The Conen Group, based in Morbach, a provider of interiors and technical products for educational institutions and a portfolio company of Halder, has acquired over HKS Systemtechnik in Borchen (Germany), a specialist in the field of projection and presentation technology. HKS produces and sells projection screens, information terminals as well as barrier-free, multimedia-capable lecterns and height-adjustable screen mounts. Via its in-house development and production, the company can ensure a high level of delivery speed and flexibility for customer-specific adjustments.
The acquisition by Conen is a succession solution for the founder and main shareholder, Winfried Steins. His partner and co-managing director, Christian Monz, continues to run HKS, co-invests in the joint group and will drive further growth together with his team and the Conen management.
“In addition to the future perspective for HKS, the human factor was very important to us. We look forward to working with Conen and Halder,” says Christian Monz, co-owner and managing director, HKS Systemtechnik.
Achim Mansen, CEO of Conen, says: “The merger of Conen with HKS is the result of the consistent implementation of our growth strategy. We rely on HKS’ existing formula for success and intend to further expand the organisation and the team as part of the overall group.”
Philipp Scheier, partner at Halder, adds: “HKS is a strong brand in the field of media technology in Germany and an ideal strategic addition for Conen. We look forward to supporting the further development of HKS together with Conen.”
Conen has been a Halder portfolio company since 2019 and specialises in education equipment among others for schools and kindergartens in Western Europe, the Middle East and the USA. A focus area of the company are technical products for interactive learning, eg electrically adjustable mounts for electronic displays, which increasingly replace traditional blackboards in the course of the digitisation. HKS will further strengthen this division with its product range and expertise in the field of media technology and continue to work under its own brand.
Halder is financial investor in the German-speaking region since 1991 and has invested in 42 medium-sized companies. Its companies realise growth through internationalisation, strategic re-focusing, growth investments and acquisitions. Halder currently manages a portfolio of six companies.