PRESS RELEASES
Landpoint advises Messe Berlin GmbH on the sale of the shares in K.I.T. Group GmbH to the K.I.T. founder Willy Kausch
Messe Berlin is selling the K.I.T. Group to K.I.T. founder Willy Kausch. The congress and event agency, which is one of the world's leading Professional Conference Organisers (PCO), will remain closely associated with Messe Berlin.
The K.I.T. Group plans and organises around 40 major congresses and events around the globe every year. Around 100 employees work at the Berlin headquarters. The agency also has six other locations in Germany and abroad. Messe Berlin acquired its first shareholdings in the PCO in 2010. At the time, Landpoint advised Messe Berlin on this transaction. Most recently, Messe Berlin held 100 per cent of the shares.
The focus of the K.I.T. Group is on major medical congresses. These include the European Cystic Fibrosis Society Conference, the IFLA World Library and Information Congress, the International Liver Transplantation Society Congress and the ESICM Annual Congress. The commitment to cooperation remains in place: Messe Berlin and the K.I.T. Group will continue to promote the capital city as a congress location.
Landpoint exclusively advised Messe Berlin on the sale of its shares.
Landpoint and Translink Corporate Finance advise the owners of DAV Deutsche Außenhandels- und Verkehrs-Akademie on the sale of the business to SRH
BVL Bundesvereinigung Logistik e.V. selects SRH Hochschule Nordrhein-Westfalen GmbH as the new sponsor of the educational activities of its long-standing affiliate DAV Deutsche Außenhandels- und Verkehrs-Akademie ("DAV") based in Bremen. DAV has been a private provider of Bachelor and “Fachwirt” programs for students with a focus on logistics and supply chain management for over 60 years. Currently, over 250 students are enrolled in study programs at the campus in Bremen.
SRH Hochschule Nordrhein-Westfalen GmbH is part of the leading German university group SRH. To date, it offers Bachelor's and Master's degree programs at three locations. The DAV campus in Bremen and the ongoing study activities will be maintained and expanded. All employees will be taken over.
Landpoint, together with its partner Translink Corporate Finance, advised BVL and the previous sponsoring company BVL Campus gGmbH on this transaction.
Landpoint and Ponterra Business Advisors advise the owners of TAC Informationstechnologie GmbH on the sale of 100% of their shares to Clubessential Holdings
Clubessential Holdings (“Clubessential”), a technology specialist backed by the private equity investors Battery Ventures and Silver Lake Partners has acquired all shares of Hartberg/Austria-based software company TAC – The Assistant Company (“TAC”). As a leader in the spa, fitness, and thermal bath industries, TAC provides spa, membership, and access control software. With over 1,200 customers in 70 countries, across five continents, TAC is advancing its technology to meet the evolving member and operational needs of the world's top hospitality brands.
With the acquisition of TAC, Clubessential has further expanded its European business footprint. Already a major provider of membership- and club-management software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions to private clubs, public golf courses, health-and-fitness clubs, and other customers, this acquisition expands Clubessential Holdings' international presence to serving over 7,200 customers, and 7 million members and secures a leading position in the spa and thermal bath market segment.
Landpoint together with its long-time strategic partner Ponterra Business Advisors advised the owners and the management of TAC on this transaction.
Landpoint advises the owners of ALS Automated Lab Solutions GmbH on the sale of a majority stake to Sartorius
The life science group Sartorius is expanding its bioanalytics portfolio by acquiring a majority stake in ALS Automated Lab Solutions GmbH. The laboratory technology company based in Jena, Germany, develops, manufactures and markets solutions for the automated analysis, selection and isolation of cells. With these solutions, ALS enables life science customers to significantly reduce time to result and cost in cell line development and antibody discovery. Other application areas are the development of cell and gene therapeutics as well as rare single cell molecular diagnostics in cancer and prenatal research.
Sartorius is initially purchasing 62.5 % of the shares in ALS as of January 3, 2022. The remaining 37.5 % will be acquired in 2026. ALS currently employs around 30 people and is expected to generate sales in the high single-digit million-euro area in 2021, with a double-digit EBITDA margin.
ALS Automated Lab Solutions develops, manufactures and sells high-quality automated solutions for life sciences in a broad range of areas including molecular diagnostics, cancer and stem cell research, cell line development and bioprocessing. The company’s core competencies are in automated cell manipulation, cell sorting and isolation, microscopic high-content imaging and analysis as well as liquid handling. The ALS CellCelector™ is the world’s leading single cell and colony picking platform and is based on a multi-patented, unique cell and colony isolation technology which provides unmatched flexibility, high-quality results, operational reliability, cost-effectiveness and simple use.
The Sartorius Group is a leading international partner of life science research and the biopharmaceutical industry. With innovative laboratory instruments and consumables, the Group’s Lab Products & Services Division concentrates on serving the needs of laboratories performing research and quality control at pharma and biopharma companies and those of academic research institutes. The Bioprocess Solutions Division with its broad product portfolio focusing on single-use solutions helps customers to manufacture biotech medications and vaccines safely and efficiently. The Group has been annually growing by double digits on average and has been regularly expanding its portfolio by acquisitions of complementary technologies. In fiscal 2020, the company earned sales revenue of some € 2.34 billion. At the end of 2020, nearly 11,000 people were employed at the Group’s approximately 60 manufacturing and sales sites, serving customers around the globe.
Landpoint exclusively advised the owners of ALS Automated Lab Solutions.
Landpoint advises the owners of Manufacture Générale de Joints on the sale of 100% of their shares to Selig Group
Selig Group (“Selig”), owned by the family office CC Industries, has acquired Manufacture Générale de Joints (“MGJ”). Founded in 1947 and headquartered near Lyon, France, MGJ is a leading supplier of foam-based liners worldwide. MGJ provides an expansive product range of closure liners for wine, spirits, pharmaceutical, personal care, food, household and industrial markets. Over its history, MGJ has grown by developing innovative products and providing reliable and consistent quality and service to customers. The company serves a global customer base from operations in France, Canada and China.
