INSIGHT REPORT CALENDAR

NEWSLETTER

Like this article?

Sign up to our free newsletter

GEP IV fund managed by ECM acquires Bergmann Automotive

German Equity Partners IV (GEP IV), a fund managed by the independent German private equity firm ECM Equity Capital Management, has acquired all of the shares in Bergmann Automotive, headquartered in Barsinghausen, in partnership with the company’s management in an ownership succession situation.

 
The Bergmann family, who since acquisition in 2000 have developed the company, established in 1956, into one of the leading manufacturers of cylinder liners for the European automotive industry, has become a minority shareholder in the company. The management team at Bergmann Automotive has also acquired a stake in the company through the transaction.
 
The size of the shareholding, purchase price and further details of the transaction were not disclosed.
 
In the future the family-owned Bergmann Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG, headquartered in Meppen, will maintain its focus on engineering through its two divisions: vehicle manufacturing (dumpers) and manufacturing of mechanically treated components for middle and large volume series.
 
Bernhard Büthe, chief executive at Bergmann Automotive, says: "It was important to us to find a responsible investment partner with a long-term approach who has a clear concept for capitalising on both domestic and international growth opportunities. In addition, the partner needs not only sound strategic instincts but also the capital that is required to achieve the next stage of growth. We’re happy to say that with ECM we have found that partner and that ECM also has relevant experience in guiding companies on the path to corporate independence."
 
Florian Kähler, director at ECM, adds: "With a highly experienced and competent management team, in addition to domestic and European leadership in terms of market position and technology, Bergmann Automotive is ideally positioned to maintain its impressive record of growth. Together with the company’s management we are looking forward to further developing the company and to realise its significant potential."
 
The acquisition of Bergmann Automotive is the first investment by the private equity fund GEP IV that commenced investing its EUR230m committed capital in October 2012. The fund is managed by ECM and aims to acquire majority shareholdings in mid-sized enterprises in the DACH region.
 
GEP IV was advised by KPMG (Finance & Tax) in this transaction. Legal advice was provided by Allen & Overy, acquisition structuring by SJ Berwin and commercial due diligence by Rothgordt & Cie. Florian Kähler, Axel Eichmeyer and Alexander Schönborn are responsible for the transaction at ECM. The Bergmann Group was advised by Transfer Partners and legal advice was provided by Kapellmann und Partners, Düsseldorf.

Like this article? Sign up to our free newsletter

FEATURED

Tech Stocks

MOST RECENT

FURTHER READING