The contract manufacturing industry in Europe thrives as companies specialize in producing goods for other businesses. This sector includes manufacturers of electronics, components, pharmaceuticals, and automotive parts, compensating for the rising demand for outsourcing in these domains. Companies leverage specialized factories and state-of-the-art technology to enhance efficiency and quality. The industry is noticing a shift towards sustainability, with increasing pressure to adopt eco-friendly practices. Additionally, advancements in automation and robotics are reshaping traditional manufacturing processes, making way for smarter, more agile operations capable of rapid response to market needs. Overall, the industry is poised for continued innovation and growth.


The list of contract manufacturing investors highlights a mix of private equity and corporate investors with headquarters primarily in major European cities like London, Stockholm, and Paris. Founded between 1945 and 2021, these investors differ in size, with many managing between 51-5000 employees. In 2024, they collectively engaged in 30 significant deals, reflecting a robust interest in the contract manufacturing sector. These investments illustrate their commitment to fostering growth in this dynamic industry and support companies across various subsectors, reinforcing the strategic importance of contract manufacturing.


Top 13 Contract Manufacturing Investors in Europe


1. 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. It is part of the Indutrade group, which focuses on developing and acquiring companies with high technical expertise across the technology and industrial sectors. The company 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 several acquisitions relevant to contract manufacturing, including the recent acquisition of MeHow Medical, an Irish medical device and engineering company, which enhances their portfolio in the medical manufacturing space. Other acquisitions, such as Techno Skruv and The Micro Spring & Presswork Company Ltd, further demonstrate their commitment to expanding their capabilities in industrial production and contract manufacturing.


2. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. EIB's customers include public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Notably, EIB has been involved in several transactions relevant to the contract manufacturing context, such as a significant grant to Cape Bio Pharms, which aims to fast-track the production of affordable plant-based rapid diagnostic COVID-19 test kits by constructing a new manufacturing facility in Mauritius. This funding will enable the expansion of laboratory processing and the establishment of climate-controlled hydroponic grow rooms, showcasing EIB's commitment to enhancing manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, EIB has participated in various debt financing transactions, such as those with Airborne Technology and Siltronics, which may also support manufacturing operations indirectly.


3. 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 based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. The firm has made significant investments in the manufacturing sector, including the acquisition of BBS Automation, which focuses on automation solutions for complex manufacturing and testing processes, and Salcomp, a company involved in manufacturing components for the electronics industry. More recently, EQT acquired Zeus Industrial Products, further solidifying their commitment to investing in manufacturing capabilities. These transactions highlight EQT's strategic focus on enhancing operational efficiencies and supporting growth in the manufacturing domain.


4. 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 has made significant investments in the contract manufacturing sector, including the acquisition of Cirtec Medical, a medical-device outsourcing company, which highlights their engagement in this industry. Additionally, their acquisition of Formel D GmbH and NORMA Germany GmbH further demonstrates their interest in companies that provide manufacturing and engineering services, reinforcing their relevance in the contract manufacturing space.


5. 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. Among its notable transactions, Ardian acquired Revere Plastics Systems, a key player in the plastic injection molding sector, highlighting its engagement in contract manufacturing. Additionally, Ardian's acquisition of Weber Automotive further emphasizes its interest in manufacturing-related investments. The firm also has stakes in companies like Synerlab and Unither Pharmaceuticals, showcasing its diverse portfolio while maintaining a significant focus on sectors that include contract manufacturing.


6. ASSA ABLOY Group

  • Website: assaabloy.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: assaabloy

ASSA ABLOY Group is a leading security solutions provider based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in locks, doors, gates, and entrance automation. Founded in 1994, the company has established itself as a leader in the security industry through a strong focus on innovation and a diverse product portfolio. In recent years, ASSA ABLOY has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and product offerings. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Dynaco, a company specializing in high-speed doors, and SMI, a manufacturer based in India. Additionally, they acquired a manufacturer of RFID inlays for electronic passports, which highlights their involvement in the manufacturing of security-related products. Their acquisition of Nergeco, a specialist in rapid lifting soft doors, and MR Group's hardware division, which supplies aluminum profile hardware and locks, further illustrates their commitment to expanding their manufacturing footprint in the security sector. These acquisitions not only strengthen ASSA ABLOY's market position but also indicate their active role in the contract manufacturing landscape.


