The metal manufacturing industry in Europe plays a vital role in the continent's economy, with a wide array of companies involved in producing everything from steel and aluminum to specialty metals. This sector supports numerous industries, including automotive, construction, and aerospace, driving innovation in production techniques and sustainable practices. Companies vary in size from large multinationals to nimble SMEs, often emphasizing efficiency and quality. As the industry moves toward greener technologies and automated solutions, investors are keenly observing trends that can capitalize on the evolving landscape, making the sector an exciting area for growth and investment opportunities.


Among the top investors in the metal manufacturing sector in Europe, we see a mix of corporate giants and private equity firms, primarily headquartered in strategic hubs like Stockholm and London. These investors vary in size, with some boasting a workforce of over 10,000 employees, while others operate with as few as 11. Founded over several decades, many made notable investments in 2024, indicating strong interest in this sector's potential. We can also highlight impressive transactions by companies such as EQT Group and Kingspan Group, showcasing their commitment to expanding their influence in metal manufacturing.


Top 17 Metal 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. 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 relevant to the metal manufacturing industry, including:1. **Milltech Precision Engineering Ltd** - Acquired in March 2015, this UK-based company specializes in precision machining and assembly for various manufacturing industries, indicating Indutrade's commitment to enhancing its capabilities in metal manufacturing.2. **Stålprofil PK AB** - Acquired in March 2010, this company likely operates in the steel profile sector, further solidifying Indutrade's presence in the metal manufacturing landscape.These transactions reflect Indutrade's strategy to build clusters of niche companies with high technical expertise, particularly in the metal manufacturing domain.


2. 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 innovation and a diverse product portfolio. In recent years, ASSA ABLOY has expanded its footprint in the metal manufacturing sector by acquiring several companies that produce metal products. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Stiles Custom Metal, a supplier of steel doors and frames for commercial applications, and Premier Steel Doors and Frames, which supports their growth initiatives in the U.S. market. These acquisitions reflect ASSA ABLOY's strategy to enhance its product offerings and strengthen its market presence in the metal manufacturing industry.


3. Almi

  • Website: almi.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden, aiming to enhance their growth and competitiveness through tailored financial solutions. Among its notable transactions, Almi has invested in VBN Components, a company that focuses on advanced metal manufacturing technologies, raising funds in both seed and venture rounds in 2008 and 2014. This involvement highlights Almi's engagement in the metal manufacturing sector, alongside other investments in diverse industries such as Aim Sweden and Wematter, which further showcases its broad investment portfolio while still maintaining a foothold in the metal manufacturing domain.


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, was founded in 2021 and specializes in acquiring and managing companies in transition. The firm provides operational support and consulting services to enhance profitability and growth across various sectors, including automotive, technology, and retail. Notably, Mutares has made significant strides in the metal manufacturing sector with key acquisitions such as Rasche Umformtechnik GmbH & Co. KG, which focuses on metal forming and generates approximately EUR 30 million in revenues. Additionally, their acquisition of Buderus Edelstahl, a prominent player in the steel industry, further emphasizes their commitment to this sector. Another relevant transaction includes the acquisition of Special Melted Products, which operates in the specialty metals market and generates an annual turnover of around £70 million. These transactions highlight Mutares' strategic investments in the metal manufacturing industry, showcasing their capability to enhance and grow companies within this space.


5. 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 aimed at supporting sustainable projects across various sectors. In 2024, the EIB was involved in notable transactions within the metal manufacturing industry, such as providing debt financing to Marcegaglia, which raised over $105 million, and supporting Umicore with significant post-IPO debt transactions totaling over $377 million. These investments highlight the EIB's commitment to promoting growth and job creation in the metal sector, alongside its broader mission to support sustainable initiatives.


6. Saint-Gobain

  • Website: saint-gobain.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Courbevoie, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1665
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: saint-gobain

Compagnie de Saint-Gobain S.A. is a prominent construction materials manufacturer based in Courbevoie, Île-De-France, France, with a history dating back to 1665. The company operates in 76 countries and is dedicated to providing innovative solutions for the construction and industrial sectors, emphasizing sustainability and performance. Saint-Gobain's product offerings enhance building efficiency and reduce environmental impact, catering to construction firms, industrial manufacturers, and consumers. Notably, Saint-Gobain has made strategic acquisitions in the metal manufacturing space, including the acquisition of Electrotherm Iron's pipe business, which strengthens its foothold in the metal sector. Other relevant transactions include the acquisition of Hycomp and American Seal & Engineering, which, while not exclusively focused on metals, contribute to their industrial manufacturing capabilities. These transactions highlight Saint-Gobain's commitment to expanding its influence in the metal manufacturing industry.


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 various sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in the metal manufacturing industry, including the acquisition of Lillbacka Corporation, known for its FINN-POWER brand, which specializes in metal processing machinery. Additionally, EQT's involvement with Industrial Metalcaucho, S.L.U. highlights their engagement in the metal sector, as this company is known for manufacturing automotive components. These transactions reflect EQT's strategic interest in the metal manufacturing space, alongside their broader investment activities.


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, UK, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across various sectors in 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. Among their notable transactions in the metal manufacturing sector, BGF invested £10 million in Polar Technology Management Group, a specialist engineering company, to enhance its production capacity. They also invested £1.5 million in VTL Group, a precision engineering firm that supplies components to Jaguar Land Rover, and £8.5 million in Independent Forgings and Alloys, an aerospace and industrial forger. These investments highlight BGF's commitment to supporting the growth of companies within the metal manufacturing industry.


