The material handling equipment industry in DACH includes businesses that specialize in transporting, storing, and managing materials and goods within various facilities. Companies in this space manufacture forklifts, conveyor systems, and automated storage solutions to optimize logistics and efficiency. This sector is experiencing growth driven by increased automation, sustainability, and a focus on supply chain optimization. Innovative technologies, such as IoT and robotics, are emerging as key components in modern warehouses. As e-commerce continues to rise, the demand for advanced material handling solutions is expected to rise, leading to continued investment and advancements in the industry.

The investors listed in this article represent a mix of corporate and private equity firms, alongside venture capital outfits. Their headquarters span several key DACH locations, including Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. These firms range in size from dedicated teams to large organizations with thousands of employees, with many founded in the late 20th century or earlier. In 2024, these investors collectively engaged in 78 notable transactions, showcasing their commitment to the material handling equipment sector and their keen eye for promising opportunities.

Top 14 Material Handling Equipment Investors in DACH

1. 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. They focus on enhancing the market position of their portfolio companies through effective management and consulting. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Soudronic, a company involved in manufacturing equipment for the packaging industry, and LISTA, which produces storage and workspace solutions that are integral to material handling. These investments reflect Capvis's engagement in sectors that overlap with material handling equipment, showcasing their potential relevance in this industry.

2. Speedinvest

• Website: speedinvest.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 45
• LinkedIn: speedinvest

Speedinvest is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in funding early-stage tech startups across Europe, providing both capital and hands-on support to help these startups scale their operations. Speedinvest's investment focus spans various technology sectors, including Deep Tech, Fintech, and SaaS. Notably, they have participated in funding rounds for Fernride, a German startup that raised significant capital for its autonomous logistics solutions, which are directly applicable to the material handling equipment industry. Additionally, Speedinvest was involved in YardLink, a digital procurement startup, which, while not exclusively in material handling, operates in a space that can impact supply chain and logistics efficiency. This diverse investment strategy showcases Speedinvest's commitment to supporting innovative solutions that can enhance operational efficiencies in various sectors, including material handling.

3. Hannover Finanz

• Website: hannoverfinanz.de
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany
• Founded year: 1979
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: hannoverfinanz

Hannover Finanz is a private equity firm founded in 1979, based in Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany. The firm specializes in providing equity capital to medium-sized family businesses in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, focusing on sustainable growth through strategic investments and consulting services. Hannover Finanz has been involved in several notable transactions in the machinery and equipment sector, including the acquisition of Teupen Maschinenbau GmbH in 2012, which specializes in aerial work platforms, and VEMAG Maschinenbau GmbH in 1990, known for its food processing machinery. Additionally, they acquired IPR - Intelligent Peripherals for Robots GmbH in 2015, which is relevant to automation and robotics in material handling. These transactions highlight Hannover Finanz's commitment to investing in companies that contribute to the material handling equipment industry, making them a significant player in this field.

4. Deutsche Beteiligungs AG

• Website: dbag.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
• Founded year: 1965
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: deutsche-beteiligungs-ag

Deutsche Beteiligungs AG is a private equity firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 1965. The firm specializes in investments in mid-sized companies, providing capital and advisory services to enhance growth potential. With over 55 years of experience, DBAG operates a successful fund advisory business. Among its notable transactions, DBAG acquired Coperion in 2007, a company known for its material handling systems, for approximately $408 million. In 2012, they acquired Broetje-Automation, which focuses on automation solutions relevant to material handling. These strategic acquisitions highlight DBAG's involvement in the material handling equipment sector, alongside their broader investment strategy that includes telecommunications, IT services, software, and healthcare.

5. Andritz

• Website: andritz.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Graz, Styria, Austria
• Founded year: 1892
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: andritz

Andritz AG, founded in 1892 and based in Graz, Styria, Austria, is a leading technology provider specializing in industrial equipment and solutions across various sectors, including pulp and paper, metals, and energy. The company has a global presence and focuses on innovation and digitalization to meet the evolving needs of its clients. In recent years, Andritz has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities. Notably, the acquisition of Euroslot KDSS in 2015 aimed to strengthen their design and manufacturing capabilities in filtration and separation equipment, which can be relevant in material handling contexts. Additionally, the acquisition of Enviroburners in 2020, which specializes in industrial burners, further showcases Andritz's commitment to expanding its industrial equipment portfolio. These transactions reflect Andritz's strategy to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability, aligning with the broader goals of the material handling equipment industry.

