Target Overview

conTeyor International NV, based in Belgium, is a specialist in custom reusable packaging solutions, poised for a new phase of international growth. The company provides tailored packaging for the automotive industry and serves as a primary supplier to Europe’s leading car manufacturers. Their offerings include technical textiles, thermoformed products, plastic containers, and metal racks, ensuring that automotive parts such as bumpers and door panels are transported securely and efficiently from suppliers to OEMs, achieving the highest density per cubic meter in the market.

conTeyor prides itself on its customized solutions for each new automobile model, allowing for reusability throughout the production lifecycle. This approach presents an attractive alternative to single-use packaging materials such as cardboard and plastic, offering automotive companies an environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and optimal packaging solution. With its headquarters in Merelbeke (Ghent) and manufacturing plants across the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Mexico, and Turkey, conTeyor leads its market sector and also provides specialized solutions for other industries. One notable example is Storeganizer, an innovative storage system for e-commerce and logistics used by companies like DHL and H. Essers.

Industry Overview

The automotive sector in Belgium and the broader European market is characterized by a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability. With several major automotive manufacturers operating in the region, there is a continuous demand for efficient supply chain solutions. The trend toward environmentally friendly practices has led to a notable shift toward reusable packaging solutions, which align with the industry's commitment to reducing waste and enhancing process efficiency.

Belgium serves as a strategic location within Europe for the automotive industry, benefiting from a skilled workforce, extensive transportation networks, and a robust regulatory framework that supports technological advancements. As automotive suppliers increasingly seek to optimize logistics and reduce their environmental footprint, companies such as conTeyor become increasingly vital in meeting these evolving demands.

In recent years, the industry has witnessed significant growth propelled by the surge in electric vehicle production and the growing importance of sustainable practices. This growth has been further accelerated by post-pandemic recovery efforts, with companies keen to modernize operations and enhance supply chain resilience.

The competitive landscape is rapidly evolving, with established companies and new entrants investing in innovative packaging solutions designed to improve transportation efficiency and sustainability. Such dynamics highlight the effectiveness of reusable packaging systems as a strategic asset in maintaining a competitive edge.

Rationale Behind the Deal

conTeyor’s leadership team, including founder Jos van Bree and CEO Jo Buekens, recognized the need for a strategic investment partner to further accelerate the company's international growth trajectory, particularly in North America. With key clients like Tesla and BMW, conTeyor aims to expand its presence in this lucrative market and sought an investor with experience facilitating global scaling efforts.

After discussions with multiple interested parties, conTeyor selected Gilde Equity Management as its ideal partner. Gilde's proven track record in supporting medium-sized enterprises with international growth positioned them as the best fit to help conTeyor realize its full potential.

Investor Information

Gilde Equity Management (GEM) Benelux is an independent investment firm managing over EUR 1 billion. With a substantial history of more than 50 successful buyouts, Gilde is a leading investor in medium-sized companies in the Benelux region. Their portfolio includes notable firms across various sectors, demonstrating their capability in driving international growth for diverse businesses.

Gilde's investment philosophy is grounded in a commitment to ambitious management teams and companies. They focus on empowering businesses through strategic guidance, operational improvements, and growth investments, ensuring not only the expansion of their portfolio companies but also the creation of sustainable value.

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This investment by Gilde Equity Management in conTeyor presents an opportunity that is likely to yield significant returns. conTeyor's position as a market leader in reusable packaging for the automotive sector, combined with the rising demand for sustainable solutions, places it in an advantageous position for growth. The company's plan to expand into North America aligns perfectly with current market trends towards sustainability and efficiency.

Moreover, conTeyor’s strong sales growth, evidenced by a doubling of revenue under previous backer Down2Earth, suggests that the company is on a solid growth trajectory. This, together with the management team’s innovative approach and their commitment to sustainability, makes conTeyor a compelling case for investment.

The partnership with Gilde, which prides itself on nurturing ambitious companies, will likely provide conTeyor with not only financial resources but also strategic insights crucial for navigating the complexities of international markets. The feedback from conTeyor's leadership indicates a strong alignment in vision with Gilde, which enhances the potential for significant growth and market leadership.

In conclusion, this partnership is expected to enhance conTeyor's capabilities significantly, allowing it to capture market share in new regions and develop innovative products that further drive efficiency and sustainability in packaging solutions.

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