Our investments

We invest in development potential –
companies with a high level of innovation and clear unique selling points.

ic! berlin Group

ic! berlin has become one of the most well-known German eyewear brands in the premium price segment.

Consumer
+ Lifestyle Goods

Sector

MBO, Succession

Reason for investment

ic! berlin Group

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.

Consumer
+ Lifestyle Goods

Sector

MBO

Reason for investment

Premium
Eyewear

Industry

since
2017

Investment period

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

„By rethinking and implementing digital structures and processes, we have been able to reduce production time by 50%. In this way, ic! berlin combines manufacturing quality and Industry 4.0.“
– Marcel van Wijk, Founding and Managing Partner

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Marcel van Wijk
Founding and Managing Partner

Kontakt

Dr. Wolfgang Rebstock
Advisory board chair and operating partner

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KAMA

KAMA – from a niche supplier of machine finishing for print products to a global innovation leader in the “post-press” industry.

Technology
+ Industry

Sector

MBO, Succession

Reason for investment

KAMA

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.

Technology
+ Industry

Sector

MBO

Reason for investment

Post-press machine construction

Industry

since
2018

Investment period

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

„With optimised production and more efficient manufacturing, KAMA offers innovative solutions for attractive and profitable niches in the printing and packaging market.“
– Dr. Thomas Duhnkrack, Founding Partner / Senior Advisor

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Dr. Thomas Duhnkrack
Founding Partner / Senior Advisor

Kontakt

Dr. Bertold Biffar
Advisory board chair and operating partner

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CLARUS Films

Thanks to its high service quality and fast delivery capability, CLARUS has become the main systemically important supplier of flexible packaging solutions in Europe.

Technology
+ Industry

Sector

MBO

Reason for investment

CLARUS Films

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.

Technology
+ Industry

Sector

MBO

Reason for investment

Packaging films

Industry

since
2018

Investment period

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

„By digitising key processes, developing sales and expanding the range of sustainable products, we have been able to build on CLARUS’s market leadership and increase its ability to deliver to customers.“
– Fabian Walesch, Managing Partner

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Fabian Walesch
Managing Partner

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Wolfgang Jeblonski
Advisory board chair and operating partner

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WEKA

WEKA has established itself as the German market leader for garden huts in the premium segment.

Consumer
+ Lifestyle Goods

Sektor

MBO

Reason for investment

WEKA

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.

Consumer
+ Lifestyle Goods

Sector

MBO

Reason for investment

Garden huts
and saunas

Industy

2016–2018 (Exit)

Investment period

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

„Strategic refocusing to expand online and offline sales channels and the product portfolio has formed the perfect basis for further building on WEKA’s market leadership.“
– Fabian Walesch, Managing Partner

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Fabian Walesch
Managing Partner

Kontakt

Dr. Wolf-Dietrich Loose
Advisory board chair and operating partner

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ACTech

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.

Technology
+ Industry

Sector

MBO

Reason for investment

ACTech

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.

Technology
+ Industry

Sector

MBO

Reason for investment

Rapid
Prototyping

Industry

2012–2017 (Exit)

Investment period

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

„Strategic optimisation processes enabled us to efficiently restructure production, significantly increasing ACTech’s profitability and reducing debt by 55%.“
– Pieter van Halem, Managing Partner

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Pieter van Halem
Managing Partner

Kontakt

Prof. Dr. Eckart Kottkamp
Advisory board chair and operating partner

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heinekingmedia

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

Software
+ Connectivity

Sector

MBI

Reason for investment

heinekingmedia

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.

Software
+ Connectivity

Sector

MBO

Reason for investment

Digital communication
technology

Industry

since
2021

Investment period

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

„For us, heinekingmedia, represents not only a contribution to the development of digital information and communication solutions, but also a consistent step towards sustainable education.“
– Fabian Walesch, Managing Partner

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Fabian Walesch
Managing Partner

Kontakt

Bernd Kuhlin
Advisory board chair and operating partner

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Antennentechnik ATBB

Antennentechnik ATBB develops innovative high-performance antenna systems, including for autonomous driving systems – pioneering developments that successfully distinguishes the company in niche segments.

Software
+ Connectivity

Sector

MBO

Reason for investment

Antennentechnik ATBB

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.

Software
+ Connectivity

Sector

MBO

Reason for investment

Radio technology
communication

Industry

2013-2019 (Exit)

Investment period

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)

„By focusing on further niche segments and technological developments, we were able to successfully expand market leadership. This resulted in three patents at the start rising to almost 50 patents by the time of sale.“
– Dr. Thomas Duhnkrack, Founding Partner / Senior Advisor

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Dr. Thomas Duhnkrack
Founding Partner / Senior Advisor

Kontakt

Manfred Krunnies
Advisory board chair and operating partner

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LKE Group

As a successful supplier of innovative transport solutions and systems, the LKE Group is a leader in the field of intralogistics.

Technology
+ Industry

Sektor

MBO

Reason for investment

LKE Group

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.

