April 19, 2016
Austria-based Gantner is the leading international manufacturer of contactless NFC access control, electronic locking and cashless payment applications for the global leisure industry.
Willkie recently advised Ardian on its acquisition of Gantner, the leading international manufacturer of contactless NFC access control, electronic locking and cashless payment applications for the global leisure industry.
Gantner is the market leader in the niche segment for fitness clubs in Europe (including well-known brands such as FitnessFirst, Holmes Place, McFit and Elements) as well as one of the three biggest companies in the public pools and spas segment. Headquartered in Austria, Gantner has subsidiaries in Germany, the UK, Dubai and Australia, and operates in more than 60 countries.
As part of the transaction, the existing Gantner management team will invest in the company. With the backing of Ardian, management is planning to further strengthen the company’s leading position as an innovative supplier of NFC systems and to boost growth by tapping into new markets as well as seeking bolt-on acquisitions.
Ardian is an independent private investment company with assets of US$55 billion managed or advised in Europe, North America and Asia.
Willkie was co-counsel with Austrian firm Binder Grösswang on the transaction. The Willkie team was led by partner Mario Schmidt and included partners Matthew Dean, Patrick Meiisel, Jan Wilms and Susanne Zuehlke; national partner Maximilian Schwab; associates Andreas Feith, Andreas Knödler, Martin Waskowski, Daniel Zakrzewski, Laura Pfirrmann, Alice Walton and Jochen Riechwald; law clerk Christina Mann.
