Zoerkler's High-Performance Transmission Sale: Schoenherr Facilitates MiddleGround Capital's Acquisition
Deal News | May 20, 2025 | CEE Legal Matters
Schoenherr, a prominent law firm, in collaboration with Macfarlanes, advised on the sale of Zoerkler, an Austrian manufacturer known for high-performance transmission systems. The company was acquired by MiddleGround Capital, a private equity firm based in Kentucky, USA, which manages assets worth over USD 3.85 billion. The acquired company, Zoerkler, will be integrated into Xtrac, one of MiddleGround's portfolio companies specializing in motorsport and high-performance automotive transmissions and mechatronics. Notably, the transaction includes a partial reinvestment by the sellers into MiddleGround’s UK-based holding company. The Schoenherr legal team comprised Partners Robert Bachner and Christoph Haid, Attorney at Law Daniel Wadl, and Associate Roland Misic.
Sectors
- Private Equity
- Automotive
Geography
- Austria – Zoerkler is based in Jois, Austria, and is involved in the transaction.
- United States – MiddleGround Capital, the acquiring firm, is headquartered in Kentucky, USA.
- United Kingdom – The transaction includes partial reinvestment into MiddleGround’s UK-based holding company.
Industry
- Private Equity – MiddleGround Capital is a private equity firm involved in the acquisition of Zoerkler.
- Automotive – Zoerkler manufactures high-performance transmission systems and will be integrated into Xtrac, which specializes in motorsport and automotive performances.
Financials
- USD 3.85 billion – Assets under management by MiddleGround Capital.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zoerkler | Target Company | Company | An Austrian manufacturer of high-performance transmission systems. |
| MiddleGround Capital | Bidding Company | Company | A Kentucky-based private equity firm managing over USD 3.85 billion in assets. |
| Schoenherr | Legal Advisor | Company | A law firm advising on the sale of Zoerkler. |
| Xtrac | Portfolio Company | Company | A MiddleGround portfolio company specializing in motorsport and high-performance automotive transmissions. |
| Macfarlanes | Legal Advisor | Company | Worked alongside Schoenherr to advise the transaction. |
| Robert Bachner | Partner | Person | A partner at Schoenherr involved in the advisory team. |
| Christoph Haid | Partner | Person | A partner at Schoenherr involved in the advisory team. |
| Daniel Wadl | Attorney at Law | Person | An attorney involved in the advisory team from Schoenherr. |
| Roland Misic | Associate | Person | An associate involved in the advisory team from Schoenherr. |