The business combination is highly complementary in terms of product range, customer groups and production locations and allows the parties to accelerate the combined development of sustainable products and to serve customers globally. Similar to MGJ but in adjacent market segments, Selig offers container sealing solutions for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, healthcare, personal care and industrial applications. Selig is headquartered in Naperville, Illinois, USA with manufacturing and distribution locations worldwide.
Landpoint exclusively advised the family-owners and the management of MGJ on this transaction.
Landpoint advises NordKAPITAL on the sale of WirliebenKabel Group to SPIE
SPIE Deutschland & Zentraleuropa (SPIE) has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of WirliebenKabel GmbH, FKE Kabelzug und Entstörungsunterstützung GmbH and lit Trenching Deutschland GmbH (“WirliebenKabel Group”) from NordKAPITAL GmbH. With the acquisition of the WirliebenKabel Group, SPIE strengthens its capabilities in the optic fibre broadband network roll-out market (FttX) in Germany. The closing of the transaction is expected to take place by the end of May 2021 and is only subject to approval by the antitrust authorities.
WirliebenKabel Group was founded in 1965 and acts as general contractor for the construction of telecommunication infrastructure networks in Germany. The group’s head office is located in Zeulenroda in Thuringia/Germany. With over 130 employees the group generated revenues of more than €25m and offers the complete range of services from project planning, construction and turnkey delivery as well as maintenance and servicing of fibre-optic networks.
SPIE Deutschland & Zentraleuropa is a subsidiary of the French SPIE Group, an independent European market leader for multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communication, and is the leading multi-technical service provider for buildings, facilities and infrastructure in Germany, Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. SPIE Deutschland & Zentraleuropa employs around 15,000 staff in over 200 locations.
Landpoint advised NordKAPITAL exclusively on the transaction.
Landpoint advises Industrial Packaging Group S.A. on the acquisition of a majority stake in Dijkstra-Vereenigde B.V.
Industrial Packaging Group S.A. (“IPG”) is a family-owned holding company headquartered in Luxembourg and a leading independent European distributor of primary packaging products such as bottles and containers to the food & drinks and pharmaceutical & cosmetics industries. Its main operations are located close to Brussels with additional operations in Luxembourg and the UK as well as a distribution partnership in the US.
Dijkstra-Vereenigde B.V. (“Dijkstra Vereenigde”), based in Lelystad/The Netherlands, is the major Dutch distributor of glass and plastic primary packaging containers as well as laboratory equipment. Through the acquisition of Dijkstra Vereenigde, IPG will substantially strengthen its international footprint with a strong strategic partner who has an excellent presence and reputation in the Netherlands. This acquisition represents another major step for the international expansion of IPG.
Landpoint exclusively advised IPG on the transaction.
Landpoint advises Industrial Packaging Group S.A. and Treffpack Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH on the acquisition of a participation in Nova-Pack A/S
Industrial Packaging Group S.A. (“IPG”) is a family-owned holding company headquartered in Luxembourg and a leading independent European distributor of primary packaging products such as bottles and containers to the food & drinks and pharmaceutical & cosmetics industries. Its main operations are located close to Brussels with additional operations in Luxembourg and the UK as well as a distribution partnership in the US.
Treffpack is a brand name of C.E. Gätcke's Glas Gesellschaft and F. Dau & Sohn. Treffpack is an important primary packaging products distributor operating in Germany and Europe and providing plastic and glass containers, closures, and dispensing systems to customers in the food & beverage industry, the bodycare and cosmetic industry, for pharmaceutical and OTC-products and cleaning & caring products.
Nova-Pack A/S (“Nova-Pack”), based in Svendborg/Denmark is a leading Danish distributor of glass jars, bottles and containers for the food and drink industry. Through the acquisition of Nova-Pack, IPG and Treffpack substantially strengthen their international distribution activities with a strategic partner who has an excellent presence in the Scandinavian market.
Landpoint exclusively advised IPG and Treffpack on the transaction.
Landpoint advises the owners of quadral GmbH & Co KG on the sale of their shares to Loxone Group
Loxone Group (Loxone), headquartered in Kollerschlag/Austria will acquire all of the shares in quadral GmbH & Co KG (quadral) from its founders and shareholders effective January 1, 2021. Through the transaction, both companies are pooling their respective strengths in the audio sector. Loxone has a strong standing in the market for intelligent building automation and quadral has long-standing experience in the development, manufacture and distribution of high-end loudspeakers for discerning listeners.
For 48 years, quadral, based in Hannover/Germany, has been valued for outstanding sound quality of its sophisticated HiFi components and belongs to Germany’s most highly regarded loudspeaker brands. Its flagship product is the legendary Aurum Titan, which, in its current edition is already the ninth generation of the high-end product line introduced to the market in 1981.
Loxone is an internationally operating group in the building automation area. Its focus is on the development, manufacture and distribution of components for the control and automation of projects in residential (“smart home”) and commercial properties. The Loxone Group has more than 300 employees in more than 20 locations worldwide. Around 100 employees are based at its headquarters in Kollerschlag/Austria.
Landpoint exclusively advised the owners of quadral.
Landpoint advises the owner of 42one GmbH on the sale of a majority stake to Sewan S.A.S.
Sewan S.A.S. (Sewan), headquartered in in Paris/France has acquired a majority stake in 42one GmbH (42one). The company’s founder and current sole owner, Thomas Reinig, will retain a minority shareholding and continue to serve as the company’s managing director. The goal of the cooperation is the joint marketing of cloud-based white-label-services for complex B2B-environments through indirect distribution channels.
42one is a German telecommunication service provider based in Berlin. The company specializes in white-label-solutions for voice communication and on hosted-switch solutions for fixed-line and mobile network operators. With more than 200 customers, the company is among the top service providers in Germany.
