Frankfurt has emerged as a prime location for private equity firms, attracting global investors with its strategic financial ecosystem. Firms like Aermont Capital, Apax Partners, and Capiton AG have established robust presences in the city, leveraging its sophisticated financial infrastructure. These firms represent the dynamic private equity landscape in Germany’s financial capital, offering diverse investment strategies across sectors like real estate, technology, and healthcare. For professionals seeking to connect with industry leaders, join our community at alexejpikovsky.com/community.
Aermont Capital
Investment Style: Aermont Capital focuses on real estate-related investments, pursuing opportunities in property, property-related assets, and companies. They leverage a deep understanding of real estate and capital markets to identify and enhance the value of their investment opportunities.
Portfolio Companies: Aermont’s portfolio includes Pinewood Studios (major British film studio), and Dutch Prime Partners (office real estate).
Founding Date: 2007
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 50
Assets Under Management: Approximately €10 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Klaus Kleinfeld, Chairman: Kleinfeld brings a wealth of experience in global business leadership and strategy to Aermont.
- James Seppala, Partner: Seppala has been instrumental in shaping Aermont’s strategic direction and investment approach, particularly in the European market.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from a significant investment in a global logistics real estate portfolio.
- Sale of their stake in a major UK office property to a sovereign wealth fund.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in a large-scale mixed-use development project in Germany.
- Acquisition of a portfolio of urban properties in a major European capital.
Office Locations:
- Frankfurt Office: Operates as a key hub for their European investments.
- Additional Offices: London, Paris, Luxembourg
Website: www.aermont.com
Quote: “Our strength lies in our deep sector expertise and our ability to navigate complex transactions in dynamic markets.” – Klaus Kleinfeld, Chairman
Apax Partners
Investment Style: Apax Partners focuses on growth investments in four key sectors: technology, services, healthcare, and consumer. They aim to create value through operational improvements, strategic growth, and the alignment of interests with management teams.
Portfolio Companies: Apax’s portfolio includes ThoughtWorks (global technology consultancy), and AssuredPartners (insurance brokerage).
Founding Date: 1981
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 130 globally
Assets Under Management: Approximately $60 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Mitch Truwit, Co-CEO: Truwit has played a pivotal role in shaping Apax’s investment strategy and execution.
- Andrew Sillitoe, Co-CEO: Sillitoe is instrumental in driving Apax’s focus on technology and healthcare sectors.
Recent Exits:
- Exit of their investment in GlobalLogic through a sale to Hitachi.
- IPO of Duck Creek Technologies on NASDAQ.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquisition of Rodenstock, a German eyewear manufacturer.
- Investment in CyberGrants, a provider of corporate social responsibility software.
Office Locations:
- Frankfurt Office: Serves as a central point for their European investments.
- Additional Offices: London, New York, Hong Kong
Website: www.apax.com
Quote: “We are committed to creating lasting value in partnership with ambitious management teams.” – Andrew Sillitoe, Co-CEO
Capiton AG
Investment Style: Capiton AG specializes in mid-market buyouts and growth capital in German-speaking regions and neighboring countries. They focus on manufacturing, technology, and healthcare sectors, aiming for sustainable growth and value creation through active management.
Portfolio Companies: Capiton’s portfolio includes Möller Group (plastic and metal processing), and Stürtz Maschinenbau (industrial machinery).
Founding Date: 1999
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 20
Assets Under Management: Over €1 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Matthias Zachert, Managing Partner: Zachert is known for his strategic insights and leadership in mid-market investments.
- Christian von der Marwitz, Partner: von der Marwitz has a strong track record in executing transactions and managing portfolio companies.
Recent Exits:
- Successful sale of CordenPharma to a strategic buyer.
- Exit from Schur Flexibles to an industry investor.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquisition of a leading manufacturer in the healthcare equipment sector.
- Investment in a tech-enabled logistics company.
Office Locations:
- Frankfurt Office: Serves key clients and manages regional investments.
- Additional Offices: Berlin, Munich
Website: www.capiton.com
Quote: “Our approach is centered on long-term value creation and strategic collaboration with management teams.” – Matthias Zachert, Managing Partner
DPE Deutsche Private Equity
Investment Style: DPE Deutsche Private Equity focuses on investing in mid-sized companies in the DACH region. Their strategy involves supporting growth through strategic operational improvements and international expansion.