6. 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 with a workforce of approximately 320,000 employees. The company specializes in industrial automation, energy solutions, rail transport, and health technology, providing innovative products and services that enhance efficiency and sustainability across various sectors. Notably, Siemens has made strategic acquisitions that bolster its presence in the material handling equipment industry. For instance, the acquisition of Magazino in 2015, a startup focused on sorting and packing robots, showcases Siemens' commitment to advancing automation in material handling. Additionally, their acquisition of Orsi, a supplier of software products for industrial MES solutions, further emphasizes their focus on enhancing operational efficiency in industrial settings. These transactions highlight Siemens' strategic direction towards integrating advanced technologies in material handling and automation.

7. Partners Group

• Website: partnersgroup.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 19
• LinkedIn: partners-group

Partners Group Holding AG is a prominent investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative investment strategies and commitment to sustainability. Notably, Partners Group has made significant investments in the material handling equipment sector, including the acquisition of Ammeraal Beltech, a leading conveyor belt manufacturer, and Megadyne, which specializes in power transmission belts. These strategic acquisitions highlight their active role in the material handling equipment industry, alongside their broader investment portfolio that includes various sectors.

8. Paragon Partners

• Website: paragon.de
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 2004
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: paragon-partners_2

Paragon Partners GmbH is a Munich-based private equity investment firm founded in 2004, specializing in private equity investments in established medium-sized enterprises. With a focus on providing capital and strategic support to enhance business operations and foster growth, Paragon Partners manages approximately €1.2 billion in equity. The firm has been involved in several notable transactions, including the acquisition of KINSHOFER, a manufacturer of attachments for material handling equipment, and PAKI Logistics, which operates in the logistics sector. These investments highlight Paragon Partners' engagement in the material handling equipment industry, alongside their broader investment strategy targeting medium-sized companies in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.

9. Bayern Kapital

• Website: bayernkapital.de
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Landshut, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 1995
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 27
• LinkedIn: bayern-kapital-gmbh

Bayern Kapital is a venture capital firm based in Landshut, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in providing investment and growth capital to innovative high-tech startups and scale-ups in Bavaria. They support their clients with financial resources and access to a network of industry experts, helping them navigate the challenges of growth and development in various sectors, including life sciences and software. Notably, Bayern Kapital has participated in several transactions relevant to the material handling equipment context. For instance, they invested in Fernride, a logistics startup that raised $50 million to enhance its operations, indicating a focus on improving logistics and material handling processes. Additionally, their investment in sewts, an industrial automation startup, highlights their interest in technologies that can optimize material handling systems. Furthermore, their involvement with BOX ID Systems, a logistics software provider, showcases their commitment to supporting innovations that enhance efficiency in the logistics and material handling sectors.

10. Linamar Europe

• Website: linamar.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Plettenberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Founded year: 1966
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn: linamar-europe

Linamar Europe is a corporate investor based in Plettenberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, and is part of Linamar Corporation, an advanced manufacturing company founded in 1966. Linamar specializes in precision-engineered components and systems primarily for the automotive, agricultural, and medical device industries. Notably, Linamar has made significant acquisitions that enhance its capabilities in various sectors. One of the most relevant transactions is the acquisition of Skyjack on June 7, 2002, for $31 million, which positions Linamar in the material handling equipment industry through Skyjack's expertise in aerial work platforms. Additionally, Linamar's recent acquisitions, such as Bourgault Industries and MacDon Industries, further diversify its portfolio, particularly in agricultural technologies, but the Skyjack acquisition remains a key link to material handling equipment.

