Houlihan Lokey Advises Schwingshandl

Houlihan Lokey is pleased to announce that Schwingshandl automation technology GmbH (Schwingshandl), a leading provider of smart intralogistics automation solutions based in Austria, has sold a majority stake to IK Partners (IK). IK is partnering with the founders, Thomas Schwingshandl and Enrico Larcher, both of whom will retain a significant minority share in the company. The financial terms of the transaction are not disclosed.

Founded in 2003 and headquartered near Linz, Austria, Schwingshandl provides innovative, made-to-measure automation solutions for a broad range of end-market applications. The company specialises in designing, engineering, and assembling customised modules and subsystems such as storage and distribution technology, lifts, conveyor systems, (de)palletisers, (de)stackers, and (un)loading stations. Schwingshandl is a long-term partner to blue-chip customers globally, focusing on the development of high-quality, complex intralogistics solutions, leveraging its successful automation track record of more than 20 years.

Since its inception, Schwingshandl has demonstrated impressive growth, in large part due to the entrepreneurial spirit of the founders as well as the dedication of its 90 employees. The company recently finalised the expansion of its production facility and has firmly established itself as a leading provider of customised warehouse automation solutions. In partnership with IK, Schwingshandl will look to continue investing in its people and organisation, selectively broaden its service offering, and pursue international expansion. Both founders will retain their respective leadership positions on Schwingshandl’s management board and will remain significantly invested in the company.

IK is a European private equity firm focused on investments in the Benelux, DACH, France, Nordics, and the UK. Since 1989, IK has raised more than €14 billion of capital and invested in more than 180 European companies. IK supports companies with strong underlying potential, partnering with management teams and investors to create robust, well-positioned businesses with excellent long-term prospects.

Thomas Schwingshandl, Founder and CEO of Schwingshandl, said: “The rise of warehouse automation is a key trend we are seeing across various end-industries, presenting attractive growth opportunities for a company like ours. We are excited to welcome an experienced partner like IK on board. The team at IK has already recognised Schwingshandl’s potential for development and possesses both the experience and expertise to support our ongoing expansion strategy.”

Nils Pohlmann, Partner at IK and Advisor to the IK Small Cap III Fund, said: “Under the stewardship of Thomas, Enrico, and their team, Schwingshandl has established itself as a leading provider of customised intralogistics automation solutions in Europe. We have been extremely impressed with the company’s journey to date and look forward to utilising our significant experience in the automation technology sector to unlock further value.”

Houlihan Lokey served as the exclusive financial advisor to the shareholders of Schwingshandl automation technology. The deal team assisted in marketing the transaction, managing the transaction process, and negotiating the financial aspects of the transaction on their behalf. This deal represents another successful transaction for Houlihan Lokey in the industrial technology and warehouse automation space.