The automotive parts manufacturing industry in Europe is vital to the region's economy, playing a key role in the broader manufacturing sector. This industry comprises companies that design, produce, and supply components essential to vehicle manufacturing, from engines and transmissions to electronic systems and safety components. The sector faces increasing pressure to innovate, focusing on sustainability and electrification, with many firms now investing in advanced technologies for electric vehicles. As Europe pushes towards net-zero emissions, the automotive parts manufacturing landscape is evolving rapidly, reflecting shifts in consumer demand and an emphasis on greener, smarter technologies across the board.


The list features a mix of corporate, venture capital, and private equity investors, headquartered across Europe, from the UK to Sweden. Ranging in size from small firms with under 10 employees to large corporations boasting thousands, these investors were established from 1945 to 2021. In 2024, they completed numerous deals with significant transaction counts, showcasing their commitment to supporting the automotive parts sector. Investors like Bpifrance and the European Investment Bank highlight the diverse strategies shaping this industry, underlining the growing appetite for innovation and expansion within automotive parts manufacturing.


Top 14 Automotive Parts Manufacturing Investors in Europe


1. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has made significant investments in the automotive sector, including a recent acquisition of a stake in Exoès, a company focused on engineering services for cooling systems in electric batteries for the automotive industry. This transaction, along with their investment in Tesca, demonstrates Bpifrance's active role in the automotive parts manufacturing industry, alongside their broader investment strategy.


2. Advanced Propulsion Centre UK


The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APCUK) is a not-for-profit organization established in 2013, located in Coventry, England. It is dedicated to supporting the automotive industry in its transition to net-zero technologies by providing funding, business support, and collaborative opportunities for organizations focused on innovative automotive solutions. APCUK plays a crucial role in fostering advancements in electrification and sustainability within the sector through initiatives like the Automotive Transformation Fund and various research and development competitions. Notably, they have been involved in several significant transactions, including grants to major players in the automotive parts manufacturing industry such as GKN Automotive and BorgWarner. These transactions highlight their commitment to supporting the development of automotive technologies and components that are essential for the industry's evolution towards sustainability.


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 significant transactions within the automotive context, such as a €2.5 million grant and a €4 million equity investment in Chassis Autonomy, which is focused on advancing technologies for autonomous vehicles. This investment highlights the EIC's commitment to supporting innovative automotive solutions. Additionally, the EIC has facilitated various grants for other technology-driven companies, showcasing its role in promoting cutting-edge advancements that could impact the automotive parts manufacturing industry.


4. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services. EIB supports sustainable projects across various sectors, including the automotive industry. In recent years, EIB has been involved in several significant transactions within the automotive parts manufacturing context. For instance, it provided post-IPO debt financing to Valeo, a major automotive supplier, raising approximately $635 million in October 2023 and $727 million in February 2021. Additionally, EIB supported MAHLE, another key player in the automotive parts sector, with a debt raise of around $300 million in August 2022. Furthermore, EIB's involvement with Volvo Cars, which raised nearly $460 million in January 2024, further underscores its active role in financing automotive manufacturers. These transactions highlight EIB's commitment to supporting growth and innovation in the automotive parts manufacturing industry.


5. 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 has quickly established itself in the market with a focus on strategic investments and turnaround management. Notably, Mutares has made significant strides in the automotive parts manufacturing sector, acquiring companies such as fischer automotive systems GmbH & Co. KG, which reported revenues of approximately EUR 166 million in 2023, and Kirchhoff GmbH & Co. KG, a European automotive supplier with sales of around EUR 100 million in 2018. These acquisitions are part of Mutares' strategy to enhance its Automotive & Mobility portfolio, showcasing its commitment to this industry. Other relevant transactions include the acquisition of Innomotive Systems Hainichen, known for high-precision machined door hinges, and LMS - Light Mobility Solutions, further solidifying Mutares' position in the automotive parts manufacturing landscape.


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 several strategic acquisitions in the automotive parts manufacturing sector, including Professional Parts Sweden AB, Klokkerholm Karosseridele A/S, and Sepab Fordonsprodukter AB. Additionally, their acquisition of Bailey Morris Ltd, a leading propshaft manufacturer, highlights their commitment to expanding their footprint in the automotive industry. These transactions reflect Indutrade's strategy to build clusters of niche companies with high technical expertise, particularly in the automotive parts domain.


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 based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Among their notable transactions in the automotive parts manufacturing context, EQT acquired kfzteile24, a Berlin-based online retailer for automobile parts and accessories, which underscores their strategic interest in the automotive sector. Additionally, they acquired TitanX Engine Cooling, a company focused on engine cooling solutions for vehicles, further solidifying their presence in the automotive parts industry. These investments reflect EQT's capability to identify and support growth in the automotive sector, making them a significant player in this market.


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 founded in 2011, based in London, England. The firm focuses on 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 automotive parts manufacturing sector, including a £4 million funding deal for Sertec Group, a car component manufacturer, aimed at supporting its European expansion plans. Additionally, BGF participated in a £20 million series-B funding round for Sertec Group Holdings, further solidifying its commitment to the automotive industry. Another significant investment was made in VTL Group, a precision engineering firm supplying Jaguar Land Rover, where BGF provided £1.5 million to support a capital investment program for engine components. These transactions highlight BGF's active role in the automotive parts manufacturing industry, making it a relevant investor in this category.