11. Palfinger Ag

• Website: palfinger.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Bergheim, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Founded year: 1932
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn: palfinger

Palfinger AG, founded in 1932 and based in Bergheim, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a leading manufacturing company specializing in cranes and lifting equipment. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Palfinger provides a diverse range of products, including knuckle boom cranes, service cranes, and marine equipment, primarily serving the construction, mining, and municipal sectors. The company's offerings are designed to enhance operational efficiency and safety in heavy lifting applications. Palfinger has actively expanded its market presence through strategic acquisitions, such as the acquisition of Ratcliff-Palfinger, the UK tail lift market leader, and Equipment Technology LLC (ETI), which specializes in truck-mounted aerial lifts. These acquisitions not only broaden Palfinger's product range but also strengthen its position in the material handling equipment industry. Furthermore, their investment in Ned-Deck Marine B.V. and Sky Steel Systems LLC reflects their strategy to diversify and enhance their operational capabilities in related sectors, reinforcing their commitment to the material handling equipment market.

12. Picus Capital

• Website: picuscap.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 28
• LinkedIn: picus-capital

Picus Capital is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 2015, specializing in early-stage technology investments. With a team of 11-50 professionals, they actively partner with innovative startups across various sectors, including fintech, healthcare, and technology. Notably, Picus Capital has made significant investments in companies like Coboworx, which raised €4.5 million to develop robotic solutions for SMEs, and Flexcavo, a startup focused on construction technology that has raised a total of $7.5 million to enhance equipment rental services. These investments highlight Picus Capital's commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering innovation in areas that intersect with material handling equipment, particularly through automation and robotics.

13. Holcim

• Website: holcim.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Zug, Zug, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1912
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 12
• LinkedIn: lafargeholcim

Holcim is a corporate investor based in Zug, Switzerland, specializing in building materials and innovative construction solutions. Founded in 1912, Holcim has a workforce of over 10,000 employees and is committed to sustainability and decarbonization in building practices. In recent years, Holcim has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in the construction materials sector. Notably, they acquired Sivyer Logistics, a leading recycler of construction and demolition waste, to bolster their sustainability efforts. Additionally, their acquisition of Cowden, a concrete and aggregate manufacturer, and Wiltshire Heavy Building Materials, which specializes in recycling waste into aggregates, further demonstrates their commitment to improving material handling processes within the construction industry. These transactions reflect Holcim's focus on circular construction and sustainable building solutions, making them a relevant player in the material handling equipment space.

14. Dhl

• Website: dhl.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Founded year: 1969
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: dhl

DHL is a global logistics company founded in 1969, headquartered in Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. With over 10,000 employees, DHL specializes in comprehensive transportation and delivery services, offering solutions such as courier services, air and ocean freight, and supply chain management. Their expertise in logistics helps businesses streamline operations and ensure timely delivery of goods. Notably, DHL Supply Chain has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its logistics capabilities, including the acquisition of MIT Safetrans, which added 20 operating sites in Italy, and the Suppla Group, a Colombian warehousing company. These transactions reflect DHL's commitment to expanding its logistics network and capabilities, which are closely tied to material handling equipment. Additionally, their acquisition of the Glen Cameron Group in Australia further strengthens their position in road freight and contract logistics, highlighting their active role in the logistics and material handling sectors.

Material Handling Equipment Insights: Key Investors in DACH

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
Capvis AG	Baar, Zug, Switzerland	11-50	1990	0
Speedinvest	Vienna, Vienna, Austria	51-200	2011	45
Hannover Finanz	Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany	11-50	1979	2
Deutsche Beteiligungs AG	Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany	51-200	1965	2
Andritz	Graz, Styria, Austria	10001+	1892	5
Siemens	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	10001+	1847	11
Partners Group	Baar, Zug, Switzerland	1001-5000	1996	19
Paragon Partners	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	11-50	2004	2
Bayern Kapital	Landshut, Bavaria, Germany	11-50	1995	27
Linamar Europe	Plettenberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	1001-5000	1966	0
Palfinger Ag	Bergheim, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	10001+	1932	0
Picus Capital	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	11-50	2015	28
Holcim	Zug, Zug, Switzerland	10001+	1912	12
Dhl	Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	10001+	1969	1

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