ic! berlin has become one of the most well-known German eyewear brands in the premium price segment. As a pioneer in extra-light metal eyewear, ic! berlin sunglasses and corrective eyewear are known for their design, high manufacturing quality and outstanding comfort, as well as patented screwless joints. In addition to metal glasses, its product portfolio also includes acetate frames – manufactured in-house in Berlin. ic! berlin takes care of development, design, manufacturing and sales to leading opticians and distributors, and has its own flagship store.

Investment procedure

ic! berlin is the first investment of the two PREMIUM SME funds launched with Bankhaus Lampe. As the majority shareholder, PREMIUM works closely with the management, which was also involved in the transaction. Management, the advisory board and PREMIUM defined the strategic priorities at the start of the investment. There is a particular focus on enhancing brand recognition and driving international sales.

Strategic and operational measures

• Expansion of the sales team, hiring a new CSO/CMO

• Joint venture with a leading Chinese luxury eyewear retail chain

• Introduction of LEAN processes

Milestones in the company’s development

• Introduction to the Chinese market

• Unbeatable delivery times thanks to significant reduction in production lead times

KAMA – from a niche supplier of machine finishing for print products to a global innovation leader in the “post-press” industry. Founded in Dresden in 1894, KAMA has become an innovative machine manufacturer for the finishing and further processing of paper products with a focus on small runs. Its main focus is on cutting and embossing machines for digital and commercial printing, as well as folding and gluing machines, which are characterized by high precision, speed and short changeover times and successfully meet the growing demand for customisation and finishing processes for packaging in the pharmaceutical, food and consumer goods industries.

Investment procedure

KAMA GmbH is the third investment of the two PREMIUM SME funds launched with Bankhaus Lampe. The focus of this development is on further internationalisation through the expansion of direct sales, operational improvements, and innovation and new product developments, including through the use of digitalisation.

Strategic and operational measures

• Expansion of the direct sales and service network worldwide

• Significant reduction in lead times

• Improved margins through the use of LEAN

Milestones in the company’s development

• Succession planning for the departing managing shareholder

• Focus on innovation and expansion of the product range, e.g. through the development of the new Braille module and digital finishing technology

Founded more than 30 years ago, CLARUS Films has now become a major, systemically important port of call for flexible packaging solutions in Europe. The successful market leader in the retail and production of packaging films has a broad customer base, mainly in the food and life science industries, who appreciate the excellent service, fast and flexible delivery capability and high quality of CLARUS Films. The company’s product portfolio, which is geared towards sustainability and recyclability, comprises high-quality plastic films, biofilms and paper, all of which are tailored to individual customer requirements.

Investment procedure

CLARUS Films is the second investment of the two PREMIUM SME funds launched with Bankhaus Lampe. Management, the advisory board and PREMIUM defined the strategic priorities at the start of the investment. Thanks to the expansion of sales and marketing, more efficient processes and strategic acquisitions, CLARUS Films has been able to establish itself as a strong partner in Europe.

Strategic and operational measures

• Expansion of the sales team and development of sales

• Diversification of the product portfolio with biofilms and paper

• Digitisation of business processes in warehousing and administration

Milestones in the company’s development

• Moving into a new central production site to increase production and storage capacities

• Add-on acquisition of a competitor

• Exclusive partnership with Koehler Paper for the introduction of innovative paper packaging solutions

WEKA has established itself as the German market leader for garden houses in the premium segment. The company has been developing innovative premium wooden products for the home and garden for over 25 years. WEKA Holzbau is known for developing, designing, manufacturing and selling high-quality prefabricated wooden kits and continuously develops its design in cooperation with renowned architects. Its broad product portfolio includes garden sheds and storage units, pavilions and carports, as well as saunas and infrared cabins. WEKA Holzbau is present in DIY stores and specialist retailers as well as online and is appreciated for its excellent service and diverse customisation options.

