The company specializes in the development and production of custom spring solutions with the highest precision and consists of Heinrich Sauter Fabrik technischer Federn GmbH and Schlenker Federn GmbH.
Outstanding market position with double-digit annual sales growth
The group operates at three locations in Baden-Württemberg and is characterized by a profitable and dynamically growing business model that is based on long-standing customer relationships in highly diversified end markets. Sauter distinguishes itself in the market through a particularly strong focus on customer proximity and by providing automation-based packaging solutions that enable seamless integration into customers’ manufacturing processes.
Since PINOVA’s acquisition in 2018, the company has gained a lot of fresh momentum: the hiring of a new management team, the optimization of operational processes, and the launch of a buy-and-build strategy through the acquisition of Schlenker Federn GmbH. These strategic steps have contributed significantly to double-digit annual revenue growth, and even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company was able to maintain its steady growth. Martin Olbort, founding partner of PINOVA, adds: “The early identification of growth markets and the operational—both organic and inorganic—execution of these growth opportunities have led to well-above-average growth in recent years. We would like to thank the management team and the Sauter family for the successful collaboration.”
“The Sauter Group has built an excellent reputation in an attractive market niche and has achieved remarkable growth. We are impressed by the company’s development and success in recent years and look forward to supporting the Sauter Group in its future growth as a partner,” commented David Lisewski, founding partner of SEVEST.
To further expand organic growth, the company plans to strengthen existing customer relationships, bolster sales, further develop the attractive MedTech segment, drive the expansion into new regions, industries, and applications, and focus on acquiring new customers. In addition, the company aims to achieve inorganic growth by continuing its successful “buy-and-build” strategy. Continuous optimization of the company’s processes is intended to further increase profitability.
PINOVA was advised on the transaction by Commerzbank (sell-side M&A advisor), RSM Ebner Stolz (financial and tax), and Dr. Jörg Windt Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH (legal).
About the Sauter Group
The Sauter Group is a supplier to the medical technology, electrical, household appliance, and consumer goods industries. The company develops, manufactures, and supplies technical springs, bent parts, and tool-based stamped and bent parts made from round wire and strip material, as well as assembly parts and subassemblies, and machines and systems developed and manufactured in-house for the machining, further processing, and handling of the manufactured products. The focus of its operations is on meeting customer requirements and developing innovative solutions that exceed customer expectations. Across its three locations—Furtwangen (main plant) and Singen, as well as the new plant in Villingen-Schwenningen, which opened in 2024—the company has a total of over 10,000 m² of production, warehouse, and administrative space at its disposal.
For more information, visit: sauter.de
About SEVEST
SEVEST is a private equity firm specializing in medium-sized companies in German-speaking countries, with a focus on the advanced industrials sector. Drawing on our background as a family of entrepreneurs, our long-standing track record as an investor in medium-sized companies, and our active, operational approach to value creation, we support our portfolio companies in realizing their growth potential.
For more information, visit: sevest.de
About PINOVA
PINOVA is an independent private equity firm that invests its managed funds in fast-growing technology companies in German-speaking countries. PINOVA focuses on mid-sized companies with revenues between €10 million and €75 million in the Industrial Technology (High-Tech Components & Devices, Innovative Chemicals & Materials, and Smart Systems & Software), which are characterized by significant growth potential, sustainable competitive advantages, and a strong market position in their niche.
Further more information, please visit: pinovacapital.com
