Alantra advised WernerCo and Triton Partners on the acquisition of ZARGES Group

Jan 2018

Buy-side advisory

Alantra has advised WernerCo and Triton Partners on the acquisition of ZARGES Group, a leading provider of professional access, storage and special construction solutions. The parties’ operations are very complementary and the acquisition enhances WernerCo’s position as a market leader for industrial climbing products and storage and transport containers in Europe.

Alantra’s Frankfurt team provided M&A Advisory services to WernerCo and Triton Partners.

“We are very pleased with the outcome of this transaction. Alantra has continuously supported us over the last years in the assessment and discussion of potential acquisition opportunities in Europe. We have been impressed with their understanding of our business, their in-depth sector expertise, and the commitment that the entire team provided throughout the whole process,” remarked Edward Gericke, President of Americas business of WernerCo and currently acting CEO.

“ZARGES is a great company with its focus on product innovation and quality. We are convinced about the positive development of the firm as well as the benefit for both, WernerCo and ZARGES. We are looking forward to supporting the company’s growth trajectory in the coming years,” commented Ruth Linz, Investment Advisory Professional and Alantra advised the Triton Funds.

ZARGES Group, based in Weilheim, Germany, is a global player with a workforce of approximately 800 in 3 production sites in Europe, selling into various markets including Germany, France, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands. Innovative technologies and established experience with high-quality aluminium make ZARGES the leading company in the three major business sectors: Professional Access – Storage Solutions – Special Construction. ZARGES products combine the multiple benefits of aluminium such as high stability with low weight, corrosion resistance and flexibility of use. ZARGES has the right solution for every demand and can also offer customised solutions. Regardless of whether they are from industry, craftsmen, services or trade, the customers value ZARGES as a reliable partner and benefit from the quality, expertise and comprehensive service that they enjoy for many years after purchasing ZARGES products.

WernerCo, a Triton IV fund company, is an international manufacturer and distributor of access products, fall protection equipment, secure storage systems and light duty construction equipment. Its portfolio of industry leading brands include Werner, KNAACK®, WEATHER GUARD®, Youngman®, BoSS®, Centaure, Duarib, Haemmerlin and Bailey. WernerCo has manufacturing, warehousing, sales, distribution and office facilities in the United States, Australia, Canada, China, France, Hungary, Mexico, Philippines, Vietnam and the United Kingdom. Werner’s global headquarters are in Schaffhausen, Switzerland and its US headquarters are in Greenville, Pennsylvania.

The Triton funds invest in and support the positive development of medium-sized businesses headquartered in Europe, focusing on businesses in the Industrial, Business Services and Consumer/Health sectors. Triton seeks to contribute to the building of better businesses for the longer term. Triton and its executives wish to be agents of positive change towards sustainable operational improvements and growth. The 34 companies currently in Triton’s portfolio have combined sales of around €14 billion and around 90,500 employees.