Portfolio Companies: DPE’s portfolio includes VTU Group (engineering services), and Euro-Druckservice (printing services).
Founding Date: 2007
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 30
Assets Under Management: Over €2 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Dr. Frank Mueller, Managing Partner: Mueller is recognized for his expertise in mid-market investments and strategic growth initiatives.
- Marc Thiery, Partner: Thiery focuses on identifying growth opportunities and enhancing portfolio company performance.
Recent Exits:
- Exit of their investment in Karl Eugen Fischer GmbH, a global leader in tire machinery.
- Sale of SLM Solutions, a metal-based additive manufacturing company, to a strategic buyer.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in a leading provider of renewable energy solutions.
- Acquisition of a healthcare technology company specializing in digital health services.
Office Locations:
- Frankfurt Office: Key location for managing German investments.
- Additional Offices: Munich
Website: www.dpe.de
Quote: “We build the businesses of tomorrow by working closely with ambitious entrepreneurs and management teams.” – Dr. Frank Mueller, Managing Partner
HQ Capital
Investment Style: HQ Capital focuses on private equity and real estate investments globally. Their investment strategy emphasizes building sustainable value through a diversified portfolio and strategic asset management.
Portfolio Companies: HQ Capital’s portfolio includes diversified holdings across sectors like real estate, infrastructure, and private equity funds.
Founding Date: 1989
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 145 globally
Assets Under Management: Approximately $12 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Dr. Georg Wunderlin, CEO: Wunderlin leads HQ Capital’s global strategy and investment efforts.
- Stefan Fuchs, Managing Director: Fuchs oversees the private equity division, focusing on growth and operational excellence.
Recent Exits:
- Successful exit from a portfolio of U.S. multifamily properties.
- Sale of a diversified real estate portfolio in Asia to a strategic buyer.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquisition of a major real estate asset in a prime urban location.
- Investment in a European infrastructure fund.
Office Locations:
- Frankfurt (Headquarters): Key hub for HQ Capital’s global operations.
- Additional Offices: New York, Hong Kong
Website: www.hqcapital.com
Quote: “Our mission is to generate superior returns for our clients through disciplined investment processes and value creation strategies.” – Dr. Georg Wunderlin, CEO
Golding Capital Partners
Investment Style: Golding Capital Partners specializes in alternative investments, focusing on private equity, private debt, and infrastructure. They seek to deliver value through a diversified and innovative approach to asset management.
Portfolio Companies: Golding Capital Partners manages a diverse range of investments across sectors, including technology, infrastructure, and healthcare.
Founding Date: 2000
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 100
Assets Under Management: Approximately €10 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Jeremy Golding, Founder and Managing Partner: Golding has spearheaded the firm’s growth and strategic direction.
- Dr. Matthias Reicherter, Chief Investment Officer: Reicherter oversees the firm’s investment strategies across all asset classes.
Recent Exits:
- Successful exit from a European infrastructure project with strong returns.
- Sale of a stake in a high-growth technology company to a strategic buyer.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in a renewable energy platform in Europe.
- Acquisition of a portfolio of healthcare assets in the United States.
Office Locations:
- Frankfurt Office: Central to managing European investments.
- Additional Offices: Munich, Luxembourg
Website: www.goldingcapital.com
Quote: “Our focus on alternative investments and a keen understanding of market dynamics allows us to generate superior value for our clients.” – Jeremy Golding, Founder and Managing Partner
Ardian
Investment Style: Ardian is a world-leading private investment house specializing in private equity, private debt, real estate, and infrastructure. Their approach emphasizes building true partnerships with the companies and communities they invest in.
Portfolio Companies: Ardian’s portfolio includes leading companies in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and energy.
Founding Date: 1996
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 700 globally
Assets Under Management: Over $140 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Dominique Senequier, Founder and President: Senequier has been pivotal in establishing Ardian as a premier investment house globally.
- Jan Philipp Schmitz, Head of Germany and Asia: Schmitz focuses on expanding Ardian’s footprint in these key regions.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from their investment in InPost via IPO on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange.
- Sale of a major infrastructure asset in Europe to a strategic buyer.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in a renewable energy company in North America.
