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

The novia Group is a successful and rapidly growing buy & build platform with a total turnover of more than EUR 50 million:

Initially, Family Trust acquired novia Switzerland AG (originally: Global Sourcing Solutions AG), based in Sirnach (CH), from the owner couple Christoph Wilhelm and Ester Sauter in May 2021. Since then, the succession of CEO Christoph Wilhelm has been implemented and massive investments have been made in new sales activities.

In December 2021, novia Germany GmbH (originally: novia Handels GmbH) was acquired by the two shareholders Bernd Hennecke and Werner Schotte as part of a succession plan. Managing Director Bernd Hennecke continued to run the company for another year and has accompanied the development of the novia Group as a valued member of the advisory board since the beginning of 2023.

In August 2023, novia Sourcing Solutions GmbH (originally: HD Sourcing Solutions GmbH), another company from the global sourcing sector, was acquired. Dieter Hackfort, shareholder and managing director, sold the company to the novia Group and supported the transition as managing director until 2024.

In December 2024, novia Engineering GmbH (originally: tcam GmbH) became the fourth company to join the novia Group. novia Engineering brings extensive expertise in the optimization of manufacturing processes and the development of efficient production methods. In addition, this acquisition gives the novia Group access to a strong network of European supply chains and manufacturing partners – an important step towards diversifying and minimizing risks in global supply chains.

All four companies have been merged into the novia Group, under the overall management of Group CEO Markus Bauer. In addition, there are strong site managers in Iserlohn, Bottrop, Sirnach, Göppingen and Asia, who contribute significantly to the Group’s success and whose job holders have each been able to benefit from the departure of the founders and have therefore been given more responsibility.

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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