Sustainable growth strategy: VR Equitypartner takes out interest in aku.automation
A team led by Dr. Rainer Herschlein, Partner at Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek, advised VR Equitypartner GmbH on acquiring a significant minority interest in aku.automation, a specialist for industrial image processing. VR Equitypartner intends to pursue a sustainable growth strategy with this transaction that is expected to be closed by the beginning of September 2020.
As part of the transaction, aku.automation’s two founders and managing partners will keep stakes in the company. Boris Gierszewski, current Sales Manager and future CEO, will join operational management and also hold a stake in the company in the future. Jointly with VR Equitypartner, the company intends to continue its expansion of the past few years and increase its regional presence. In addition, aku.visionManager, the company’s own software solution, is to be further established on the market after its 2019 rollout.
aku.automation GmbH is a specialist provider focusing on image processing in industrial automation as a system integrator. The company, established in 2007, employs more than 50 people at its Aalen headquarters, its site in Linden (Hesse), and its technical base in Wernberg (Bavaria). aku.automation designs, manufactures, and sells systems for quality assurance and process control in various sectors of industry, particularly in rages Automotive & E-mobility, Consumer Goods, Food & Beverages, and Electronics.
VR Equitypartner GmbH is one of the leading equity financiers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, supporting medium-sized family businesses in solving complex financing issues. Reasons for investment include growth and expansion financing, corporate succession, or changes in ownership. VR Equitypartner’s portfolio currently includes some 60 commitments with an investment volume of EUR 400 million.
Counsel to VR Equitypartner
Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek:
Dr. Rainer Herschlein, LL.M. (Fordham University) (Lead, M&A), Stuttgart
Benedikt Raisch,
Charlotte Schmitt, LL.M. (both M&A), both Stuttgart
Fabian G. Gaffron (Tax), Hamburg
Natalia Dinnebier (Employment),
Dr. Felix Drefs (IP/IT), both Stuttgart