The French Sewan Group is a leading European provider of cloud-based telecommunications and hosting services for discerning white-label-partners. The owner-managed company employs around 450 staff and services 750,000 end-users. The projected revenue for 2020 amounts to 135 million Euros.
Landpoint exclusively advised the owner of 42one.
Landpoint advises Messe Berlin on the acquisition of the remaining shares in the joint venture CT Lab Global Media LLC
Following the sale of minority co-shareholder NAPCO Media to Specialty Graphic Imaging Association in summer 2019, Messe Berlin has acquired the remaining 25% stake in CT Lab Global Media LLC. Through its now wholly-owned subsidiary, Messe Berlin has a strong presence in the North American consumer technology market which is of high importance for Messe Berlin’s leading trade show IFA. CT Lab’s publications Dealerscope (www.dealerscope.com) and Connected Design (www.connecteddesign.com) as well as the annual CE Week event in New York represent a superb platform for companies exhibiting at IFA to present themselves effectively to the North American retail market.
Landpoint exclusively advised CT Lab and Messe Berlin’s IFA team on this transaction.
Landpoint advises Luxembourg-based UNITED CAPS Group on the acquisition of its Spanish competitor Embalajes Plasticos de Sopelana, S.L. (Embalatap)
UNITED CAPS, an international manufacturer of caps and closures, acquired the Spanish closure manufacturer Embalatap. Embalatap, based in Sopelana, Spain, was founded in 1973 and specializes in caps and closures for edible oils and vinegar for the Spanish market. The company produces in excess of half a billion caps and closures annually.
Through the acquisition, UNITED CAPS extends its product portfolio and further improves its already leading position in closures for edible oils on the Southern European markets.
Innovative caps and closures for the food and drink industry are the core business of the Luxembourg-based family company UNITED CAPS. Its custom-designed caps and closure solutions have been one of the most sought-after solutions in the packaging industry for years.
Landpoint acted as exclusive financial adviser to UNITED CAPS.
Landpoint advises Industrial Packaging Group S.A. and Treffpack Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH on the acquisition of a participation in Ursan Verpakkingen B.V
Industrial Packaging Group S.A. (“IPG”) is a family-owned holding company headquartered in Luxembourg and a leading independent European distributor of primary packaging products such as bottles and containers to the food & drinks and pharmaceutical & cosmetics industries. Its main operations are located close to Brussels with additional operations in Luxembourg and the UK as well as a distribution partnership in the US.
Treffpack is a brand name of C.E. Gätcke's Glas Gesellschaft and F. Dau & Sohn. Treffpack is an important primary packaging products distributor operating in Germany and Europe and providing plastic and glass containers, closures, and dispensing systems to customers in the food & beverage industry, the bodycare and cosmetic industry, for pharmaceutical and OTC-products and cleaning & caring products.
Ursan Verpakkingen B.V. (“Ursan”), based in Veldhoven/The Netherlands acts as agent and distributor of glass jars, bottles and containers for the food and drink industry. Through the acquisition of Ursan, IPG and Treffpack substantially strengthen their international distribution activities with a strategic partner who has an excellent presence in the Dutch market.
Landpoint exclusively advised IPG and Treffpack on the transaction.
Landpoint advises the owners of netzkontor nord GmbH on the sale of a majority stake to Deutsche Beteiligungs AG
Deutsche Beteiligungs AG (DBAG) acquires a majority stake in netzkontor nord GmbH (netzkontor). The company’s founders and current sole owners, Dirk Müller and Peter Schmidt, will retain the remaining shares and continue to serve as the company’s managing directors. Together with management, DBAG intends develop the company regionally through additional acquisitions.
netzkontor was established in 2008 and operates in two different business segments with around 100 employees. Under the “netzkontor” brand, the company offers a range of services relating to the planning and supervision of fibre-optic network construction projects. Its subsidiary OpenXS handles network management for operators of fibre-optic networks. netzkontor currently focuses on the region of Schleswig-Holstein. Having recently opened an office in Schwerin, the company is now also active in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
DBAG is a listed private equity company focussing on the German Mittelstand. Since its establishment more than 50 years ago, DBAG has provided equity capital to more than 300 companies. Currently, DBAG holds more than 20 portfolio companies. Assets under advisement total some 1.8 billion Euro.
Landpoint initiated the transaction and exclusively advised the owners of netzkontor.
Landpoint advises Luxembourg-based UNITED CAPS Group on two separate acquisitions in Benelux
UNITED CAPS is a European leader in the development, production and sale of plastic caps and closures. The company is family owned and operates production plants in seven European countries. Key customer industries are the food and beverage industry, chemicals industry and cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.
As part of its international growth strategy, UNITED CAPS closed two M&A transactions in 2017: In May 2017, the company acquired 100% of the share capital of Dewit Plastics, a Belgian manufacturer of specialty caps and handles for edible oil bottles; and in October 2017, it acquired the business of Closures4you, a Dutch manufacturer of caps for beverages, in an asset deal.
In both transactions, Landpoint acted as exclusive financial adviser to UNITED CAPS.
Landpoint advises Messe Berlin on the establishment of a Joint Venture with NAPCO Media
Messe Berlin GmbH, through its leading international trade show IFA, and NAPCO Media, a US business-to-business media company, have entered a strategic partnership. The newly established company – CT Lab Global Media LLC – will offer consumer electronics and home appliances brands an unrivalled platform to connect with retailers. CT Lab Global Medial will give brands integrated access not only to the world’s biggest tradeshow for consumer electronics and home appliances, but also to NAPCO Media’s deep expertise and focused channel strategy for the important US market.
IFA is the world’s leading trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances. 1,800 exhibitors present their cutting-edge products to more than 250,000 visitors, with more than 140,000 of them trade visitors from 120 countries around the world.
NAPCO Media, based in Philadelphia, is a business-to-business media company serving the consumer technology, marketing, retail, non-profit, printing & packaging, publishing and promotional products industries.
Landpoint exclusively advised Messe Berlin and the IFA team on this transaction.
