Penta Investments, the Central European investment group, has decided to expand its activities in Germany and open its first German office in Munich. Dr. Thomas von Werner, joining Penta Investments from EQT Partners, will lead the German team.
Germany is the largest market in Penta’s geographical scope offering a broad range of investment opportunities in middle-sized businesses (“Mittelstand”). Penta is interested, among others, in family businesses which are facing strategic and organisational transformation processes and looking for partners. The investment group is also looking to expand its business by engaging in divestment processes. In line with its investment focus and expertise Penta’s preferred target industries are retail, fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), health care, services, manufacturing and engineering.
“We think that there are great opportunities in the German market and we have therefore decided to approach it systematically. Building a dedicated team and opening an office here are logical next steps after gauging the market’s potential and the successful closings of our recent transactions,” comments Martin Kusik, Penta co-founder and partner responsible for German investments.
Since 2008, Penta has acquired Gimborn, a producer of premium branded pet food and pet accessories, which also operates the pet retail chain PetCenter. In 2011, the investment company bought a minority part of WDI debt (Westfälische Drahtindustrie) and has been actively cooperating with the banks and other stakeholders in order to restructure the company’s debt, and in 2012 acquired 75% in Gehring Group, a pioneer and worldwide leading manufacturer in the field of honing technology.
The further development of Penta in Germany will be driven by Dr. Thomas von Werner who has been appointed Country Managing Director. He has more than 15 years of experience in senior investment and business development roles. “We are excited that such a reputable and experienced manager is strengthening our team,” says Martin Kusik.
“I am looking forward to expanding our business in the German speaking region from our Munich office together with the highly qualified and successful Penta team,” says Dr. von Werner who was Senior Director at EQT Partners for seven years before joining Penta. Prior to this, he was Managing Director and Partner at Odewald & Compagnie in Berlin. He started his career as a consultant for Bain & Company in Munich. Mr. von Werner studied in Fribourg (Switzerland) and Cambridge (England) and holds a PhD in Economics.