Houlihan Lokey Advises Equistone Partners

Houlihan Lokey is pleased to announce that funds advised by Equistone Partners Europe (Equistone) have successfully acquired a majority stake in SF Filter AG, a leading European independent distribution platform for mobile and industrial filters. The transaction closed on 29 September 2022.

Funds advised by Equistone have acquired a majority stake in SF Filter AG, a leading European independent distribution platform for mobile and industrial filters. The partnership with Equistone will focus on expanding the platform’s existing growth and developing a targeted buy-and-build strategy.

Established in 1968, SF Filter AG has grown to become one of Europe’s leading independent distribution platforms specialising in filtration. From its headquarters in the Swiss town of Bachenbülach and with further subsidiaries in Germany, Austria, France, and Poland, the filter specialist supplies B2B end customers for industrial and mobile applications, including equipment manufacturers, resellers, and national as well as international customers in more than 60 countries. With Europe’s most extensive product portfolio across all relevant filter categories, including air, fuel, hydraulics, oil, pneumatics, and fluids, as well as dust removal and air conditioning, the company acts as an important one-stop-shop for its diverse and loyal customer base.

This partnership will add further impetus to the success of SF Filter AG. Together with the new majority shareholder Equistone, the primary focus will be on bolstering the company’s existing growth trajectory, including through a targeted buy-and-build strategy. Moreover, the growth of the domestic business will accelerate the company’s international expansion and help further develop the company’s e-commerce platform.

Houlihan Lokey acted as debt advisor to Equistone on the acquisition financing. Following a comprehensive selection process, this advice secured a competitive, well-balanced financing package to support both the company’s organic growth strategy and buy-and-build growth trajectory.