Accompanied by Zerbach & Company Corporate Finance GmbH, the shareholders of DuoTherm Rolladen GmbH sold the majority of their shares to the Hamburg-based private equity firm BPE.
DuoTherm manufactures and assembles roller shutter, venetian blind and external venetian blind systems as well as fabric shading systems, supplying in particular the German specialist trade. In recent years, the window and sun protection industry has undergone significant change. Customers, and legislators too, are placing ever higher demands on quality, innovation, sustainability and safety. In order not only to meet these challenges but rather to actively drive and shape them as an innovation and quality leader, the shareholders decided to pursue this path with BPE as a strong new partner.
On behalf of the shareholders, Zerbach & Company initiated the search for a suitable partner for DuoTherm and structured and managed the subsequent transaction process. In approaching investors, Zerbach & Company selected and considered exclusively long-term-oriented private equity firms and family offices focused on the German Mittelstand. BPE, a renowned private equity firm from Hamburg, was awarded the mandate by the shareholders in a competitive process.
As continuity and stability of business relationships are of essential importance, founder André Barth will continue to steer DuoTherm as managing partner together with BPE and will play a key role in shaping the company's further growth.
What this means for the sector: Manufacturers of sun protection, windows and other building elements have been under pressure for years from rising requirements for energy efficiency, quality and safety. For owners who want to shape this change with a strong partner while securing part of their wealth, a majority sale to a long-term oriented investment company with continued management is a proven route. DuoTherm is today part of the Stella Group. Read more on our sector page M&A advisory for electrical, building and energy technology.