PLUTA team advises buyer in M&A process for precision tool manufacturer Galvanoform

A PLUTA team advised the buyer of insolvent company Galvanoform during the acquisition and takeover process. The new owners are the experienced businessman Mr Hans-Günter Bayer and co-investors. The business operations of the precision tool manufacturer based in Lahr in the Black Forest region were transferred to Galvanoform Innovative Technologies GmbH effective 1 April 2023.

An interdisciplinary team at PLUTA Rechtsanwalts GmbH and PLUTA Management GmbH worked closely together on the M&A process. Mr Ludwig Stern (business management expert) and Ms Verena Benz (Master of Laws) from PLUTA Management GmbH supported the buyer in respect of business analysis, financing and determination of the purchase price. Attorneys Dr Karl-Friedrich Gulbins (labour law), Mr Markus Fünning (distressed M&A) and Mr Philip Konen (insolvency law) worked on the transaction at PLUTA Rechtsanwalts GmbH. Managing partner Dr Maximilian Pluta held overall responsibility.

The agreement was subject to a number of closing conditions that have now been satisfied. Eighty or so jobs at the Lahr site have been saved thanks to the asset deal. Restructuring expert Dr Maximilian Pluta stated, “Transactions in this industry are a challenge in the current economic environment. We advised the buyer on all relevant legal issues and business matters. The close cooperation between our teams from both disciplines paid off: Galvanoform’s expertise has been preserved.”

Acquisition concept prepared

Investor Mr Hans-Günter Bayer is delighted with the outcome. He said, “I am pleased that we have been able to complete this transaction. We worked together to prepare an acquisition concept with a view to improving processes within the company and equipping Galvanoform for the future. We will take further action to shape the business going forward and put it on a successful footing. The cooperation with the PLUTA team was outstanding, including the support provided when preparing the acquisition concept and restructuring measures.”

Galvanoform Gesellschaft für Galvanoplastik mbH (Galvanoform) based in Lahr filed for insolvency in November 2022. The company supplies customers in the automotive, aviation and sanitary engineering industries along with other industrial sectors. Mr Marc-Philippe Hornung from business law firm SZA Schilling, Zutt & Anschütz was appointed administrator when the insolvency proceedings were opened on 1 February 2023.