The auto parts manufacturing industry in Europe is essential to the region's automotive sector, producing components for everything from passenger cars to heavy machinery. Companies in this space include manufacturers of electrical systems, engine components, and safety devices. With a growing emphasis on electric vehicles (EVs) and sustainable manufacturing practices, the landscape is rapidly evolving. Recent advancements in technology, such as 3D printing and smart components, are reshaping production processes. As Europe pushes toward greener initiatives, the demand for innovative and efficient auto parts is expected to skyrocket, further driving investment and development in this dynamic industry.


The list of investors features a mix of corporate entities, private equity firms, and venture capital groups. Headquartered across key European hubs—including Paris, Stuttgart, and London—these investors range in size from small firms to giants with over 10,000 employees. Founded from as early as 1847 to as recently as 2011, these firms have participated in a combined total of 315 investments in 2024. They focus on fueling growth in the auto parts manufacturing sector, emphasizing innovation and technological advancements.


Top 12 Auto Parts Manufacturing Investors in Europe


1. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a public entity and financial institution based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. It supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a variety of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. Bpifrance aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the automotive industry, such as acquiring a stake in Tesca and jointly controlling Exoès, a company focused on cooling systems for electric batteries in vehicles. These investments highlight Bpifrance's commitment to supporting innovation within the automotive sector, particularly in areas that intersect with auto parts manufacturing.


2. Advanced Propulsion Centre UK


The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2013, located in Coventry, England. It is dedicated to supporting the automotive industry in its transition to net-zero technologies. The Centre provides funding, business support, and collaborative opportunities for organizations focused on innovative automotive solutions. Their initiatives include the Automotive Transformation Fund and various research and development competitions aimed at fostering advancements in electrification and sustainability within the sector. Notably, they have been involved in several significant transactions within the auto parts manufacturing context, including grants to companies such as JATCO Ltd, BorgWarner, and GKN Automotive, which are key players in the automotive supply chain. These transactions highlight their commitment to enhancing the capabilities and sustainability of the auto parts manufacturing industry.


3. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, the EIC offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in multiple sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in several transactions that highlight its commitment to advancing technologies relevant to the automotive industry. For instance, it provided a €2.5 million grant and an equity investment of €4 million to Chassis Autonomy, a company focused on developing innovative technologies for autonomous vehicles. This investment underscores the EIC's role in supporting advancements that could influence auto parts manufacturing and related technologies. Other transactions, such as grants to companies like Nanoker Research, Polymertal, and Headmade Materials, further illustrate the EIC's broad engagement in funding innovative projects, although these may not be directly related to auto parts manufacturing.


4. Mutares Benelux

  • Website: mutares.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: mutares-benelux

Mutares Benelux, a private equity firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, specializes in acquiring and managing companies in transition across various sectors, including automotive, technology, and retail. Founded in 2021, Mutares SE & Co. KGaA provides operational support and consulting services to enhance profitability and growth for its portfolio companies. The firm has made significant strides in the automotive sector, highlighted by its acquisition of Kirchhoff GmbH & Co. KG, a European automotive supplier, which was integrated into its Automotive & Mobility portfolio. Additionally, Mutares is set to acquire fischer automotive systems GmbH & Co. KG, further strengthening its position in the auto parts manufacturing industry. Other relevant transactions include the acquisition of Innomotive Systems Hainichen GmbH, which specializes in high-precision machined door hinges, showcasing Mutares' strategic focus on enhancing its automotive capabilities. Overall, Mutares Benelux is actively engaged in the auto parts manufacturing sector, making it a relevant investor in this field.


5. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, established in 1958, that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services aimed at supporting sustainable projects across various sectors. In recent years, the EIB has been involved in several notable transactions within the auto parts manufacturing industry, such as providing post-IPO debt financing to Valeo, which raised approximately $635 million in October 2023 and $727 million in February 2021. Additionally, the EIB supported MAHLE with a debt raise of around $300 million in August 2022. Furthermore, the EIB also financed Volvo Cars with a debt transaction of approximately $460 million in January 2024. These transactions highlight the EIB's active role in financing key players in the auto parts sector, aligning with its mission to promote growth and job creation in various industries.


