The paper manufacturing industry in the DACH region, comprising Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, produces a range of products from packaging materials to specialty papers. This sector plays a vital role in the economy, with companies focused on sustainability and innovation as they adapt to changing consumer demands. Technological advancements drive transformations, with many enterprises investing in environmentally friendly practices and digitalization to enhance efficiency. Insights show a growing focus on circular economy practices, and with a shift towards sustainable materials, companies are set to redefine traditional methods to remain competitive in an evolving market.


In DACH, investor types range from corporate giants to venture capital firms, spanning various sizes and histories. In 2024, these investors collectively completed multiple deals, showcasing their active presence in the dynamic paper manufacturing sector. Companies like Andritz and Partners Group reflect a strong commitment to investing in innovative technologies and sustainable practices. Founded from 1850 to 2020, these investors highlight a blend of tradition and modernity, indicating a healthy mix of expertise that supports growth in the industry.


Top 9 Paper Manufacturing Investors in DACH


1. 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. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Andritz focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability for its business customers through innovative and digitalized solutions. Notably, Andritz has made strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the paper manufacturing industry, including the acquisition of Paperchine Inc. in 2017, which supplies equipment and services for the paper industry, and Kempulp in 2019, a company specializing in process technologies for chemical pulping. These acquisitions reflect Andritz's commitment to advancing technology and services in the paper sector, further solidifying its role as a key player in the industry.


2. 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 based in Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany, founded in 1979. 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, including the acquisition of Paper+Design in 2010, which is a significant player in the paper manufacturing industry. This acquisition highlights their commitment to the sector. Additionally, they have made investments in other companies such as OQEMA and MOESCHTER GROUP, showcasing their diverse investment portfolio while still maintaining a foothold in the paper manufacturing context through Paper+Design.


3. European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF)


The European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF) is a venture capital firm based in Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 2020. It focuses on sustainable investments in the bioeconomy, providing funding and expertise to growth-stage companies that aim to transition to a circular bio-based economy. ECBF operates primarily within the EU and supports innovations across various sectors, including agriculture, food, and industrial biotechnology. Notably, ECBF has invested in companies like Paptic, a Finnish packaging company that is developing foam-based manufacturing technology aimed at carbon neutrality by 2030. This investment highlights ECBF's commitment to sustainable materials, which is relevant to the paper manufacturing sector. Additionally, their involvement with PeelPioneers, which focuses on circular economy practices, and SQIM, which is expanding its industrial capabilities, further illustrates ECBF's alignment with sustainable practices that could benefit the paper manufacturing industry.


4. 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 approach and commitment to sustainability. Recently, Partners Group has made significant strides in the paper manufacturing sector, notably with their acquisition of Velvet CARE, a leading European manufacturer of hygiene paper products, which generated EUR 277 million in revenues in 2022. This strategic acquisition aims to expand Velvet CARE's international reach and product portfolio, showcasing Partners Group's active role in the paper manufacturing industry. Additionally, their diverse investment portfolio includes various sectors, further highlighting their versatility as an investor.


5. eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERS


eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERS is a venture capital firm based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in investing in technology companies across various sectors, including cleantech, software, and cybersecurity. eCAPITAL provides early to growth stage funding and strategic support to startups, helping them navigate challenges and achieve growth. Notably, they have invested in Creapaper, a company that raised funds in a Series A round in November 2017, which is directly related to the paper manufacturing industry. This investment highlights eCAPITAL's willingness to engage with companies in the paper sector, alongside their broader focus on technology-driven ventures.


6. Bobst

  • Website: bobst.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1890
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • LinkedIn: bobst

Bobst is a corporate investor based in Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 1890. The company specializes in manufacturing machinery for the packaging industry, providing a wide range of products and services that include substrate processing, printing, and converting equipment. Bobst's customers primarily come from sectors such as food, beverages, and personal care, relying on their innovative solutions to enhance packaging production processes. Notably, Bobst has made strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the packaging sector, including the acquisition of Cerutti Packaging Equipment in November 2021, which aligns with their goal to lead in the global flexo printing market. Additionally, in April 2020, Bobst acquired a 51% stake in CITO-SYSTEM, a supplier of creasing systems, further solidifying their presence in the packaging and tooling sectors. These transactions highlight Bobst's commitment to expanding its technological capabilities, which are closely tied to the paper manufacturing industry.


7. Collateral Good


Collateral Good is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2021. The firm specializes in sustainable investments, supporting early-stage companies primarily in the packaging, food tech, and fashion industries. Their mission emphasizes a positive impact on planetary health, aligning with the growing demand for environmentally friendly solutions. Notable transactions include their participation in PulPac's funding round, which aims to replace single-use plastics with sustainable alternatives, and their investment in Polytag, a company focused on recycling technology. These investments reflect Collateral Good's commitment to innovative solutions that could benefit the paper manufacturing sector by promoting sustainable practices and materials.


8. Actega

  • Website: altana.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Wesel, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: actega

Actega, a subsidiary of Altana AG, is a corporate investor based in Wesel, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Founded in 1977, Altana AG specializes in specialty chemicals, offering a diverse range of products including coating additives, metal effect pigments, insulation materials, and sealants. Actega has made significant investments in the digital printing sector, particularly through its involvement with Landa Digital Printing, where they acquired a minority stake for $135 million, marking their entry into the packaging sector. This investment aims to foster a long-term strategic partnership to enhance digital printing solutions, which are crucial for the paper manufacturing industry. Additionally, Actega co-led a funding round for Velox, an Israeli digital printing technology company, further demonstrating their commitment to advancing technologies that can impact the paper and packaging markets. Overall, Actega's focus on innovative solutions and strategic partnerships positions them as a relevant player in the paper manufacturing investment landscape.


9. Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG

  • Website: heidelberg.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 1850
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: heidelberg

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG is a corporate investor based in Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, founded in 1850. The company specializes in manufacturing precision machinery for the printing industry, offering a range of products including offset and digital printing machines, finishing equipment, and software solutions. Their customer base primarily consists of businesses in the print media sector, which seek to enhance their production capabilities and efficiency. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Gallus Holding AG, which allows Heidelberg to enhance its digital product development in the labels sector, and the acquisition of BluePrint Products NV, a Belgian printing chemicals supplier, aimed at expanding their portfolio of environmentally progressive printing chemicals. Additionally, their acquisition of the MBO Group is set to enhance their postpress offerings, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, further demonstrating their commitment to expanding their influence in the printing and paper-related sectors.



Paper Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
AndritzGraz, Styria, Austria10001+18925
Hannover FinanzHanover, Lower Saxony, Germany11-5019792
European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF)Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany11-50202011
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERSNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany11-5019992
BobstLausanne, Vaud, Switzerland5001-1000018900
Collateral GoodZurich, Zurich, Switzerland1-1020212
ActegaWesel, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1001-500019772
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AGHeidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+18500


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