April 11, 2018
Willkie advised EQT on the transaction.
EQT Mid Market Europe is partnering with the co-founders of BBS Automation, a leading provider of flexible and high-quality automation solutions for complex manufacturing and testing processes with operations across Europe, Asia and North America, to support the further expansion of the business. The acquisition will support the continued growth of BBS Automation, both organically and through add-on acquisitions, to better serve customers along increasingly international and connected operations.
BBS Automation's co-founders will continue to lead the executive team and remain invested in the company. BBS Automation is a leading provider of flexible and high-quality automation solutions for complex manufacturing and testing processes. BBS Automation develops, produces and installs high-quality automation systems for a wide variety of industries and requirements. With more than 600 employees at production sites in Germany, China, Malaysia and the United States, BBS Automation works together with industry leaders worldwide.
EQT Mid Market intends to leverage its long-term experience in the Industrial Technology space to assist BBS Automation's growth ambitions both organically and through add-on acquisitions in new end markets. Furthermore, EQT's global network, in particular the presence in China and the Americas, will support BBS Automation in further expanding its geographical footprint to reach blue chip customers on a global scale.
The Willkie team was led by partners Dr. Axel Wahl and Mario Schmidt and included partner Jan Wilms and associates Johannes Eckhardt and Lukas Nein.