Investment procedure

PREMIUM acquired a majority stake in WEKA in Neubrandenburg in 2016. The management, advisory board and PREMIUM defined the strategic priorities at the start. The growth strategy was refocused in order to finally expand the distribution network in the area of e-commerce, establish new distribution channels in the B2B segment and add new materials to the product range.

 In November 2018, WEKA was successfully sold to the Outdoor Life Group, based in the Netherlands.

Strategic and operational measures

• Improvement of key account management in retail

• Substantial expansion of online sales channels

• Expansion of direct B2B sales channels

Milestones in the company's development

• Expansion of the product portfolio with wood-based materials and metal

• Establishment of a broad distribution partnership in gardening and landscaping

• Improvement of e-commerce performance

ACTech is one of the world’s leading suppliers of rapid prototyping and 3D printing processes, which enable the rapid and cost-effective production of production-oriented components.

ACTech supplies prototypes, small batches and spare parts to the automotive, aerospace and mechanical and plant engineering industries. ACTech supplies all the steps, including 3D printing, that are necessary for the production of a prototype casting that is comparable to series production from a 3D data set.

Investment procedure

Together with a co-investor, PREMIUM acquired a majority stake in ACTech Holding GmbH and continued the growth process in close cooperation with the management. PREMIUM has strengthened the management team and refocused the company on its core competencies. Insourcing helped to reduce third-party services and cut delivery times significantly. In 2017, the company was acquired by a listed corporate, which was able to strengthen its expertise in metal 3D printing thanks to the transaction.

Strategic and operational measures

• Hiring a new CEO

• Implementation of the most innovative 3D printing technology

• Optimisation of production processes

Milestones in the company's development

• Significant reduction in delivery times by 25-40%

• Reduction of third-party services through insourcing

heinekingmedia is the digitalisation partner for educational institutions and companies – and a fast-growing hidden champion in the industry with a broad distribution network.

As a pioneer in the field of collaborative hardware and software solutions (UCC/Unified Communications and Collaboration), heinekingmedia uses proprietary products and services to optimise information and communication processes in the classroom and for distance learning, as well as in virtual meeting rooms. More than 1.5 million school children already use GDPR-compliant mobile apps, messaging apps and collaborative software solutions from the market leader – in part thanks to their user-friendly systems.

Investment procedure

heinekingmedia is the second investment of the PREMIUM SME II fund. As the majority shareholder, PREMIUM works closely with the management. At the start of the investment, PREMIUM defined the strategic priorities together with the management and advisory board. Brand recognition and sales are to be increased and the development of innovative software and content solutions intensified.

Strategische und operationelle Maßnahmen

• Solution for operational succession with new buy-in CEO

• Expansion of R&D activities

• Increased marketing presence in schools, school authorities and companies

Meilensteine der Unternehmensentwicklung

• Geographical expansion into Switzerland and Austria through an add-on acquisition

• Strategic partnerships with content providers

• Establishment of a separate R&D unit

Antennentechnik Bad Blankenburg GmbH develops, produces and sells digital antenna systems with high innovation potential in niche segments, such as car-to-car communication or smart metering for the energy industry. The company is already the market leader in Germany for integrated special antennas (TETRA systems) used in special vehicles (police, fire brigade, ambulance, emergency doctors) and a certified supplier to European manufacturers of agricultural vehicles and trucks. Founded in 2003, Antennentechnik Bad Blankenburg GmbH looks to a future with innovative developments for niche segments.

Investment procedure

As the majority shareholder, PREMIUM works closely with the management. At the start of the investment, the strategic priorities were defined jointly by the management, advisory board and PREMIUM. Objectives included expansion to further sustainable niche segments and the development of innovation leadership. After five years of investment, the company was successfully sold to a corporation, which continues to invest heavily in the company.

Strategic and operational measures

• Hiring a new CEO

• Expansion of target sectors (energy industry, camper vans, etc.)