Landpoint advises Gaasch Packaging S.A. on the establishment of a 50/50 Joint Venture with Treffpack
Gaasch Packaging and Treffpack formed a 50/50 Joint Venture called EPG Service GmbH. The JV company will provide services with an initial focus on technical and product design, quality assurance and audit as well as marketing and market intelligence.
Gaasch Packaging including all companies of the IPG group is a leading independent international quality supplier of rigid primary packaging products to the food & drink and pharmaceutical & cosmetics industries. In the group, Gaasch Packaging’s main office is in Brussels, Belgium with additional operations in Luxemburg and the U.K. - directly and through an 80% stake in Pattesons Glass located in Grimsby.
Treffpack is a brand name of C.E. Gätcke's Glas Gesellschaft and F. Dau & Sohn. Treffpack is an important distributor operating in Germany and Europe and providing plastic and glass containers, closures, and dispensing systems to customers in the food and spirit, cosmetics, pharmaceutical as well as automotive and household industry.
Landpoint exclusively advised Gaasch Packaging on the international expansion strategy and introduced the parties to each other.
Landpoint advises Industrial Packaging Group S.A., the holding company of Gaasch Packaging S.A., on the acquisition of a majority stake in Pattesons Glass Limited
Industrial Packaging Group S.A. (“IPG”) is a family-owned holding company headquartered in Luxembourg and a leading independent European distributor of primary packaging products such as bottles and containers to the food & drinks and pharmaceutical & cosmetics industries. Its main operations are located close to Brussels with additional operations in Luxembourg and the UK as well as a distribution partnership in the US.
Pattesons Glass Limited (“Pattesons”), based in Grimsby/England is one of the leading UK distributors of glass jars, bottles and containers for the food and drink industry. Through the acquisition of Pattesons, IPG substantially strengthens its international distribution activities with a strategic partner who has an excellent presence in the United Kingdom. This acquisition represents a major step for the international expansion of IPG.
Landpoint exclusively advised IPG on the transaction.
Landpoint advises Teleforte AG, a subsidiary of FirstCom Europe Group on the acquisition of a majority stake in C+ITEC AG
FirstCom Europe Group with operations in the UK, Denmark, Germany, Spain and Poland looks to undertake a Pan-European consolidation of alternative telcos (old world telephony) and convert them to UCaaS (cloud based telephony). The participation with C+ITEC will enable FirstCom Europe Group to expand its European market presence and accelerate the introduction of its Universe cloud telephony product in the German market.
C+ITEC AG, headquartered in Hösbach near Aschaffenburg, is a B2B provider of innovative communication solutions and IT infrastructure for medium-sized and large corporations. The partnership with FirstCom Europe enables C+ITEC’s management to further grow its client base and provides a proprietary product portfolio in the increasingly attractive market for unified communications services.
Landpoint advised the Teleforte AG on the transaction along with its partner ConvergeConsulting.
Landpoint advises Dentrade Group on the sale of its Norwegian and German business to Modern Dental Group
With effect from 1 January 2016, Dentrade Group, a leading provider of top quality and economically-priced dentures to European dental patients, sold its entire partnership interest in Hamburg-based Deradent Dental GmbH & Co. KG, 100% of its shares in Hong Kong based Dental Works World Wide Ltd. and all of its assets in Norwegian Dentrade AS to Modern Dental Group Ltd., a leading global dental prosthetic device provider based in China.
For more than 20 years, Dentrade has acted as an independent intermediary between European dental practices and patients and the prosthetic dental laboratory of Modern Dental Group in Shenzhen, China. The acquisition provides Modern Dental Group with additional distribution channels in existing geographic markets and strategic platforms to further expand its existing sales and distribution network in Europe.
Landpoint advised the Dentrade Group on the transaction along with its partner goetzpartners Corporate Finance.
Landpoint advises Chinese cleantech company Sunrain on the acquisition of naturaquell
Jiangsu Sunrain Solar Energy Co., a leading Chinese provider of solar energy solutions and water purification systems, has acquired naturaquell GmbH, located in Friesenheim, Germany. naturaquell is a manufacturer of water filtration products for residential applications and use in healthcare institutions, fitness studios and the hospitality industry.
The acquisition adds an established and registered brand with good reputation and a history of more than 30 years to Sunrain’s state of the art product portfolio.
Landpoint exclusively advised Sunrain on the transaction.
Landpoint Corporate Finance advises RENAFAN Group on the financing of its future growth
RENAFAN Group is one of Germany’s leading care service providers with headquarters in Berlin. The group offers the complete spectrum of care services ranging from elderly care to outpatient intensive care and services for persons with disabilities. To enable RENAFAN Group to finance its future growth, Landpoint advised the group on the successful raising of fresh mezzanine capital.
JUNE 2015
Landpoint Corporate Finance advises DSV Group (Deutscher Sparkassenverlag) on the acquisition of 100% in GiroSolution AG, Meersburg
DSV Group speeds up the formation of its Payment competence center within the Savings Banks Finance Group through the acquisition of 100% of the shares in the payment logistics provider GiroSolution AG. This is the next step to strengthen the position of the savings banks in the growing e- and m-payment sector. DSV Group already acquired an 80% stake in Kiel-based payment service provider PAYONE at the beginning of 2015.
Landpoint exclusively advised DSV Group on the transaction.
(Note: The German Savings Banks Finance Group or Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe is the market leader in the German financial services sector with an approximate share of 40% of total banking assets in Germany)
APRIL 2015
Landpoint Corporate Finance strengthens its Senior Management Team in the TMT Sector
Starting April 2015, Ulrich Nierhoff will join Landpoint Corporate Finance as Associated Partner. He comes with extensive experience in the event, exhibition and congress sector, a network of long-standing contacts and a profound knowledge of business models and strategies in this sector.
"We are extremely happy that Ulrich has decided to join the Landpoint Corporate Finance team. His extensive experience in the German exhibition and event sector complements Landpoint's competence in the TMT sector in an ideal way", says Christian Fest, founder and managing partner of Landpoint Corporate Finance.