Technology
+ Industry

Sector

MBO

Reason for investment

Intralogistics

Industry

since
2020

Investment period

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

„Our guiding principle for the restructuring was “strengthening key areas.” Focusing on core strengths allowed us to release funds to support further innovations in the company.“
– Marcel van Wijk, Founding and Managing Partner

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Marcel van Wijk
Founding and Managing Partner

Kontakt

Prof. Dr. Eckart Kottkamp
Advisory board chair and operating partner

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Human Med

Human Med AG develops promising patented technologies and products in the field of aesthetic and regenerative medicine.

Healthcare
+ MedTech

Sector

MBI, Succession

Reason for investment

Human Med

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.

Healthcare
+ MedTech

Sector

MBO

Reason for investment

Medical
technology

Industry

since
2022

Investment period

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

„Human Med uses innovative technologies to effectively and gently treat lipedema and other health issues that have been inadequately treated until now. Regenerative medicine is an important field in the future of medicine.“
– Pieter van Halem, Managing Partner

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Pieter van Halem
Managing Partner

Kontakt

Berthold Hackl
Supervisory board chair and operating partner

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FREQCON

FREQCON - is one of the leading German manufacturers of frequency converters and a provider of energy storage solutions.

FREQCON - Hidden champion in energy storage solutions

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.

Technology + Industry

Sector

Succession

Reason for investment

Converter and Energy Storage

Industry

Since 2023

Investment period

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

„As a medium-sized company, FREQCON is optimally positioned to realize the enormous growth potential in frequency stabilization. With its innovative, customer-specific and solution-oriented systems, Freqcon precisely meets its customers' needs and positively contributes to the energy transformation.“
– Marcel van Wijk, Founding and Managing Partner

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Marcel van Wijk
Founding and Managing Partner

Kontakt

Sectors

Our investment focus is on innovative small and medium-sized companies in German-speaking countries in Europe (DACH region). In addition to focusing on forward-looking target industries, we only invest in companies that make a positive contribution – both economically and socially.

Technology
+ Industry

Technology
+ Industry

We invest in sectors with high market appeal and in companies with strong differentiating features from segments including Manufacturing Industries & Transportation, Special Chemicals, Automation & Digitalization, Environmental Technology, Machinery & Niche Manufacturing, and Business Services.

Consumer
+ Lifestyle Goods

Consumer
+ Lifestyle Goods

In our investments, we focus on innovative companies and products that enable a modern lifestyle. We accompany, strengthen and support companies in their sales and marketing strategies as well as in their internationalisation.

Healthcare
+ MedTech

Healthcare
+ MedTech

Healthcare is becoming increasingly important in our society and is a market with significant growth opportunities. We target companies offering products and services that enable doctors and patients to achieve better treatment results.

Software
+ Connectivity

Software
+ Connectivity

In our investments, we focus on companies that are dedicated to the pioneering fields of e-commerce (B2B/B2C), software (FinTech, Industrial, SaaS), cyber security, telecommunications, logistics and hardware technology (e.g. embedded computing) – and offer a range of services that give their customers opportunities for greater competitiveness and increased efficiency.

Market segment

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

Region

Germany, Austria and Switzerland (DACH region)

Drivers

Succession and growth

Strategic criteria

Future viability

Future viability

When selecting our investments, we attach importance to identifiable market trends and business models with high customer benefits. At PREMIUM, we are convinced that the high standards of innovation and strong service mindset of our target companies are important drivers. We value the ability to think in terms of customer-specific solutions, openness to new sales channels such as e-commerce, and a willingness to digitise business processes.

Unique selling points

Unique selling points

We prefer companies in niche markets with high barriers to entry. Such companies offer premium products and services and are characterised by their unconditional commitment to quality. PREMIUM sees itself as a responsible partner who, together with the target company, defines development and growth paths and develops long-term innovation potential.

Management

Management

PREMIUM does not see investments simply as financial projects. In order to realise the market opportunities of the target companies, entrepreneurial management is an important criterion. After all, an investment with development potential depends on a company’s vision and innovation expertise. Based on the shared objectives of management and PREMIUM and a realistic business plan, we are committed to nurturing equal partnerships. This is the only way to jointly define strategic priorities and implement operational improvements.  

Financial criteria

Transaction size

Transaction size

In addition to qualitative investment criteria, portfolio considerations are important for PREMIUM. In order to give full attention to all investments, the selection of our investments is also based on revenue and earnings volume. In most cases, the transaction sizes range between EUR 10–50 million. The equity requirement generally amounts to EUR 5–20 million. Preference is given to majority shareholdings.

Sales and profitability

Sales and profitability

Our business strategy is to invest in profitable companies with revenues between EUR 10–50 million. Target companies usually have an EBITDA of between EUR 2–10 million. For us, recurring and growing revenues, increasing profitability and a variable cost structure are the key elements for a successful investment. On this basis, a forward-looking overall picture can be formed, and a growth scenario can be derived that promises success over the long term and protects against risks.

Increasing value

Increasing value

Thanks to our investment experience and the close involvement of our operating partners and their many years of industry and management experience, we are well acquainted with the opportunities and challenges of SMEs. We ensure that companies receive moderate and appropriate debt financing. Our conservative investment approach enables our companies to grow profitably and to defend and expand their unique selling points.

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