9. 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 and infrastructure investment firm founded in 1945. The firm specializes in providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, helping them achieve sustainable growth. With a diverse portfolio and a strong international presence, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Notably, 3i Group has made significant investments in the automotive parts manufacturing sector, including the acquisition of Hilite International, a company focused on fuel efficiency and emissions control, and NORMA Germany GmbH, which specializes in automotive parts. Additionally, their acquisition of Formel D GmbH, a service provider for the automotive industry, highlights their active role in this sector. These transactions illustrate 3i Group's commitment to enhancing its portfolio with companies that contribute to the automotive parts manufacturing industry.


10. Continental Automotive Trading France SAS


Continental Automotive Trading France SAS is a corporate investor based in Rambouillet, Île-De-France, France, and is a subsidiary of Continental AG, a leading technology company specializing in automotive and mobility solutions. Founded in 2007, the company has been actively involved in the automotive sector, focusing on enhancing vehicle performance and safety through a range of products including tires, automotive technologies, and safety systems. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Siemens VDO Automotive AG for €11.4 billion, which significantly expanded their automotive technology portfolio. Additionally, the acquisition of ASL Vision aimed to enhance their advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), while the acquisition of Emitec strengthened their powertrain division with a focus on exhaust-gas aftertreatment systems. These strategic acquisitions demonstrate Continental's commitment to advancing automotive parts manufacturing and technology, positioning them as a key player in the industry.


11. Bosch

  • Website: bosch.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Birenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 1886
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: bosch

Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and technology company based in Birenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Founded in 1886, Bosch offers a diverse range of products and services across mobility, consumer goods, industrial technology, and energy solutions. The company is particularly committed to sustainability and enhancing quality of life through its innovative technology solutions. In the automotive sector, Bosch has made several key acquisitions to bolster its position. Notably, they acquired Unipoint Group, a significant manufacturer of automotive components, in 2012, and in 2023, they acquired eesy-ic GmbH to enhance their semiconductor activities specifically for the automotive market. Furthermore, Bosch's acquisition of Evergrande hofer powertrain GmbH's business operations in 2021 reflects their focus on electric drive units, which are crucial for modern automotive technology. These strategic moves highlight Bosch's commitment to the automotive parts manufacturing industry and its ongoing efforts to innovate and expand its offerings.


12. 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 founded in 1996, headquartered in Paris, Île-De-France, France. Specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions, Ardian provides tailored investment strategies to institutional investors, family offices, and pension funds, focusing on high-quality private market investments. Notably, Ardian has made significant strides in the automotive parts manufacturing sector, acquiring a majority stake in Weber Automotive, a key player in the industry, and a minority stake in Euro 4x4 Parts, a retailer of automotive parts and accessories valued at EUR 1.15 billion. These transactions highlight Ardian's commitment to investing in the automotive sector, alongside their broader investment strategy that emphasizes sustainable finance and creating lasting value for clients.


13. 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 technology solutions across various sectors, including automation, electrification, energy, industrial solutions, and process technology. Addtech serves OEM manufacturers and end-users, helping them enhance operational efficiency and sustainability through innovative solutions. In recent years, Addtech has made several strategic acquisitions that align with the automotive parts manufacturing industry. Notable transactions include the acquisition of DMC Digital Motor Control in March 2020, which focuses on motor control solutions, and Sensor Control Nordic in December 2016, which specializes in sensor technology. In July 2024, Addtech acquired Romani Components, further expanding its footprint in the automotive sector. These acquisitions reflect Addtech's commitment to enhancing its offerings in the automotive parts manufacturing space, making it a significant player in this industry.


14. 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, founded in 1847 and headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, is a prominent technology conglomerate specializing in industrial automation, energy solutions, rail transport, and health technology. With a workforce of approximately 320,000 employees, Siemens generates significant revenue globally. In recent years, Siemens has made strategic investments that align with the automotive sector, including a notable investment in WiTricity, a Massachusetts-based startup that focuses on wireless charging technology for electric vehicles. This investment of $25 million aims to accelerate the production and commercialization of EV charging solutions, highlighting Siemens' commitment to innovation in the automotive space. Additionally, Siemens has been involved in various other sectors, but their engagement in technologies that support electric vehicles positions them as a relevant player in the automotive parts manufacturing context.



Automotive 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
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Mutares BeneluxAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-200202116
Indutrade Life ScienceStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000197814
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
3i Group plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019453
Continental Automotive Trading France SASRambouillet, Île-De-France, France51-20020073
BoschBirenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+18865
ArdianParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000199621
Addtech ABStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-500019069
SiemensMunich, Bavaria, Germany10001+184711


Want to find more investors focusing on the automotive parts manufacturing industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the automotive parts manufacturingindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

  • Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
  • Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
  • Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
  • ...and much more!