For more than 12 years, Ulrich Nierhoff was a member of the executive board of Messe Berlin GmbH responsible for finance, accounting, controlling and IT. During this period he was also responsible for the company's M&A projects and and acted as managing director for various subsidiaries in the post-merger integration phase. Prior to his function at Messe Berlin he was managing director of a chain of VW/Audi dealerships and worked for more than 10 years as member of the executive board of Westdeutsche Spielbanken GmbH responsible for IT, controlling, and M&A projects.
Ulrich studied business administration and mathematics at the Universities in Dortmund and Münster.
DECEMBER 2014
Landpoint Corporate Finance advises the DSV-Group (Deutscher Sparkassenverlag) on the acquisition of 80% in PAYONE GmbH, Kiel
As a solution provider in the Savings Banks Finance Group (Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe), the DSV Group is responsible for the "Payment" topic and, with effect from 1 January 2015, will hold an 80 percent share of the Kiel-based payment service provider PAYONE GmbH, one of Germany's largest independent payment service providers with a transaction volume of around three billion euros (2013).
Landpoint exclusively advised the DSV Group on the whole M&A process from approach of the company up to the signing of the transaction.
(Note: The German Savings Banks Finance Group or Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe is the market leader in the German financial services sector with an approximate share of 40% of total banking assets in Germany)
OCTOBER 2014
SICK AG acquires industrial business of MICAS AG
Effective October 1, 2014, SICK AG has acquired the industrial radar sensor business of MICAS AG, Oelsnitz, thus expanding its technology portfolio for port applications, mines and heavy industry. In an asset deal, SICK has purchased MICAS' entire technical know-how for the production of industrial radar sensors as well as the associated customer data. Radar sensors are used primarily for collision prevention in ports and open-pit mines. In the future, MICAS will focus on its main business segment, "Building Automation", offering sensors for sanitary installations, kitchens and heating systems as well as light sensors.
MICAS is selling its industrial business because the "Industrial Radar Sensors" segment, which serves mainly port and mine operators, cannot be sustainably developed without a globally operating sales organization. MICAS has therefore decided to focus on its core business of building automation. The asset deal includes only the transfer of know-how for industrial applications and the associated customer data, the entire staff and production equipment will remain with the Saxon SME.
Landpoint Corporate Finance advised MICAS AG exclusively on this transaction.
SEPTEMBER 2014
Landpoint advises the founder Sohel Kapadia on the repurchase of the 51% stakes in Sohel Distributors NY LLC and SDI Wireless LLC from the insolvent Mox Telecom Group
Following the insolvency of the Mox Telecom Group, Sohel Kapadia, the founder and 49% owner of Sohel Distributors NY LLC and SDI Wireless LLC, has acquired the 51% stakes previously owned by Mox Telecom America.
Tracing its origins to 1996, the SDI group disposes of a distribution network centered on the US east coast and can access more than 12,000 retailers through its 400 trading partners. 30 different prepaid calling card brands with more than 300 worldwide destinations complete the product spectrum, positioning the SDI group as a true market and know-how leader.
Landpoint Corporate Finance exclusively advised Mr Kapadia on this acquisition.
NOVEMBER 2013
Landpoint advises mr. net group on the transfer of its cash collection activities into a joint venture with REAL SOLUTION group
„Real“ Inkasso GmbH, a member company of the REAL SOLUTION group and mr. net group GmbH & Co. KG have agreed to start a joint venture company called Hanse Inkasso Bureau (HIB). As part of the joint venture setup, mr. net group will transfer all of its collection activities into the joint venture.
Michael Rohbeck, founder and managing director of mr. net group summarizes the cooperation: „We are happy to have found a strong partner in REAL Inkasso, with whom we can extend our service offering even further.“ „mr. net group is one of the largest outsourcing service providers in Germany and services well-known clients in almost all sectors. This cooperation enables us to offer an even better service.“, comments Tomas Tamm, managing director REAL Inkasso, on the benefits of newly founded joint venture.
Hanse Inkasso Bureau will be located on the premises of REAL Solution GmbH in Hamburg and will commence its activities already this year.
Landpoint Corporate Finance exclusively advised mr. net group on the search for a strategic partner for the collection activities and the creation of the joint venture.
OCTOBER 2013
Sale of the Assets of AST GmbH
The assets of Jena/Germany based AST GmbH Advanced Shockwave Therapy (AST) were acquired by one of the leading Swiss medtech companies. AST has developed and brought to market an innovative lithotripter for the treatment of kidney stones. After AST's filing for insolvency, the Swiss investor acquired AST's assets through a newly founded fully owned subsidiary.
Landpoint Corporate Finance acted as financial adviser to AST and initiated the contact of the investor with the insolvency administrator.
AUGUST 2013
Landpoint advises broadband provider mr. net services GmbH & Co. KG on raising additional growth capital
mr. net services, headquartered in Flensburg, signed a deal with a private investor for the contribution of additional equity capital to finance further growth. As part of this transaction the investor commits to participate in an equity increase and also receives an option to contribute additional equity capital within a pre-defined timeframe. The company will receive fresh funds in the seven-digit Euro range.
mr. net services, an independent infrastructure solution provider, realizes innovative IP solutions through a nationwide IP network covering broadband internet, IP-telephony and digital tv. Its customers are cable network operators, energy distributors, CLECs, housing companies as well as federal and municipal institutions. The company offers a full-service operating model and provides all services ranging from product development, customer activation and service to the operation of the network infrastructure.
At present, mr. net services serves more than 20,000 customers all over Germany. The company aims at expanding its customer base further through investment in fast fiber-networks, thereby unlocking attractive future revenue streams. The additional equity capital enables the company to increase its already impressive growth even further.
Landpoint Corporate Finance exclusively advised mr. net services on the capital increase.