7. 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, specializes in acquiring and managing companies in transition across various sectors, including automotive, technology, and retail. Founded in 2021, Mutares SE & Co. KGaA focuses on strategic investments and turnaround management, providing operational support to enhance profitability and growth. Notable transactions include the acquisition of BEW-Umformtechnik, a company involved in manufacturing processes, and Rasche Umformtechnik, which generates significant revenues in the manufacturing sector. These acquisitions reflect Mutares' commitment to investing in companies that contribute to the contract manufacturing landscape, thereby strengthening their portfolio in this area.


8. 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 based in London, England, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market by making minority investments and offering extensive support services to help businesses scale. Notably, BGF has invested in several companies within the contract manufacturing sector, including Walker Precision Engineering, which received £4 million to expand operations and invest in specialist machinery, and VTL Group, a precision engineering firm that supplies components to Jaguar Land Rover, which secured £1.5 million for a capital investment program. These transactions highlight BGF's commitment to supporting businesses that are crucial to the contract manufacturing landscape, particularly in the automotive and aerospace sectors.


9. IK Partners

  • Website: ikpartners.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: ik-investment-partners

IK Partners is a private equity firm based in London, England, specializing in mid-market investments across Europe. Founded in 1989, the firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to businesses in various sectors, including Business Services, Healthcare, Consumer, and Industrials. IK Partners aims to enhance growth and create long-term value for their portfolio companies by partnering with management teams. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Exxelia Group, a manufacturer of electronic components, and TRIGO Group, which specializes in quality assurance and testing services for the automotive and manufacturing sectors. These investments highlight IK Partners' commitment to the manufacturing industry, making them a relevant player in the contract manufacturing space.


10. Tikehau Capital


Tikehau Capital is an investment management firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, specializing in alternative asset management. Founded in 2004, the firm offers a range of services including private debt, private equity, real assets, and capital markets strategies. Tikehau Capital serves a diverse clientele, including institutional and private investors, as well as SMEs seeking tailored financing solutions to support growth and sustainability initiatives. Notably, Tikehau has made significant investments in the contract manufacturing sector, including a €114 million investment in Nexteam Group, a precision mechanics and machining company, aimed at supporting its future development. Additionally, Tikehau has engaged in debt financing for Delpharm and Daher, both of which are key players in the manufacturing industry. Their acquisitions of Acatec and Bt2i group further highlight their commitment to expanding their footprint in the manufacturing domain, making them a relevant investor in this space.


11. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent investment firm founded in 2005, based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. With approximately €193 billion in assets under management for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notable transactions include the acquisition of DFE Pharma, a key player in the pharmaceutical excipients manufacturing sector, which highlights their engagement in contract manufacturing. Additionally, CVC has a history of acquiring companies like Sajjan India and Genetic SpA, which may also have manufacturing components, further demonstrating their interest in the manufacturing industry.


12. Equistone Partners Europe


Equistone Partners Europe is a private equity investment firm based in London, specializing in management buyouts and growth capital for mid-market companies across Europe. Founded in 1979, the firm focuses on long-term growth and impressive returns for its investors by partnering with management teams. Among their notable transactions, Equistone acquired RENA Group in 2019, a leading manufacturer in wet chemical surface treatment technology, which generates significant annual revenue. They also acquired Ratioform Verpackungen GmbH in 2006, a company involved in packaging solutions, and Tekfor in 2009, which specializes in automotive components. These acquisitions highlight Equistone's active role in the manufacturing sector, particularly in areas relevant to contract manufacturing.


13. Capvis AG

  • Website: capvis.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1990
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: capvis

Capvis AG is a private equity firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, founded in 1990. The firm specializes in managing investments across various sectors, including healthcare and industrial technology. Capvis partners with institutional investors, such as pension funds, to provide long-term capital and strategic growth opportunities. The firm focuses on enhancing the market position of its portfolio companies through effective management and consulting. Notably, Capvis has made significant investments in the contract manufacturing context, including the acquisition of Variosystems AG, a company specializing in engineering and manufacturing services for electronic assemblies, which generated sales of approximately CHF 175 million in the past financial year. Additionally, Capvis acquired RENA, an equipment manufacturer, and Felss Group, a technology leader in cold forming of hollow parts, further emphasizing their engagement in the manufacturing sector. These transactions highlight Capvis's strategic focus on companies that contribute to the contract manufacturing landscape.



Contract Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Indutrade Life ScienceStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000197814
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
3i Group plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019453
ArdianParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000199621
ASSA ABLOY GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden10001+199421
Mutares BeneluxAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-200202116
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
IK PartnersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500198914
Tikehau CapitalParis, Île-De-France, France501-100020046
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
Equistone Partners EuropeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20019791
Capvis AGBaar, Zug, Switzerland11-5019900


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