Milestones of the company's development

• Expansion into further attractive markets (Sweden, Turkey)

• Strengthening innovation leadership (further patents)

As a successful supplier of innovative transport solutions and systems, the LKE Group is a leader in intralogistics, distribution logistics and floor-to-floor transport systems. Valued in the industrial sector for application-oriented intralogistics solutions from a single source, LKE stands for outstanding product quality, the development of tailor-made transport solutions and fast, reliable delivery capability. LKE is a provider of complete solutions that stands out from pure high-volume manufacturers thanks to its own development department, customer-specific product advice and its own prototype production.

Investment procedure

The LKE Group is the first investment of the PREMIUM SME II fund. As the majority shareholder, PREMIUM works closely with the management. The strategic priorities were jointly defined at the start of the investment. In addition to geographic expansion and the development of technological innovations, the aim was to optimise lean manufacturing.

Strategic and operational measures

• Focus on core areas (sale of less relevant core activities: aviation and hygiene segments)

Milestones in the company's development

• Successful implementation of optimisation measures

• Near-shoring and reducing dependence on sourcing in Asia by acquiring a manufacturing company in Romania

With patented technologies and products in the field of aesthetic and regenerative medicine, Human Med AG is a market leader in the treatment of fat distribution disorders in an industry with very high growth potential. Its patented WAL (waterjet-assisted liposuction) technology is one of the gentlest forms of liposuction. Human Med is also the world’s leading technology company for the extraction of autologous fat. This innovative procedure is suitable for numerous follow-up applications (breast reconstruction, wound treatment, etc.) where the body’s natural fat is reused.

Investment procedure

Strategic priorities were defined at the start of the investment. In addition to expanding its market leadership, the aim is to further promote the growth potential of Human Med AG – both in existing markets and in new markets due to new areas of application in regenerative medicine. PREMIUM is the majority shareholder.

Strategic and operational measures

• Expansion into new areas of medical application

• Focusing sales and marketing on the most important markets and customer groups 

• Expansion of the organisation and capacities as a prerequisite for realising high growth potential

Milestones in the company's development

• Succession solution with a new buy-in CEO

• Completion of the management team

FREQCON GmbH

FREQCON is a fast-growing hidden champion and pioneer in energy storage solutions and converter technologies for renewable energy sources. The converters and control systems developed and produced by FREQCON ensure efficient and reliable grid integration of renewable and conventional energy sources. FREQCON's integrated energy storage solutions also offer customers the opportunity to benefit from fluctuating energy prices and significantly reduce their electricity costs. A key driver of the company's growth is its high level of innovative strength, which is the result of its extensive internal development capacities, many years of experience in the field of renewable energies and regular participation in research projects.

Investment procedure

As majority owner, PREMIUM works closely with the management. Upon entry, the strategic priorities of the investment were jointly defined. The strong demand for FREQCON's products initially requires an expansion of production capacity and an improvement in working capital financing, while at the same time proceeding with international expansion.

Strategic and operational measures

• Expansion of production capacities and organization to meet high demand

• Geographical expansion primarily in Europe

• Focusing sales and marketing on key markets and customer groups

Milestones in the company's development

• Introduction of multi-source inverter technology

• Successful succession solution

FilaTech is the world's leading independent supplier of hollow fiber spinning systems that produce membranes for the manufacture of dialyzers used for blood purification of kidney patients. Due to high growth rates of kidney disease worldwide and the predominant use of end-stage dialysis, there is a growing demand for dialyzers and thus for filter material for reliable blood purification. FilaTech is also active in the production of gas separation and water purification systems, which are based on similar principles for filter production. A small sister company at the same location specializes in the cleaning of metal filters.

Investment procedure

As the majority shareholder, PREMIUM works closely with the management. The strategic priorities of the investment were jointly defined at the time of entry. This involves expanding geographically and diversifying the product portfolio.

Strategic and operational measures

• Introduction of efficient processes to increase throughput in the production

• Geographic expansion with a focus on India

• Further growth in the markets for spinning systems for water treatment, gas separation and other medtech/pharma applications

Milestones in the company's development

• Development of a hollow fiber spinning plant with significantly increased production capacity

• Successful succession solution through buy-in CEO