Miami-based investment powerhouse H.I.G. Capital continues its aggressive European expansion, announcing two significant transactions in February that strengthen its position in the manufacturing and aerospace sectors.
The $67 billion alternative investment firm, which has been steadily building its European presence through its network of offices in Hamburg, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, and Paris, closed deals with Germany’s HELLER Group and France’s CCE Group, demonstrating its targeted approach to mid-market investments across the continent.
Strategic Stake in German Manufacturing Icon
On February 4, H.I.G. announced a definitive agreement to acquire a strategic stake in the HELLER Group, a 130-year-old German machine tool manufacturer specializing in high-precision metal processing systems. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nürtingen, HELLER employs over 2,600 professionals across five production facilities worldwide.
The transaction represents a partnership between H.I.G. and the fourth generation of the Heller family, who will retain significant ownership. This structure preserves the company’s identity as a family business while providing capital and expertise to execute on growth initiatives.
“HELLER is positioned for a bright future, and unlocking the Company’s full potential requires a strategic realignment,” said Dr. Thorsten Schmidt, Chief Executive Officer of HELLER Group, who initiated a transformation program two years ago.
For H.I.G., the investment aligns with its strategy of backing established manufacturers with global reach. HELLER serves diverse industries including engineering, aerospace, energy, defense, and commercial vehicles through 30 sales and service branches worldwide.
“With a legacy spanning 130 years, the Company has a remarkable foundation, and we are confident in its bright future,” said Christian Kraul-von Renner, Managing Director at H.I.G.
Financing the Aerospace Supply Chain
Later in the month, on February 27, H.I.G. WhiteHorse, the firm’s credit affiliate, provided a senior-secured credit facility to CCE Group, a Paris-based aeronautic platform owned by Hivest Capital Partners.
CCE, formed in 2023 through the carveout of Driessen and AviusULD from aerospace giant Safran, specializes in cabin and cargo equipment for the aviation industry. Driessen leads the market in galley equipment including trolleys and cooling systems, while AviusULD manufactures unit load devices for aircraft cargo.
The financing comes at a critical juncture for CCE, which completed its carveout from Safran and is now positioned for accelerated growth as an independent entity.
“This new financing marks an important milestone in CCE’s journey and will provide enhanced flexibility to accelerate our strategic ambitions,” said Klaus Hofmann, CEO of CCE. “With industry confidence high, we are now ready to accelerate our vision of an integrated cabin and cargo market leader.”
Pascal Meysson, Head of H.I.G. WhiteHorse Europe, expressed confidence in the investment: “CCE is an impressive business. We like to support market leaders, and CCE is a strong match as the undisputed global leader in its field.”
Building a European Portfolio
These European moves follow H.I.G.’s January acquisition of Patriot Pickle, a U.S. food manufacturer that has already expanded operations with a new facility in Garland, Texas. The pickle manufacturer represents another example of H.I.G.’s investment approach in the mid-market segment.
H.I.G. has demonstrated a particular interest in family-owned businesses and corporate carve-outs, two transaction types that dominated its February European deals. This strategy allows the firm to target established companies with strong market positions that can benefit from operational improvements and access to growth capital.
Since its founding in 1993, H.I.G. has invested in more than 400 companies worldwide across equity, debt, real estate, and infrastructure strategies. Its current portfolio includes over 100 companies with combined sales exceeding $53 billion.
Market observers note that H.I.G.’s European activity reflects broader trends in private equity, with firms increasingly looking beyond U.S. borders for investment opportunities amid competitive domestic markets and attractive valuations overseas.
The firm’s commitment to operational improvement and value creation appears to be resonating with European business owners seeking growth partners, particularly in the manufacturing and industrial sectors where H.I.G. has developed specialized expertise.
With offices in 19 locations globally and more than 500 investment professionals, H.I.G. seems positioned to continue its European expansion throughout 2025.
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