Ardian Acquires a Majority Stake in Weber Automotive

October 07, 2016

Frankfurt – Paul Hastings LLP, a leading global law firm, announced today that it has advised the Weber family on the sale of a majority interest in Weber Automotive, one of the global leaders in the vehicle supply industry, to the independent private equity fund ARDIAN.

The transaction was signed after undergoing a competitive bidder process in which ARDIAN emerged as highest bidder. The parties have agreed not to disclose the economic details of the transaction which completion is subject to the approvals of the competent antitrust authorities.

Given (i) the global activities of Weber Automotive and its subsidiaries in Europe, the US and Asia, (ii) the further involvement of the Weber Family post-closing and (iii) a very strong international tax and real estate implications in addition to the M&A/PE elements, the transaction had a very high level of complexity. All relevant national and international work streams were successfully managed by the Paul Hastings team at all times to ensure the overall success for the benefit of the client.

Moreover and in the further course of the transaction, a capital increase will be conducted which will provide Weber Automotive with significant additional funds for further growth in order to promote the internationalization of its business and to further strengthen its market position.

About Weber Automotive:

Weber Automotive, founded by Albert Weber in 1969, today is a technological leader of the global vehicle supply industry. The Company is managed by Daniel Weber (CEO) and Christian Weber (COO), the two sons of Albert Weber, as well as Sven Hattwig (CFO). Weber produces drive components for passenger cars, heavy trucks and powersport vehicles. The focus lies on the processing of complex engine and transmission components as well as the assembly of complete systems. Weber currently employs over 1,300 highly qualified and motivated employees in six production sites across Germany, Hungary and the USA.

About ARDIAN:

Ardian, founded in 1996 and led by Dominique Senequier, is an independent private investment company with assets of US$55 billion managed or advised in Europe, North America and Asia. The company, which is majority-owned by its employees, keeps entrepreneurship at its heart and delivers investment performance to its global investors while fuelling growth in economies across the world.
The Paul Hastings team was led by partner Christopher Wolff, with partners Christian Mock (corporate), Jan Gernoth (German real estate, all Frankfurt), Brad Ritter (US real estate, Chicago), and Bernd Meyer-Witting (corporate, Frankfurt), plus German senior tax adviser StB/WP Uwe Halbig and associates Michael Wise (antitrust, Washington D.C.), Fritz Kleweta (finance), Hannes Riedel (German real estate), Florian Lechner (corporate), Leo Koltsoff (corporate, all Frankfurt), and Josh Bashioum (US real estate, Chicago).

At Paul Hastings, our purpose is clear — to help our clients and people navigate new paths to growth. With a strong presence throughout Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the U.S., Paul Hastings is recognized as one of the world’s most innovative global law firms.