goetzpartners advised Halder in its sale of the leading rapid prototype specialist ACTech

Freiberg/Munich, March 26, 2012, Halder, the Frankfurt-based investor in buy-outs of German SMEs, has signed a definitive agreement to sell its majority shareholding in ACTech Holding GmbH, Freiberg/Saxonia, to PREMIUM Equity Partners and CornerstoneCapital. The transaction is subject to approval of anti-trust authorities. goetzpartners was the exclusive M&A advisor to Halder.

Halder acquired ACTech in 2007 from a group of investors backing the company since its inception in 1995. Management held 20% of the firm’s capital. ACTech is the leading service provider for prototype metal castings – parts and components used in R&D projects of e.g. the automotive industry. In recent years, the company has broadened its market presence from Western Europe and the US to India.

In producing component prototypes, ACTech uses a high-tech process involving a laser system to build moulds from epoxy-covered sand particles. This technology saves up to 80% of the time taken by traditional form building methods. With a deepened supply chain involving innovative form building, an in-house foundry and broadened mechanical finishing, ACTech offers a comprehensive service targeted to accelerate industrial R&D: Its rapid prototyping approach provides clients fast with ready-to-mount and ready-to-test components made from materials used in subsequent mass production as a single piece or in small batches.

Since the last recession ended, the automotive industry has restarted R&D activities related to turbo charging as well as hybrid and electric drives. This has resulted in a strong business recovery for ACTech: Order intake for 2011 was 20% higher than planned and the company has achieved sales revenues of € 33 million (€ 22.5 million in 2010). Staff has increased to 373 in 2011 from 313 the year before.

The parties have agreed not to disclose the value of the transaction.