Schalast advises Hannover Finanz Opportunities (HFO) on the acquisition of Gerhardi Kunststofftechnik

Schalast has advised Hannover Finanz Opportunities (HFO), part of the Hannover Finanz Group, on the acquisition of the core assets of Gerhardi Kunststofftechnik GmbH, an international automotive supplier with multiple sites. The transaction represents a decisive step toward safeguarding the company’s future and securing the majority of its workforce.

Gerhardi Kunststofftechnik GmbH, founded in 1796, is a leading supplier of electroplated and technically advanced plastic components for the automotive industry. The company currently employs approximately 960 people across three main sites in Germany.

The purchase agreement was notarized on August 28, 2025. As part of the transaction, HFO will acquire Gerhardi’s sites in Lüdenscheid, Rosmart and Ibbenbüren. Importantly, nearly all jobs at the company are expected to be preserved.

Closing of the transaction remains subject to certain conditions precedent, including agreements with key customers and antitrust clearance.

HFO specializes in special situations, restructurings and insolvencies, with a focus on sustainable business stabilization. Its investment strategy is centered on long-term equity stakes in mid-sized companies in the DACH region.

“Gerhardi is a top-tier supplier and development partner for high-quality electroplated products in the automotive supply industry. We are pleased to re-establish the company as a reliable supplier and business partner. This success would not be possible without the trust and support of customers and employees, on whom we will continue to rely,” said Dr. Gerd Sievers and Hermann Reitze, Managing Partners of HFO.

The sale is designed to preserve the company’s important role in the automotive supplier industry and its unique know-how in injection molding and electroplating.

Prof. Dr. Christoph Schalast, Managing Partner of Schalast Law | Tax, commented:

“This was an important transaction for us. Once again, we demonstrated that our teams across Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Hamburg and Düsseldorf work seamlessly together. Just as importantly, we always strive for sustainable solutions that deliver value and opportunities long after closing. We are very pleased with the outcome.”