Kraft & Bauer, Holzgerlingen (Germany)

Fire extinguishing systems for machine tools

Key facts at a glance

  • Leading provider of fire extinguishing systems for tooling machines
  • Exploitation of market potential in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy
  • Further potential through broader internationalisation

Revenues in €mn

 

27

 

2019

 

19

 

2020

 

23

 

2021
Investment by
DBAG Fund VII
€62.0mn
DBAG's interest
€14.1mn
Management Buyout

Majority investment of DBAG Fund VII
First invested
November 2018

As of 31 December 2022

 

Profile

Kraft & Bauer develops, produces and installs fire extinguishing systems for around 800 different types of tooling machines. The focus is on extinguishing systems controlled by microprocessors that detect fires and initiate the extinguishing process using sensors. The fire extinguishing systems are either installed directly into the machine by Kraft & Bauer employees or are sold as a kit to the machine manufacturer.

In addition to its headquarters in Holzgerlingen (Baden-Württemberg, Germany), Kraft & Bauer operates a site in Bannwil (Switzerland) and 13 other service locations in Germany, Switzerland and Italy. Kraft & Bauer’s systems are used in machines that show an increased fire risk, such as millers, lathes and grinders that work with particularly high levels of precision and speed. Demand for these high-performance machines – and, as a result, for corresponding fire extinguishing systems – is rising. In addition, Kraft & Bauer benefits from a steadily growing service business with a broad installed base of more than 30,000 systems in Germany alone. The fire extinguishing systems must be regularly inspected and maintained.

We invested in a company that has achieved a leading position in its niche market with products critical to success and safety.

Malte Hinz
Managing Director

40

per cent

of its revenues Kraft & Bauer generates in the service and spare parts business

Potential for development

Kraft & Bauer’s sales activities are currently concentrated in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy. The company is aiming to expand its business with existing clients in these markets – both on the basis of the rising demand for fire extinguishing systems for new machines and by retrofitting older machine tools. In addition, Kraft & Bauer plans to attract new clients and push ahead with the company’s international expansion beyond the markets in which it is currently active.

Contact

Malte Hinz
Malte Hinz
Malte Hinz
+49 69 95787-174

Malte Hinz

Managing Director

Malte Hinz joined Deutsche Beteiligungs AG in 2013 and became a Managing Director in 2019.

Malte Hinz has ten years of experience in the private-equity sector. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Mannheim, and also studied at the University of Leeds.

Current portfolio companies

Dantherm Fire freiheit.com Kraft & Bauer

Former portfolio companies