FountainVest Partners invests in majority stake in SPT Group

2021-03-31

Lyss, Switzerland, March 31, 2021 – FountainVest Partners, a leading Asian private equity firm, has today announced that it has led a consortium of investors in a majority stake investment in SPT Group (“SPT”), a Switzerland-based global leader in high-precision manufacturing of advanced ceramic and other high-performing components and tools. The founding family will retain a minority holding in SPT.

The transaction covers SPT’s headquarters in Switzerland and its operations in China, the Philippines, Singapore, and Japan.

SPT Group serves a global customer base, manufacturing high-precision technical components and micro-miniature tools. Its specialisms include injection-moulded ceramics in micro parts, that serve broad end markets including consumer electronics, LED lighting, information and communication technologies, healthcare and industrials. The business employs over 1,000 people globally, with the majority based in Asia.

Mr. Alex Zhang, Partner and Head of Industrials at FountainVest Partners, said: “SPT Group is a reputable industry leader well recognized for ceramic material technology, global manufacturing footprint, customer focus and diversified revenue base. We see excellent growth prospects for SPT Group in further global expansion. We will partner with SPT Group and the founding family management to ensure continued commitment to our valued customers globally, while helping drive the next stage of growth.”

Mr. Peter Glutz, Honorary Chairman of the Board of SPT Group, said: “After five generations of family ownership, it has become clear that bringing in new partners like FountainVest Partners, will allow us to be better equipped to capitalize on the long-term opportunities of our business. We took the decision together—as a family—to draw upon our knowledge and expertise to operate in a fast-changing world and to lead the new phase in our company’s journey.”

SPT Group will also welcome Mr. Andreas Toennis, a seasoned industry executive with 25 years of experience in various industrial companies around the globe, to lead SPT’s daily operations as the new CEO. The core management team of the SPT group, which includes family members, will remain in their current roles.

FountainVest and its partners will be looking to strengthen SPT Group’s leading position in the market, capitalise on its specialist knowledge to expand further into industries such as medical/dental and other industrials and support its future expansion, both organically and through bolt-on acquisitions.

FountainVest Partners plans to invest in SPT Group’s specialist workforce and its headquarters in Switzerland, which is central to the future growth strategy of the business.

FountainVest Partners is an established, independent private equity firm in Asia. It focuses on long-term investments in industry leaders, partnering closely with management teams to unlock value and drive growth, all while seeking to make a positive impact in the communities in which it works. FountainVest has a strong track record, having completed numerous landmark investments across the globe in multiple sectors, including consumer, media, technology, healthcare, industrials, and financial services. FountainVest manages assets on behalf of the world’s leading public pensions, sovereign wealth funds, and other institutional investors.