9. Triton Partners


Triton Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in private equity and credit investments in European mid-market businesses, focusing on sectors such as Business Services, Industrial Tech, and Healthcare. Triton provides operational expertise and capital to help companies unlock their full potential. Notably, Triton has made significant investments in the metal manufacturing sector, including the acquisition of BFC Fahrzeugteile, a leading supplier of metal-based clamping profiles for the automotive industry, which generated revenues of approximately €44 million in 2016. Additionally, Triton acquired Ovako, a company involved in the production of steel, further emphasizing their commitment to the metal industry. Their approach involves partnering with management teams to address challenges and drive growth, making them a strategic player in the metal manufacturing landscape.


10. 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 sectors such as Business Services, Healthcare, Consumer, and Industrials. Notably, IK Partners has made several significant acquisitions in the metal manufacturing context, including Fives Group, a company involved in industrial engineering and manufacturing, svt Holding GmbH, which operates in the field of industrial services, Exxelia Group, known for its manufacturing of electronic components, and Axtone, a manufacturer of railway components. These transactions highlight IK Partners' engagement in the metal manufacturing industry, showcasing their ability to enhance growth and create long-term value for their portfolio companies in this sector.


11. Crowdcube

  • Website: crowdcube.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. Crowdcube promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the metal manufacturing sector, including East End Manufacturing, which raised $413,980 in 2014, and STILFOLD, which raised $292,172 in 2022. Additionally, Crowdcube has supported Fishy Filaments, a company that has raised funds multiple times, indicating its active role in supporting innovative manufacturing ventures.


12. Kingspan Group

  • Website: kingspan.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Kingscourt, Cavan, Ireland
  • Founded year: 1965
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: kingspan

Kingspan Group plc is a prominent building materials company based in Kingscourt, Cavan, Ireland, specializing in high-performance insulation and building envelope solutions. Founded in 1965, Kingspan operates in over 80 countries and is committed to sustainability and energy efficiency in the built environment. In recent years, Kingspan has expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions in the metal manufacturing sector, including the acquisition of Vicwest in 2015 for $350 million, which enhanced their capabilities in insulated panels. They also acquired the Joris Ide Group, further solidifying their presence in the metal building products market. In 2024, Kingspan announced the acquisition of Villalba, and in 2023, they acquired Alaço, a company specializing in insulation and building materials valued at €100 million. These transactions highlight Kingspan's active role in the metal manufacturing industry, particularly in relation to construction and building materials.


13. Mercia Asset Management PLC

  • Website: mercia.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Henley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 41
  • LinkedIn: mercia-asset-management

Mercia Asset Management PLC is an investment management firm based in Henley-In-Arden, England, specializing in venture capital, private equity, and debt financing to support the growth of UK businesses. Founded in 1982, Mercia focuses on ambitious startups and established companies, particularly in technology and innovation sectors. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions relevant to the metal manufacturing industry, including a venture round for Castings Technology International, which raised approximately $2.7 million in January 2021, and debt financing for Hempel Firmus Metals, which secured around $262,588 in December 2019. These investments demonstrate Mercia's engagement with the metal manufacturing sector, alongside their broader investment strategy.


14. 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 diverse range of services, including private debt, private equity, real assets, and capital markets strategies. Tikehau Capital serves a wide array of clients, including institutional and private investors, as well as SMEs seeking tailored financing solutions to support growth and sustainability initiatives. Notably, Tikehau Capital has made significant investments in the metal manufacturing sector, including a debt financing deal with Lebronze Alloys in April 2019, and a €114 million investment in Nexteam Group, a precision mechanics and machining company, in May 2018. Additionally, Tikehau Capital acquired Bt2i Group and Groupe ROSSI AERO, further demonstrating their engagement in industries related to metal manufacturing.


15. 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 to provide both capital and strategic support. Among their notable transactions, Equistone acquired Fives Group, a company involved in industrial engineering and manufacturing, in 2004. In 2011, they acquired Coventya, a company that produces specialty chemicals, which may also relate to metal processing. More recently, in 2021, Equistone acquired a majority stake in Gardengate, a Portuguese manufacturer of aluminum gates and doors, highlighting their active role in the metal manufacturing sector. Additionally, their acquisition of Karl Eugen Fischer in 2013 further emphasizes their engagement in industries that intersect with metal manufacturing.


16. Naxicap Partners

  • Website: naxicap.fr
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: naxicap-partners

Naxicap Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in private equity and growth capital investments, focusing on mid-cap and small-cap companies across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and real estate. Naxicap Partners provides financial resources and strategic support to help businesses scale and enhance their market presence. Notably, they have been involved in transactions with companies in the metal manufacturing sector, such as Jet Metal Technologies, which raised funds in 2009 and 2012, and Alltub Group, which raised funds in 2007. These investments highlight Naxicap's engagement with the metal manufacturing industry, showcasing their capability to support companies within this sector.


17. 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 metal manufacturing sector, including the acquisition of Felss Group, a technology leader in cold forming of hollow parts, in 2017. This acquisition aimed to support Felss Group's growth strategy and internationalization. Additionally, Capvis acquired Soudronic in 2001, a company known for its manufacturing equipment for the metal can industry. These transactions highlight Capvis's strategic interest and involvement in the metal manufacturing industry, alongside their broader investment portfolio.



Metal Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Indutrade Life ScienceStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000197814
ASSA ABLOY GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden10001+199421
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
Mutares BeneluxAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-200202116
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Saint-GobainCourbevoie, Île-De-France, France10001+166514
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
Triton PartnersLuxembourg201-50019976
IK PartnersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500198914
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
Kingspan GroupKingscourt, Cavan, Ireland10001+19656
Mercia Asset Management PLCHenley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198241
Tikehau CapitalParis, Île-De-France, France501-100020046
Equistone Partners EuropeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20019791
Naxicap PartnersParis, Île-De-France, France51-20020050
Capvis AGBaar, Zug, Switzerland11-5019900


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