MARCH 2013
Landpoint advises PROCAP on the Acquisition of Schoeller Cap Systems
PROCAP Holding SA, a leading European player in the plastic caps and closures industry, has acquired Schoeller Cap Systems GmbH (SCS), located in Schwerin, Germany from Schoeller Group. SCS is a manufacturer of plastic caps for the drinks industry, mainly mineral water bottlers, with a workforce of over 40 employees.
PROCAP has had sales activities in Germany but the acquisition provides the company with local manufacturing facilities to optimally serve local clients and international customers in Germany. In addition, the location in Schwerin supports PROCAP's ambitions to develop opportunities in Scandinavia and Poland.
Landpoint Corporate Finance acted as exclusive financial adviser of PROCAP Holding SA regarding the transaction.
FEBRUARY 2013
Landpoint advises mr.next id GmbH & Co. KG on the acquisition of mcn tele.com services GmbH & Co. KG
On February 22, 2013, mr. next id and mcn tele.com signed a purchase contract regarding the acquisition of mcn tele.com services. As a result, the total value-added services business will be taken over by mr. next id. The parties agreed to keep the purchase price confidential.
Like mr. next id, mcn tele.com services offers comprehensive telecommunications and value-added services solutions relating to service call numbers to its B2B customers. Wolfgang Glücks, CEO of mcn tele.com AG, comments: "Our strategy is focused on the provision of intelligent intermediate solutions for network operators. The sale of mcn tele.com services follows this logic. We are pleased to have won mr. next id as our preferred partner to strengthen and further develop the value-added services division."
The acquisition of mcn tele.com services allows for additional inorganic growth for the Bonn-based value-added services provider in a highly competitive market. For Karsten Rudloff, managing director of mr. next id, the acquisition presents an important strategic milestone. "As a highly specialized technical solutions provider who is particularly active in demanding market segments, mcn tele.com services ideally matches our profile. We are pleased to be able to expand our problem-solving skills for our clients through this merger."
Landpoint Corporate Finance exclusively advised mr. next id on this acquisition.
FEBRUARY 2012
GEREJE Corporate Finance and Landpoint Corporate Finance Form Strategic Alliance to Develop M&A Advisory Services for Transactions Between German-speaking and Emerging Asian Countries (ASEAN, INDIA, CHINA)
Singapore, Paris, Berlin - February, 2012 - Landpoint and Gereje have decided to enter into a strategic alliance targeted mainly at boosting transactions between German-speaking and Asian countries. Landpoint and Gereje will combine their expertise to expand their marketing, origination, and execution capabilities across a number of industries.
"It has always been a strategic objective from day one for GEREJE Corporate Finance to offer services to mid and large cap German firms. Our alliance with Landpoint is a key long term strategic step in the implementation of our Euro-Asia cross border M&A business model," said Fabrice Lombardo, CEO and Founder of GEREJE Corporate Finance.
"GEREJE Corporate Finance is a partner with excellent reputation and superb know-how in the Asian market. Through this partnership we can extend our geographic reach to the Asian market, enabling our clients to benefit from the direct access to decision makers in the key growth markets of South East Asia, India and China," said Christian Fest, Founder and Managing Director of Landpoint Corporate Finance.
About GEREJE Corporate Finance
Founded in 2002, GEREJE Corporate Finance is a Euro-Asian M&A boutique offering both strategic and financial advisory services. Gereje's multicultural team combines cross-border M&A expertise with sector specialization ensuring an in-depth understanding of its clients' requirements, ranging from family offices, HNWI, private equity funds to large multinationals, mid & small cap. With two main execution offices in Paris and Singapore, as well as origination entities in Mumbai, Bangkok and Shanghai, Gereje ensures "on the ground" execution capabilities with 24/7 reactivity. For more information, please visit www.gerejecorpfinance.com.
About Landpoint Corporate Finance
Landpoint Corporate Finance is a Berlin-based independent international advisory company which provides a range of investment banking services in Germany and internationally. Landpoint is advising clients on domestic and cross-border acquisitions and divestitures as well as financing transactions covering a number of industry sectors. The business was founded in 2004 and since then has completed numerous successful assignments for its clients. For more information, please visit www.landpoint.de.
For further Information, please contact,
Fabrice Lombardo
CEO
GEREJE Corporate Finance SAS
Level 5, Louis Vuitton Building
101 Ave. de Champs-Elysées
75008 Paris France
T + 33 1 56 52 93 05
flombardo@gerejecorpfinance.com
Christian Fest
Managing Director
Landpoint Corporate Finance GmbH
Georgenstraße 24
10117 Berlin
Germany
T +49 30 8877 1400
christian.fest@landpoint.de
APRIL 2011
Landpoint advises Mox Telecom AG on the acquisition of a 51% stake in Sohel Distributors NY LLC, USA
Mox Telecom America strengthens its distribution presence in the world's largest calling card market through the second US acquisition within six months.
Sohel Distributors NY LLC (SDI), headquartered in Yonkers, New York, USA, is the biggest distributor for high-quality prepaid calling cards in the USA. For 2011 the company expects an annual turnover in excess of USD 100 m and an EBITDA in the medium single digit million range. In the medium term SDI expects double-digit organic growth - in 2014 turnover is estimated to exceed USD 200 m. The financial result of SDI will be fully consolidated in the Mox group results for 2011.
Tracing its origins to 1996, the company is a result of the merger of various firms of the SDI group. SDI disposes of a distribution network centered on the US east coast and can access more than 12,000 retailers through its 400 trading partners. 30 different prepaid calling card brands with more than 300 worldwide destinations complete the product spectrum, positioning Sohel Distributors as a true market and know-how leader.
The hitherto sole owner and founder of SDI, Sohel Kapadia will retain a 49% stake and will continue to manage the business under common objectives. Mox has pre-emption rights for the remaining stake. Landpoint Corporate Finance exclusively advised Mox Telecom AG on this acquisition.
FEBRUARY 2011
Landpoint advises Sixt AG on the market entry onto the US market
Sixt, one of the world's leading car rental providers with operations in more than 100 countries, enters the US market through the opening of car rental operations under its own brand at Miami airport.
