Unternehmeredition: What are the current important driving forces that push entrepreneurs to look for investments?
Florian Schick: Digitization and internationalization play a major role. In many markets as in the care sector, in technical building equipment or in the pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industry, competitive consolidation is also a reason for investment. For necessary growth, takeovers or expansions but often lack capital and know-how.
U: What characterises an investment through Bregal?
FS: For sellers, in addition to a reliable, fast and discreet sales process, it is often crucial that we are ourselves part of a family business built up over generations. Thus, we not only offer capital that is independent of financial markets, but the necessary sensitivity towards tradition and values. We support through partnership and in the long term, with the development and implementation of sustainable growth targets. In addition to our financing experience, we know the challenges of the industry; at the same time we offer a broad network of experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts who actively participate in strategic and operational support. For succession solutions, internationalization and consolidation strategies, Bregal is a strong partner. After exchanging the most important information we call a resilient price test within a few weeks and conclude transactions without the involvement of external financiers.
U: With Murnauer Markenvertrieb, Bregal is involved in a Health and Cosmetics company. What opportunities do you see in this market?
FS: The trend towards healthy nutrition, therapeutic cosmetics and alternative medicine is a lasting one. Murnauer is excellently positioned and serves the pharmacy, drugstore and retail markets. With management and employees we will further expand the product portfolio and push the internationalization. The acquisition of over-the-counter drugs and therapeutic cosmetics in the area is also an option.
U: Which important industries are still interesting for Bregal?
FS: In our history we have had, for example, very positive experiences in the areas of technology and software, automotive and healthcare services but we do not commit ourselves to any particular industry. It is important to us that a company has long term growth potential and has a good or expandable market position within its sector. This includes a strong product or strong process and manufacturing know-how. The companies we support concentrate on medium-sized companies in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and invest when acquiring a majority or minority interest, usually between 30 million and 150 million euros equity. An option is always also the joining together of our portfolio companies with some of our investments, for example with Murnauer Markenvertrieb, the Deutsche Pflegegruppe or Rehms BuildingTechnology we pursued dedicated consolidation and acquisition strategies. A strong group opens up completely new opportunities for entrepreneurs and management and in this constellation, also results in new possibilities for further financial and operational commitment.
Source: Der Unternehmeredition
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