- Acquisition of a healthcare services firm in Asia.
Office Locations:
- Frankfurt Office: Supports their extensive activities in Germany and Europe.
- Additional Offices: Paris, London, New York, Beijing, Tokyo
Website: www.ardian.com
Quote: “We are driven by our commitment to create lasting value for our investors, companies, and the communities in which we operate.” – Dominique Senequier, Founder and President
Permira
Investment Style: Permira focuses on private equity investments in five key sectors: consumer, financial services, healthcare, industrial tech, and tech. Their strategy involves transformational investments to drive growth and operational improvement.
Portfolio Companies: Permira’s portfolio includes Klarna (online payment services), and Allegro (e-commerce platform).
Founding Date: 1985
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 250 globally
Assets Under Management: Approximately €44 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Kurt Björklund, Co-Managing Partner: Björklund has been instrumental in shaping Permira’s strategic and investment direction.
- Tom Lister, Co-Managing Partner: Lister focuses on driving Permira’s global initiatives and partnerships.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from their investment in Magento to Adobe Systems.
- Sale of their stake in Duff & Phelps to Stone Point Capital.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in a leading European fintech company.
- Acquisition of a healthcare technology firm in North America.
Office Locations:
- Frankfurt Office: Integral to their European investment strategy.
- Additional Offices: London, New York, San Francisco, Hong Kong
Website: www.permira.com
Quote: “We focus on transformational investments that can unlock significant growth potential for our portfolio companies.” – Kurt Björklund, Co-Managing Partner
Triton Partners
Investment Style: Triton Partners focuses on investing in mid-market companies across Europe, particularly in the industrial technology, business services, and healthcare sectors. Their approach involves operational improvements and strategic guidance to help businesses realize their full potential.
Portfolio Companies: Triton’s portfolio includes DeepOcean (subsea marine services), and Assemblin (installation and service).
Founding Date: 1997
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 160
Assets Under Management: Approximately €18 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Peder Prahl, Managing Partner: Leads the firm’s strategic initiatives and overall direction.
- Andi Klein, Managing Partner: Focuses on the growth and development of smaller mid-cap companies.
Recent Exits:
- DSI Underground, a globally leading system supplier of innovative technologies for underground mining and tunneling.
- Exit from Sunweb Group through a sale to a strategic buyer.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquisition of Norstat, a leader in data collection services for consumer market research.
- Investment in a leading industrial technology company in Scandinavia.
Office Locations:
- Frankfurt Office: Key hub for their operations in Germany and Europe.
- Additional Offices: London, Stockholm, Luxembourg
Website: www.triton-partners.com
Quote: “Our focus is on working with management teams to build better businesses for the long term.” – Peder Prahl, Managing Partner
Aurelius Equity Opportunities
Investment Style: Aurelius Equity Opportunities specializes in acquiring medium-sized companies with operational improvement potential. They focus on creating value through strategic restructuring and enhancing operational efficiencies.
Portfolio Companies: Aurelius’s portfolio includes GHotel (hotel group), and Office Depot Europe (office supplies retailer).
Founding Date: 2006
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 80
Assets Under Management: Approximately €4 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Dirk Markus, CEO: Markus has led numerous successful transformations and exits in Aurelius’s portfolio.
- Friedrich Huth, Deputy CEO: Huth is responsible for overseeing operations and strategic growth initiatives.
Recent Exits:
- Successful exit of Solidus Solutions to Centerbridge Partners.
- Sale of Scandinavian Cosmetics to a strategic buyer.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquisition of a leading European industrial services company.
- Investment in a distressed industrial manufacturing business.
Office Locations:
- Frankfurt Office: Focuses on managing German and European investments.
- Additional Offices: Munich, London, Madrid
Website: www.aureliusinvest.de
Quote: “Our approach is to identify and unlock hidden value in businesses through strategic operational improvements.” – Dirk Markus, CEO
Conclusion
Frankfurt’s private equity landscape continues to evolve, reflecting the dynamic nature of global financial markets. As the city solidifies its position as a key European financial hub, private equity firms are playing an increasingly critical role in shaping economic trajectories. The intricate interplay of strategic investments, sector expertise, and market understanding defines success in this complex environment.
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