Reference project in the mechanical engineering sector
WINTERGERST accompanies the sale of OPTIMA to Private Assets
The Optima group of companies based in Schwäbisch Hall is a third-generation family-owned and operated specialist in packaging machines and filling stations with 2,800 employees spread over 20 locations worldwide. Its subsidiary, Optima automation GmbH, is a specialist in assembly technology with a workforce of approximately 50 employees based in Fellbach.
Sell-Side M&A/Carve-Out
EUR > 10 million
2022
Mechanical engineering
Baseline
The Optima Group, headquartered in Schwäbisch Hall, is a third-generation family-owned business that manufactures packaging machines and filling systems with 2,800 employees at 20 locations worldwide. As part of a portfolio realignment, Wintergerst supported the carve-out of the heavily loss-making subsidiary Optima Automation GmbH, an assembly technology specialist with approximately 50 employees and headquartered in Fellbach. Through a competitive bidding process, a new owner was sought who could integrate Optima Automation into an existing company and ensure additional capacity utilization for the business. The transaction was fully supported by Wintergerst Societät für Unternehmer-Beratung.
Challenge
Solution
SIM Automation GmbH, part of the Private Assets portfolio, will become the new parent company of Optima Automation, whose Fellbach location and entire workforce will remain unchanged. In SIM Automation GmbH, a new owner has been found that, like OPTIMA, is rooted in the culture of small and medium-sized enterprises. With its long-term perspective and recognized development expertise, Private Assets AG is the ideal partner. The change in ownership opens up new opportunities for development and growth.
„We have managed to find a new owner that, like OPTIMA, has deep roots in the culture of the middle market. The long-term perspectives afforded by Private Assets AG and its acknowledged development expertise make it the ideal partner. We benefited from our many years of experience in mergers and acquisitions and our familiarity with the industrial sector.“
Lars gairing
Project Manager of WINTERGERST Societät für Unternehmer-Beratung GmbH & Co. KG