Press Release

September 2 2024

SEVEST acquires Sauter Group

Funds advised by SEVEST Management GmbH (“SEVEST”) acquire 100% of the shares in Sauter Holding GmbH (“Sauter Group”) from funds advised by PINOVA Capital GmbH (“PINOVA”) and the Sauter family. The company specialises in the development and production of custom spring solutions with the highest precision and comprises Heinrich Sauter Fabrik technischer Federn GmbH and Schlenker Federn GmbH.

Outstanding market position with double-digit annual revenue growth

The group operates at three locations in Baden-Württemberg and is characterised by a profitable and dynamically growing business model, which relies on long-standing customer relationships in highly diversified end markets. Sauter differentiates itself in the market through a particularly pronounced customer focus and the provision of automated packaging solutions that enable seamless integration into customers’ production processes.

Since its acquisition by PINOVA in 2018, many initiatives have been launched: the appointment of a new management team, the optimisation of operational processes, and the initiation of a buy-and-build strategy through the acquisition of Schlenker Federn GmbH. These strategic steps have significantly contributed to double-digit annual revenue growth, and the company has been able to continue its steady growth even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Martin Olbort, founding partner of PINOVA, adds: “The early identification of growth markets and the operational implementation of these organic and inorganic development opportunities have led to well above-average growth in recent years. We would like to thank the management team and the Sauter family for the successful cooperation.”

“The Sauter Group has built an excellent reputation in an attractive market niche and has achieved a remarkable growth trajectory. We are impressed by the development and success over the past years and look forward to supporting the Sauter Group in its future growth as a partner”, comments David Lisewski, founding partner of SEVEST.

To promote organic growth, SEVEST plans to enhance existing customer relationships, strengthen sales capabilities, further expand the attractive MedTech segment, advance the exploration of new regions, industries, and applications, and intensify new customer acquisition. Additionally, inorganic growth will be pursued through the continuation of the successful buy-and-build strategy. Ongoing optimisation of processes within the company is intended to further increase profitability.

PINOVA was advised on the transaction by Commerzbank (Sell-Side M&A Advisor), RSM Ebner Stolz (Financial & Tax) and Dr. Jörg Windt Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH (Legal).

About the Sauter Group

The Sauter Group is a supplier to the medical technology, electrical, home appliances, and consumer goods industries. The company develops, produces, and supplies technical springs, bent-wire parts, and tool-bound stamped-bent parts made from round wires and band material, assembly parts and assemblies, as well as self-developed and manufactured machines and systems for processing, refining, and handling the manufactured products. The focus of its operations is on meeting customer requirements and developing innovative solutions that exceed customer expectations. At the three locations in Furtwangen (headquarters), Singen, and the newly opened plant in Villingen-Schwenningen in 2024, there is a total of over 10,000 m² of production, storage, and office space available.

For more information, please visit: sauter.de

About SEVEST

SEVEST is a mid-market buyout fund with a focus on advanced industrial businesses in the German-speaking region. Through the entrepreneurial family background, a strong track record as mid-market investors, and an operator-led active ownership approach, SEVEST supports its portfolio companies to reach their growth potential.

For more information, please visit: sevest.de

About PINOVA Capital

PINOVA Capital is an independent private equity company that invests its managed funds in high-growth technology companies in the German-speaking region. PINOVA focuses on mid-sized companies with revenues between €10 million and €75 million in the Industrial Technology sector (High Tech Components & Devices, Innovative Chemicals & Materials as well as Smart Systems & Software), characterised by significant growth potential, sustainable competitive advantages, and a strong market position in their niche.

For more information, please visit: pinovacapital.com

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