorf, Germany and Suzhou, China, and sales offices in Florida and Taipei.
Company founder Jürgen Eichner will retain a 24 per cent ownership and continue to lead VIA as managing director, reporting to Arthur R Tan, IMI’s chief executive officer.
“This transaction represents a unique opportunity to accelerate IMI’s growth and broaden VIA’s opportunities by leveraging off of IMI’s global footprint and resources,” Tan says.
“We announce today an exciting next chapter for VIA, as we have found the perfect strategic partner that is aligned with our values and growth ambitions,” Eichner says.
“Alpina Partners is pleased that VIA found a great strategic partner for the future. It has been a successful investment for us,” says Joerg Sperling, managing partner of Alpina.