The market entry was achieved through the acquisition of the airport concession and further assets of Excellence Luxury Car Rental, Inc. which had been active in the consolidated car rental centre at the Miami airport since its opening in 2010. Starting from this platform, Sixt is considering the opening of further locations in Florida and other regional markets in the USA.
Landpoint Corporate Finance acted as exclusive financial adviser of Sixt AG regarding the identification of potential target companies and the implementation of the transaction.
DECEMBER 2010
Landpoint Corporate Finance advises mr.net group on the acqusition of NEXT ID Group, Bonn/Hamburg from freenet Group
Effective January 1, 2011, mr.net group GmbH & Co. KG, Flensburg, acquires 100% of the shares in NEXT ID GmbH and NEXT ID technologies GmbH from freenet Group. As a leading provider of telecommunications and value-added services, NEXT ID Group is an excellent addition to mr.net group. Landpoint acted as exclusive financial advisor to mr.net group in this transaction.
NOVEMBER 2010
Landpoint advises Mox Telecom AG on the acquisition of a 51% stake in New Jersey Best Phone Cards Corp., USA
Through the acquisition of 51% of the shares of New Jersey Best Phone Cards Corp. ("NJ Best"), Mox Telecom continues to expand its sales presence in one of its major growth markets.
NJ Best, located in Passaic, New Jersey, USA, specializes in the sale of prepaid products for migrants. The core products of the company are prepaid calling cards. The company is an established market player, operates profitably and will already contribute significantly to the bottom line of Mox Group in 2011.
Stand-alone, without consideration of synergies resulting from the integration into the MOX Group, NJ Best plans to realize revenues of approx. US$ 50m. After full consolidation of the company in 2011 Mox America will double its annual revenue compared to 2009 and is expected to reach annual revenues significantly higher than US$ 100m. It was agreed to keep details of the purchase price confidential. Landpoint Corporate Finance exclusively advised Mox Telecom AG on this acquisition.
JULY 2010
Landpoint Corporate Finance advises ELAC Electroacustic GmbH on the reshaping of the shareholder structure
In a reorganization of the shareholder structure of the consumer electronics manufacturer ELAC Electroacustic GmbH, headquartered in Kiel/Germany, two of the three shareholders sold their combined shareholding of 66% to the international investor group Global Legend. The new investor also contributed further capital into the company. The third shareholder, Mr. Wolfgang John, remains in the company as shareholder and future sole managing director.
ELAC Electroacustic GmbH is one of the internationally leading developers and manufacturers of premium loudspeakers. The company distinguishes itself through a variety of innovative proprietary technologies and employs a workforce of approx. 50 persons. Landpoint Corporate Finance acted as exclusive financial adviser to ELAC Electroacustic GmbH.
MARCH 2010
Landpoint advises Mox Telecom AG on the acquisition of a qualified majority stake in Aglow Alicom Pte Ltd., Singapore
Through the acquisition of 78% of the shares of Aglow Alicom Pte Ltd. ("Aglow"), Mox establishes its sales presence in one of the largest telecommunications growth regions in the world and gains its third international telephone node.
The company was founded in 1985 and is currently present in 8 regional markets and brings a third telephone node to the existing Mox Telecom global network, currently based in Frankfurt and New York. This will not only result in increased technical security, but also considerable cost savings. In 2009, the South-East Asian region accounted for approx. 2% of Mox group's turnover.
This takeover allows Mox to considerably strengthen its distribution presence in South-East Asia. Aglow will also handle the Australian market. Over the next 3 years, Mox expects to achieve a turnover volume of up to US $15m within the region and a contribution to operating income on a scale of US $1m. It has been agreed to keep details of the purchase price confidential. Landpoint Corporate Finance exclusively advised Mox Telecom AG on this acquisition.
JANUARY 2010
Messe Berlin majority in K.I.T. Group
Messe Berlin GmbH ("Messe Berlin") agreed with the founder and sole shareholer of K.I.T. Group GmbH on the acquisition of the majority in the the company's share capital. K.I.T. Group GmbH, Berlin, is one of the global leaders in the organization of congresses, conferences and other events. One of the focus areas is the organization and management of medical conferences on behalf of medical associations. Through the investment in K.I.T. Group GmbH, Messe Berlin positions itself in a fast growing market as one of the leading organizers of large conferences with participant numbers of several thousand delegates. Landpoint Corporate Finance advised Messe Berlin on the transaction.
JANUARY 2010
Messe Berlin establishes Strategic Partnership with Deutscher Bauernverlag
Messe Berlin GmbH ("Messe Berlin") established a strategic partnership with Deutscher Bauernverlag GmbH that comprises a 50% investment by Deutscher Bauernverlag GmbH in EFE GmbH which was previously fully owned by Messe Berlin. Following the transaction, EFE GmbH, as a 50/50 joint venture, shall serve as competence platform for trade fairs with an agricultural background in Germany and the neighboring countries. Landpoing Corporate Finance advised Messe Berlin on the execution of the transaction.
DECEMBER 2009
Hoyer acquires 20.1% stake in InterBulk
Hoyer GmbH Internationale Fachspedition ("Hoyer") agreed to acquire 60,794,330 ordinary shares, equivalent to 20.1 per cent of the issued share capital of InterBulk Group plc, conditional upon the approval of the German regulatory authorities. The shares were acquired from Close Private Equity LLP, Caledonia Investments, Victor Martin and John Marshall. Landpoint Corporate Finance together with LCF Edmond de Rothschild Securities Ltd. initiated the transaction and advised Hoyer on the execution.
NOVEMBER 2009
Landpoint advises Mox Telecom AG on the acquisition of IPS AG, Switzerland
Through the acquisition of 100% of the shares of International Prepay Solution AG ("IPS" AG), Mox positions itself as a first mover for Prepaid MasterCard® cards for ethnic customer groups in Europe.
