[quote style=’2′ cite=”]Since mid-2016, the Navigator Group has been active as a holding company on the market and acquires companies that are either not part of the core business of the vendor or require structural adjustments. By now, Sapal is Navigator Group’s third investment. The Group’s six partners are based in Munich, Düsseldorf, Zurich, London and Paris. Our team of experienced transaction, financing and restructuring experts emphasizes the development of tailor-made transaction structures and continuity concepts, which address both the needs of the sell-side as well as the strengthening of the operational success of our portfolio companies.[/quote]
The Navigator Group sees itself as an active investor who is providing advice and assistance to the acquired companies without curtailing the necessary self-initiative on the ground. Therefore, it was important for Navigator Capital that Sapal’s management, which is highly experienced and well-regarded by customers and workforce alike, will stay on board.
Dietmar Gundel, Partner of Navigator Group, says, “I had a very good impression at the very first contact: quality of the machines, market potential and highly motivated employees form an excellent basis for further development of the company.”
“As a stand-alone company, we see a good opportunity for Sapal to flexibly operate the business in this volatile niche market and to continue to develop profitably in the long-term. In addition, since there is hardly any synergy potential with other Bosch Packaging Technology divisions, we decided to sell Sapal to the Navigator Group,” explains Jakob Bleiker, head of business unit food, Bosch Packaging Technology.
Claudio Manfroni, former and future CEO of Sapal, said, “We have conducted many investor discussions. The positive momentum of the Navigator group was from the beginning and has steadily increased during the course of the audit process. I am convinced that with the Navigator Group, we have found a suitable new owner with whom we can successfully drive the business of Sapal.”
