Hanover, a vibrant economic hub in Lower Saxony, has emerged as a prime location for private equity firms. Nord Holding, HANNOVER Finanz Group, and Capiton AG represent the city’s robust investment landscape, offering strategic capital and growth opportunities across diverse sectors. These firms leverage Hanover’s strategic infrastructure and skilled workforce to drive transformative investments. For professionals seeking to connect with industry leaders, join our thriving community at alexejpikovsky.com/community.
Nord Holding
Investment Style: Nord Holding focuses on the acquisition of majority stakes in medium-sized companies as well as on the structuring and funding of growth plans for enterprises. They target industries such as healthcare, business services, and industrial goods.
Portfolio Companies: Portfolio includes companies such as Xovis (people counting & tracking technology), Serviceplan Group (independent agency group), and Serb (specialty pharmaceuticals).
Founding Date: 1969
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 50
Assets Under Management: Approximately €2.5 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Dr. Michael Leistikow, Managing Director: Involved in strategic development and execution of the investment strategy for Nord Holding’s portfolio.
- Dr. Jörg Rockenhäuser, Managing Director: Focuses on driving growth and value creation within Nord Holding’s investments.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Xovis to a strategic buyer in the technology sector.
- Exit of Serb to another private equity group.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquisition of Serviceplan Group to expand its media and communications portfolio.
Office Locations:
- Hanover (Headquarters): Hanover, Germany
- Additional Offices: Munich, Hamburg
Website: www.nordholding.de
Quote: “Our investment approach is deeply rooted in partnership and collaboration, allowing us to transform great businesses into leaders in their respective fields.” – Dr. Michael Leistikow, Managing Director
HANNOVER Finanz Group
Investment Style: HANNOVER Finanz Group primarily engages in providing equity capital for medium-sized enterprises, focusing on buyouts and growth financing across various sectors with an emphasis on long-term development.
Portfolio Companies: Notable portfolio companies include Rossmann (drugstore chain), Fressnapf (pet food retail chain), and Lichtenheldt (pharmaceutical contract manufacturing).
Founding Date: 1979
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately €700 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Dr. Jurgen R. Bialek, CEO: Oversees strategic direction and growth initiatives for the firm’s investments.
- Michael H. Lütke, Partner: Focuses on operational improvements and portfolio company growth strategies.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from Fressnapf via management buyout.
- Sale of Rossmann shares back to the company’s founding family.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Lichtenheldt to foster expansion in the pharmaceutical sector.
Office Locations:
- Hanover (Headquarters): Hanover, Germany
Website: www.hannoverfinanz.de
Quote: “We specialize in working with entrepreneurs to develop sustainable growth strategies, ensuring that our investments support long-term success.” – Dr. Jurgen R. Bialek, CEO
Capiton AG
Investment Style: Capiton AG focuses on mid-market buyouts and growth capital investments, particularly in the sectors of healthcare, industrial technology, and business services. They aim for operational enhancements and strategic growth in their portfolio companies.
Portfolio Companies: Includes names like Prefere Resins (chemical industry), Sercoo Group (industrial services), and IN tIME Express Logistik (logistics services).
Founding Date: 1999
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 30
Assets Under Management: Approximately €1 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Dr. Karl E. Schmucker, Managing Partner: Focuses on strategic value creation and operational improvements within portfolio companies.
- Henrik Schmidt, Partner: Specializes in healthcare and industrial technology investments.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Prefere Resins to a strategic buyer.
- Exit of IN tIME Express Logistik to another private equity firm.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Sercoo Group to diversify industrial service offerings.
Office Locations:
- Hanover (Headquarters): Hanover, Germany
- Additional Offices: Berlin, Munich
Website: www.capiton.com
Quote: “Our approach is based on deep sector expertise and active partnership with management teams to drive growth and efficiency.” – Dr. Karl E. Schmucker, Managing Partner
Orlando Management
Investment Style: Orlando Management is a private equity firm focused on special situations and industrial holdings in the DACH region. They invest in companies with strategic challenges or underperformance with a focus on turnaround and growth.
Portfolio Companies: Companies in their portfolio include SIGNA Sports United (online sports retail), VAG Group (valves for water treatment), and Transnorm Group (conveyor technology).
Founding Date: 2001
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately €800 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Dr. Wolfgang Deuringer, Partner: Specializes in strategic restructuring and operational turnaround of distressed assets.
- Thomas Hoffmann, Partner: Focuses on industrial holdings and growth of portfolio companies.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Transnorm Group to a strategic industrial buyer.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in SIGNA Sports United to expand their digital and e-commerce footprint.
Office Locations:
- Hanover (Headquarters): Hanover, Germany
- Additional Offices: Munich
Website: www.orlandomanagement.de
Quote: “We believe in the power of transformation, revitalizing businesses to unlock their full potential.” – Dr. Wolfgang Deuringer, Partner
Seafort Advisors
Investment Style: Seafort Advisors focuses on growth capital and buyouts in the DACH region, targeting mid-sized companies in the industrial and business services sectors. They prioritize sustainable value creation through active ownership and strategic guidance.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes companies like DAVASO (healthcare IT services) and Cedes (sensor technology for automated doors).