International Prepay Solution ("IPS") AG, located in Sarnen, Switzerland, is a company focused on the distribution of prepaid products targeted at ethnic consumers. In addition to specialized telephony products such as calling cards, prepaid SIM cards as well as an online B-2-B distribution platform, IPS offers a Prepaid MasterCard® card which is distributed Europe-wide.
For the current year 2009, IPS forecasts sales of approx. EUR 13 million. For 2010, turnover is forecasted to amount to approx. EUR 20 million. Only a short time after inception, the company operates already profitably and will contribute a significant positive amount to the group earnings from 2010. Through the full consolidation of IPS from 2010, Mox Telecom's sales will exceed the EUR 100 million mark for the first time in its 12-year history. Landpoint Corporate Finance exclusively advised Mox Telecom AG on this acquisition.
OCTOBER 2009
Rearrangement of the shareholder structure of MICAS AG
The shareholders of the leading provider of sensor technology for the sanitary, lighting, access control and collision protection industries, MICAS AG, agreed on a comprehensive rearrangement of the shareholder structure. The agreement provides that the financial investors TFG Technologie Fonds II, TFG Venture Capital and BLS Technologie-Fonds will exit their shareholding of combined 30% in the share capital of MICAS AG. After the complete implementation of the transaction, all shares will be held by the executive directors of MICAS AG and their families. In order to provide a basis for discussions, Landpoint prepared a valuation opinion on behalf of the company.
JANUARY 2009
Landpoint advises shareholders of accom GmbH & Co. KG on formation of accom and NetCologne Joint Venture
Starting April 1, 2009, a Joint Venture between accom GmbH & Co. KG, Aachen and NetCologne GmbH, Cologne will create a new telecommunications company in Aachen. The company will offer both retail and business customers the full product portfolio, including internet, fixed-line and mobile phone services as well as cable TV.
100% of the shares of accom GmbH & Co. KG, a subsidiary of Aachen-based municipal utility company STAWAG will be transferred into the Joint Venture; NetCologne will carve out a division for the Joint Venture comprising the customer base and turnover for the Aachen/ Düren region, along with the related employees. STAWAG will hold a 16% share in the Joint Venture, NetCologne 84%.
accom is the regional carrier for greater Aachen and vicinity. The company offers fixed-line telephony, internet access and data links for the creation of business networks primarily to business customers in the Aachen-Düren-Heinsberg region. accom has 65 employees generating turnover of EUR 12 million for 2007.
accom was founded in December 1997 as a subsidiary of STAWAG, together with Sparkasse Aachen, Sparkasse Düren and Kreissparkasse Heinsberg and started its operations in 1998. In 2000, the utility company enwor energie&wasser vor ort (formerly ASEAG Energie) joined the shareholder group.
Landpoint Corporate Finance exclusively advised accom's shareholders in the search for a suitable strategic partner. As part of the transaction the shares of the other minority interests were transferred entirely to STAWAG prior to the contribution into the Joint Venture company.
MAY 2008
Sale of St. Petri-Hospital Warburg gGmbH to Rhön-Klinikum AG
Landpoint Corporate Finance advised the Höxter district and the City of Warburg on the successful sale of St. Petri-Hospital Warburg gGmbH to Rhön-Klinikum AG. The St. Petri-Hospital is a hospital for basic medial care with 153 listed beds. During the structured bidding process, discussions were held with potential investors from all over Germany. In connection with the transaction, the selected investor Rhön-Klinikum AG committed to the construction of a completely new hospital building with capital expenditures of at least € 20 million.
APRIL 2008
Landpoint Corporate Finance Advises TFG Capital AG and Konsortium AG on the Sale of the Majority of KSR Kuebler Niveau-Messtechnik AG
The two financial investors TFG Capital AG and Konsortium AG have sold all of the shares they held in KSR Kuebler Niveau-Messtechnik AG. At its location in Zwingenberg/Neckar, KSR Kuebler manufactures a wide range of level measuring and regulation devices which are successfully marketed world-wide. The company is European market leader in the market of level measurement based on float switches. With more than 200 employees, the company achieved revenues of € 19 million in the year 2006. Landpoint Corporate Finance acted as exclusive adviser to TFG Capital AG and Konsortium AG on the sale of their shares.
JANUARY 2008
Landpoint Corporate Finance advises MR.NET services GmbH & Co. KG on the acquisition of NEXNET GmbH from Cipio Partners
MR.NET services GmbH & Co. KG has closed a purchase contract with Cipio Partners, a private equity investor with offices in Munich and San Jose, USA concerning the acquisition of NEXNET GmbH, Berlin. The transaction creates a group with 140 employees and sales of EUR 45 million. Landpoint Corporate Finance exlusively advised MR.NET on the acquisition.
DECEMBER 2007
Landpoint Corporate Finance expands and moves to the new center of Berlin
At the the beginning of the year 2008, Landpoint Corporate Finance GmbH moved into new offices in Georgenstraße 24 in Berlin Mitte. The new office is located on the second floor in close proximity to Friedrichstraße train station. The building is part of the Friedrich Carré ensemble, was designed by the architects Assmann Salomon & Partner and completed in 2003.
AUGUST 2007
Landpoint Corporate Finance wins mandate from the Warburg Hospital Administration Union to find a new owner for the St. Petri Hospital in Warburg
Landpoint Corporate Finance has won the mandate from the assembly of the Warburg Hospital Administration Union to find a new owner for the St. Petri-Hospital in Warburg. The responsible body for the St. Petri-Hospital is the Warburg Hospital Administration Union, which is 60% owned by the county of Höxter with the remaining 40% share being held by the City of Warburg.
The St. Petri-Hospital in Warburg provides primary and secondary care. The hospital's departments consist of internal medicine, surgery, urology, pediatrics, ear, nose and throat medicine, anesthesics and radiology. The hospital employs ca. 300 people who treat around 5,600 patients annually with a budget volume of around EUR 13.7 million. The balance sheet total for the year 2005 amounted to EUR 18.2 million.
