Reference project in the mechanical engineering sector
WINTERGERST accompanies the sale of Mayer & Cie. to Huixing and DIESSE
Mayer & Cie. GmbH & Co. KG is a family-owned global player that is now into its fourth generation of family management. It counts among the premium providers of circular knitting and braiding machines. With its three international locations and a strong focus on exports, the company has a global footprint and supplies customers in the most important textile markets of the world. Mayer & Cie. stands for innovative technologies, top-of-the-range production quality and long-standing customer relationships. As a global player, the Company combines traditional engineering expertise with an orientation towards international markets and customers.
Distressed M&A including development of a restructuring concept
EUR > 60 million
2025-2026
Mechanical engineering
Baseline
Mayer & Cie. GmbH & Co. KG is a fourth-generation family business operating worldwide and is one of the premium suppliers in the field of circular knitting and braiding machines. Mayer & Cie. has a global presence and supplies customers in the world's most important textile markets. Mayer & Cie. combines a focused, high-margin braiding division (technical niche applications) with a technology-driven circular knitting business (broad platform including proprietary solutions) – in a distressed setting with a need for clear structural realignment.
Challenge
The main challenge was to execute the transaction in a demanding market environment. Under considerable time pressure, it was necessary to ensure the clear separation of Flecht's assets, the stand-alone allocation of overheads and sbAs, and the acquisition of a buyer for the circular knitting division. At the same time, cross-border approvals had to be coordinated.
Solution
WINTERGERST structured and managed a two-stage process: first, the stand-alone carve-out to Diesse (December 2025), followed by the sale of the circular knitting business to Huixing (February 2026). This secured the brand, know-how, and continued operations at the locations.
„In spite of these immense challenges, giving up was never an option. We restructured the process, developed solutions and negotiated with a number of investors in parallel. Such complex situations not only require a great deal of personal commitment, but also professional excellence and stamina. That an opportunity emerged to keep the business of Mayer & Cie. running confirms our approach of creating sustainable perspectives even in the most difficult of circumstances.“
Volker Wintergerst
Managing Partner of WINTERGERST Societät für Unternehmer-Beratung GmbH & Co. KG