Founding Date: 2012
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 15
Assets Under Management: Approximately €400 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Matthias Hähnlein, Partner: Leads the firm’s efforts in identifying and structuring new investment opportunities.
- Andreas Sütterlin, Partner: Focuses on operational improvements and strategic development within the portfolio.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from Cedes to a larger industrial player.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in DAVASO to enhance their healthcare technology solutions.
Office Locations:
- Hanover (Headquarters): Hanover, Germany
Website: www.seafort-advisors.com
Quote: “Our strategy revolves around creating value by empowering management teams and fostering innovation within our portfolio companies.” – Matthias Hähnlein, Partner
GENUI
Investment Style: GENUI is a private investment firm that partners with management teams to invest in growth companies with strong market positions, primarily in healthcare, technology, and digital business sectors.
Portfolio Companies: Portfolio includes companies like Xantaro (network technology) and FormMed (nutrition and health products).
Founding Date: 2014
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 10
Assets Under Management: Approximately €300 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Dr. Marcus Ewald, Managing Partner: Focuses on strategic growth and operational improvement within the portfolio.
- Daniel Kerscher, Partner: Specializes in healthcare and technology sectors, fostering innovation and expansion.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from Xantaro via strategic sale to a tech industry leader.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in FormMed to expand their health product offerings.
Office Locations:
- Hanover (Headquarters): Hanover, Germany
Website: www.genui.com
Quote: “We strive to be partners who inspire companies to reach their full potential through innovation and strategic guidance.” – Dr. Marcus Ewald, Managing Partner
Delta Equity Partners
Investment Style: Delta Equity Partners specializes in providing capital and strategic support to small and medium-sized enterprises in the DACH region, focusing on industrial technology, consumer goods, and business services.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes companies like Kern (packaging machinery) and Beutlhauser (construction equipment distribution).
Founding Date: 2005
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 15
Assets Under Management: Approximately €250 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Alexander Lutz, Managing Partner: Focuses on investment strategy and operational value creation across the portfolio.
- Thomas Müller, Partner: Specializes in industrial and consumer goods sectors with a focus on growth and efficiency.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Kern to a larger industrial equipment company.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Beutlhauser to expand their market reach in construction equipment.
Office Locations:
- Hanover (Headquarters): Hanover, Germany
Website: www.deltaequitypartners.com
Quote: “Our commitment is to unlock growth potential and drive sustainable success for our portfolio companies.” – Alexander Lutz, Managing Partner
Kathrein Private Equity
Investment Style: Kathrein Private Equity focuses on providing capital for growth and succession solutions in family-owned businesses across the DACH region, with a preference for niche industrial sectors and business services.
Portfolio Companies: Includes companies such as Reitz Group (ventilation systems) and KKT Kraus (thermal solutions).
Founding Date: 1995
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 10
Assets Under Management: Approximately €200 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Frank Richter, Managing Director: Leads strategic initiatives and growth strategies within the portfolio.
- Sarah Hoffmann, Partner: Focuses on industrial and service sectors, driving innovation and transformation.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from KKT Kraus via sale to a private equity firm focused on energy solutions.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Reitz Group to enhance their market position in HVAC technologies.
Office Locations:
- Hanover (Headquarters): Hanover, Germany
Website: www.kathrein-privateequity.de
Quote: “Our expertise lies in partnering with family-owned businesses to ensure their legacy while driving modern-day growth.” – Frank Richter, Managing Director
Waterland Private Equity
Investment Style: Waterland Private Equity has a strategy focused on market-leading companies with growth potential in fragmented markets, primarily in the sectors of healthcare, leisure, and industrials. They emphasize organic growth combined with a buy-and-build approach.
Portfolio Companies: Key portfolio companies include Attersee (marina and sailing services), and Barentz (life science ingredients).
Founding Date: 1999
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 100 globally
Assets Under Management: Approximately €9 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Arnaud de Pret, Managing Partner: Specializes in strategic growth and the development of Waterland’s buy-and-build model.
- Louisa van der Werf, Partner: Focuses on healthcare and life sciences, leading several successful investments in the sector.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from Barentz to a strategic buyer in the life sciences space.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquisition of Attersee to expand their leisure services offerings.
Office Locations:
- Hanover (Headquarters): Hanover, Germany
- Additional Offices: Amsterdam, Munich, Warsaw, Zurich
Website: www.waterlandpe.com
Quote: “We aim to accelerate growth by combining our strategic expertise with the entrepreneurial spirit of our portfolio companies.” – Arnaud de Pret, Managing Partner
Conclusion
Hanover’s private equity landscape reflects a dynamic and evolving ecosystem of strategic investment opportunities. The firms operating in this region demonstrate a nuanced understanding of regional economic dynamics and potential value creation. As the market continues to transform, these entities remain agile and responsive to emerging sectors and investment prospects.
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