Portfolio

novia Group

Industrials & Global Sourcing

The Novia Group is an international global sourcing expert for mechatronic assemblies, zinc and aluminum die casting, as well as custom-designed components. The company supports OEMs in the fields of transportation, medical technology, mechanical engineering, sanitary technology, and the lighting industry with “cost-down” redesigns and the outsourcing of process steps.

With a network of over 300 certified manufacturing partners in Europe and Asia, the Novia Group covers all steps from production and quality inspections to supply chain optimization, logistics concepts, and warehousing. Customers benefit from sustainable cost savings while maintaining the same quality and increasing the resilience of the supply chain.

Locations in Germany, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and Shanghai ensure efficient processes and the highest quality standards throughout the entire value chain.

  • IndustryIndustrials & Global Sourcing
  • CountryGermany
  • Transaction TypeSuccession
  • Investment2021
  • Employees150
  • Revenue >50 Mio. EUR

Challenges

The founders of Novia Switzerland (originally Global Sourcing Services AG) sought a long-term succession solution for their company through a structured process. Out of a field of ten potential buyers, the sellers chose Family Trust as the new owner. The decisive factor was that Family Trust had already developed a concrete growth strategy (establishing a buy-and-build platform in the global sourcing sector) during the initial acquisition discussions, while other bidders were still debating details and purchase agreement clauses.

The acquisition was finalized in May 2021, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This posed a significant challenge, as a key part of the company, including a production site in Shanghai, was physically inaccessible due to travel restrictions. Nevertheless, it was essential to build a trusting relationship with the local management as part of the takeover process—a goal we successfully achieved during the negotiations.

Video

The novia Group's success story

Investment approach

Establishment of a buy & build platform in the area of global sourcing with a long-term sales target of more than EUR 100 million through sustainable organic growth paired with targeted strategic acquisitions.

Development since acquisition & Sale

Since the kick-off of the Group-Building Strategy in July 2021, Family Trust has consistently developed the novia Group into a comprehensive “one-stop shop” for global sourcing solutions. Through a combination of targeted acquisitions and strong integration, it succeeded in establishing a unique value chain in the sourcing industry. Under the unifying brand “novia GROUP – GLOBAL SOURCING. EXCELLENCE.”, an integrated full-service partner was created, providing customers with significant competitive advantages – ranging from cost savings of up to 30% to technical and capacity optimization.

In addition to implementing four separate succession solutions, Family Trust strengthened the company’s operational structure during the holding period, achieving a market-leading position with revenues exceeding EUR 50 million through both organic and inorganic growth.

In October 2025, the sale of the novia Group to the publicly listed Swedish company Bufab AB was completed. The takeover by a perfectly fitting strategic partner provides the novia Group with substantial additional growth opportunities and access to attractive international customers and suppliers. The novia Group will continue to be led by Group CEO Markus Bauer, and the proven group structures implemented by Family Trust will also remain unchanged.

Voices

About the cooperation

I was looking for a suitable succession solution for my company and in Family Trust I found the perfect combination of entrepreneurial drive, experience in global sourcing, a clear strategy for the future and a fair purchase price. The Group has developed very positively since Family Trust joined and I am happy to have found a good solution.
Bernd Hennecke,
former shareholder and managing director of novia Germany, now member of the advisory board of the novia Group

Contact Person

Andreas Augustin Partner Contact
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