DGAP-News: Nanogate continues on growth course with the acquisition of design studio heT

Nanogate continues on growth course with the acquisition of design studio heT

- Design and engineering expertise of services portfolio substantially increased

- Holzapfel Engineering Team GmbH (heT) has been a renowned partner for high-end products for over twenty years

- Design and development of system solutions for the plastic components of the next generation

Göttelborn, Germany, May 7, 2018. Nanogate SE, a leading global specialist for design-oriented high-tech surfaces and components, is enhancing its services portfolio and expanding the Group's design and engineering expertise. To this end, Nanogate has agreed on the acquisition of Holzapfel Engineering Team GmbH (heT), a company based in Böblingen, Germany. The goal is to jointly develop the high-quality plastic components of the next generation, and produce them within the Group as part of an integrated system. Through this growth move, Nanogate stands to consolidate its competitive position. The Group thus continues to pursue its strategy of increasingly focusing its efforts as a fully integrated systems provider on the development and manufacturing of ever more complex components with highly relevant designs. The new subsidiary will enable Nanogate to further consolidate its market position in the automotive and industrial industries. Great potential is particularly present in the target industries automotive, aerospace, and home appliances - especially in the international market.

The transaction is due to be concluded in the following weeks. The purchase price for the complete shares of heT GmbH is in the mid-single-digit million range and comprises cash and share components (from a capital increase against contributions in kind). The company, which in 2017 generated net sales in the mid-single-digit million range, obtained an attractive EBITDA margin and has no financial liabilities, will continue to be run by the current management team.

Long-term partner of luxury and premium goods manufacturers

Since 1995, heT has worked with several luxury and premium goods manufacturers in the automotive and other target industries, such as home appliances, and has left its mark on the development and design of well-known brand-name products. These years have seen the establishment of long-term, close relationships with customers, which usually show their impact as early as during the initial concept phase of a product. This also includes a years-long development partnership with a key customer, which alone secures the existing operations.

Broad spectrum of services and clients

heT sees itself as a central junction point between product manufacturers (OEMs) and the suppliers of the particular components. The future Nanogate subsidiary benefits from its wide portfolio of expertise, the long-standing relationships with its customers and its location, which is particularly close to some major suppliers - including many in the automotive industry. The company specializes in the complete development and design protection of complex plastic components of the highest optical quality. The applications supported by heT include everything from vacuum cleaners to premium sports cars, and the company's services include everything from the development of a base concept all the way to the production of prototypes and the working out of registration requirements and guidelines relevant for manufacturers of components. Besides its headquarters in Böblingen (Baden-Württemberg), heT has an additional site in India, and is thus able to supervise projects around the clock whenever necessary.

Ralf Zastrau, CEO of Nanogate SE: "Nanogate has taken a strategically important step towards integrating comprehensive systems expertise, thereby strengthening its know-how in the design and engineering of high-quality multifunctional components, especially in the high-end segment. Through this acquisition, we are expanding our portfolio, further consolidating our position in the market as a high-performance partner in innovation, and achieving a seamless integration of new, high-quality surface technologies into the complete product design of our customers. All in all, this acquisition will enable us to offer high-performance technologies and competent services across the entire value chain through to the manufacturing and finishing of components. The portfolios of both companies perfectly complement each other, both in terms of customers and applications. The design studio heT is a real gem in its market and fits perfectly into the strategic orientation and company culture of Nanogate."

Contact
Christian Dose
Financial Press and Investors
WMP Finanzkommunikation GmbH
Tel. +49 69 57 70 300 21
nanogate@wmp-ag.de
 
Juliane Wernet
Nanogate SE
Zum Schacht 3
66287 Göttelborn | Germany
Tel. +49 6825 9591 223
juliane.wernet@nanogate.com

www.nanogate.com
twitter.com/nanogate_se
 

Nanogate SE

Nanogate (ISIN DE000A0JKHC9) is a leading global specialist for design-oriented high-tech surfaces and components of very high optical quality. The Group employs around 1,500 people. Nanogate develops and produces design-oriented surfaces and components and enhances them with additional properties (e.g. nonstick, scratchproof, anticorrosive). The Group has first-class references (e.g. Airbus, Audi, August Brötje, BMW, BSH Hausgeräte, Daimler, FILA, Ford, Fresenius, GM, Jaguar, Junghans, Porsche and Volkswagen). Several hundred mass production projects for customers have already been implemented successfully. The Nanogate Group is represented on both sides of the Atlantic with its own production facilities.

True to its slogan "A world of new surfaces", Nanogate is a long-standing innovation partner who opens up the diverse possibilities offered by new materials to companies in a wide range of industries. It aims to improve customers' products and processes and to provide environmental benefits by using multifunctional surfaces, such as those made of plastic or metal, and innovative plastic components. The Group focuses on attractive applications, primarily for its target industries, which are the automotive, aviation, home appliances, interior, leisure, and medical sectors. As a systems provider, Nanogate offers the entire value chain materials development for surface systems, series coating of various different substrates as well as the production and enhancement of complete plastic components. The main value drivers are the opening up of international markets, the development of new applications, particularly for the strategic areas of glass-like (N-Glaze) and metallized (N-Metals) surfaces, as well as external growth.

Disclaimer

This publication constitutes neither an offer to sell nor an invitation to buy securities. The shares in Nanogate SE (the "Shares") may not be offered or sold in the United States or to or for the account or benefit of "U.S. persons" (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act")). No offer or sale of transferable securities is being made to the public.