Private equity investor capiton (Berlin / Germany; www.capiton.de) has taken over the shareholding in extrusion blow moulding machine manufacturer Kautex Maschinenbau (Bonn / Germany; www.kautex-group.com), previously owned by Steadfast Capital (Frankfurt / Germany; www.steadfastcapital.de). In March 2007, Steadfast Capital joined five members of the Kautex management team in a management buyout (MBO) to acquire 100% of the shares held by investment firm Adcuram (Munich / Germany; www.adcuram.de). The latest change of shareholders was approved by Germany’s federal cartel authority on 18 January 2013.

Over the past six years, Kautex Group’s sales have increased by 75% and are now in excess of EUR 100m annually. Through the change in investor to capiton, the management has increased its equity to 50.1% and now holds the majority share in the group. The transaction was financed by the capiton IV fund and bank loans.

“Capiton is a trusted and experienced investor that is totally committed to our values. As a result, we now have the best possible conditions for continuing to develop and strengthen our business activities and the Kautex brand,” said Olaf Weiland, CEO of Kautex Maschinenbau.