Callista Private Equity GmbH has acquired BME Austria Holding GmbH, to be renamed Quester Holding GmbH, aiming to strengthen its market position and enhance brand offerings in the Austrian building materials sector.

Target Information

Callista Private Equity GmbH has announced the acquisition of BME Austria Holding GmbH, which will be rebranded as Quester Holding GmbH, along with its subsidiary, Quester Baustoffhandel GmbH. This transaction involves the purchase by Callista Asset Management 31 GmbH from BME Group Holding B.V. Quester, headquartered in Vienna, employs over 300 staff members and is a prominent player in the Austrian building materials trade. Known for its regional slogan 'Quester, mein Bester,' the company serves as a one-stop shop, catering primarily to both business and private customers, with particular expertise in tiles.

With 20 locations, Quester primarily serves clients in eastern Austria, and notably, half of its branches are located in and around Vienna, ensuring its position as a local market leader. Despite its strong market presence, Quester was considered too small within the seller group and faced a challenging market environment in the construction supply industry, prompting the seller to seek a buyer with the experience and capacity to support the company’s development.

Industry Overview

Austria's building materials industry is experiencing significant evolution driven by increasing demand for sustainable construction solutions and innovations in product offerings. As the construction sector climbs out of recent