6. Indutrade Life Science

  • Website: indutrade.se
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: indutrade-life-science

Indutrade Life Science is a corporate investor based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1978. The company is part of an industrial group that focuses on developing and acquiring companies with high technical expertise across various sectors, including technology and industrial products. Indutrade emphasizes long-term relationships with its customers and operates through a decentralized structure, allowing its subsidiaries to maintain independence while benefiting from the group's resources. Notably, Indutrade has made significant acquisitions in the auto parts manufacturing sector, including Klokkerholm Karosseridele A/S, Professional Parts Sweden AB, and Sepab Fordonsprodukter AB, which are all key players in the auto parts industry. Additionally, their acquisition of Bailey Morris Ltd, a leading propshaft manufacturer, highlights their commitment to expanding their portfolio in the auto parts sector. These transactions demonstrate Indutrade's strategic focus on building a diverse range of niche companies with high technical expertise, particularly in the automotive space.


7. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm founded in 1994, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in the auto parts manufacturing sector, including the acquisition of kfzteile24, a leading online retailer for vehicle parts and accessories, and TitanX Engine Cooling, which focuses on engine cooling solutions. These strategic investments highlight EQT's active role in the auto parts industry, alongside their broader investment strategy that spans various sectors.


8. 3i Group plc

  • Website: 3i.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1945
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: 3i-group-plc

3i Group plc is a London-based private equity firm founded in 1945, specializing in private equity and infrastructure investments. The firm focuses on providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, helping them grow sustainably. With a strong international presence and a diverse portfolio, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Notably, 3i Group has made significant investments in the auto parts manufacturing sector, including the acquisition of Hilite International, a US automotive company focused on fuel efficiency and emissions control, and NORMA Germany GmbH, which specializes in automotive components. Additionally, their acquisition of Formel D GmbH, a company that provides services to the automotive industry, highlights their active role in this sector. These transactions illustrate 3i Group's commitment to the automotive industry, making them a relevant investor in the auto parts manufacturing space.


9. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm founded in 2011, based in London, England. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in several companies within the auto parts manufacturing sector, including a £4 million funding deal for Sertec Group, a car component manufacturer, to support its European expansion plans. Additionally, BGF participated in a £20 million series-B funding round for Sertec Group Holdings and invested £1.5 million in VTL Group, a precision engineering firm supplying components to Jaguar Land Rover. These investments highlight BGF's commitment to supporting the growth of businesses in the auto parts manufacturing industry.


10. Addtech AB

  • Website: addtech.se
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1906
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: addtech-ab

Addtech AB is a corporate investor based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1906. The company specializes in providing high-tech products and services across various sectors, including automation, electrification, energy, industrial solutions, and process technology. Addtech serves OEM manufacturers and end-users, enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability through innovative solutions. Notably, Addtech has made several acquisitions that are pertinent to the auto parts manufacturing industry, including Sensor Control Nordic in 2016, which likely contributes to automotive sensor technology, and DMC Digital Motor Control in 2020, which focuses on motor control solutions that are essential in automotive applications. In 2024, they acquired Romani Components, further expanding their portfolio in components that may serve the automotive sector. These transactions highlight Addtech's strategic interest in technologies and components that are integral to the auto parts manufacturing landscape.


11. Ardian

  • Website: ardian.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: ardian

Ardian is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions. Founded in 1996, Ardian has established a global presence and focuses on sustainable finance, providing tailored investment strategies to institutional investors, family offices, and pension funds. Notably, Ardian has made significant investments in the auto parts manufacturing sector, including the acquisition of Weber Automotive, a key player in the industry, and Revere Plastics Systems, a leading U.S. plastic injection molding manufacturer. These strategic acquisitions highlight Ardian's commitment to creating lasting value in the auto parts manufacturing space while diversifying their investment portfolio across various sectors.


12. Siemens

  • Website: siemens.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1847
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: siemens

Siemens AG is a leading technology conglomerate based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, specializing in industrial automation, energy solutions, rail transport, and health technology. Founded in 1847, Siemens operates globally with approximately 320,000 employees and generates significant revenue. In recent years, Siemens has made strategic investments and acquisitions that enhance its capabilities in the automotive sector. Notably, Siemens acquired COMSA Computer und Software GmbH in December 2018, a company focused on software for electrical systems design and wire harness engineering, which is crucial for automotive manufacturing. Additionally, Siemens led a funding round for WiTricity, an EV charging startup, investing $25 million to support the commercialization of wireless charging for electric vehicles. These transactions highlight Siemens' commitment to advancing technology in the automotive industry, making it a relevant player in auto parts manufacturing.



Auto Parts Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Advanced Propulsion Centre UKCoventry, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020131
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Mutares BeneluxAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-200202116
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Indutrade Life ScienceStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000197814
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
3i Group plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019453
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
Addtech ABStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-500019069
ArdianParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000199621
SiemensMunich, Bavaria, Germany10001+184711


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