Advanced Automation Technologies Inks Deal to Acquire GERSTEL
Deal News | Dec 19, 2024 | Battery Ventures
Advanced Automation Technologies (AAT), supported by Battery Ventures, is set to acquire GERSTEL GmbH & Co. KG—a leader in automated solutions for gas and liquid chromatography. GERSTEL, which operates internationally, specializes in sample preparation systems and is well-regarded in the fragrance, environmental, food and beverage, and forensics industries. The acquisition will integrate GERSTEL with AAT's existing brands, expanding their product offerings and enhancing service capabilities across Europe, North America, and Asia. AAT has been assembling a portfolio of laboratory automation brands since 2023, with GERSTEL marking their fourth acquisition. This transaction is expected to close by the end of 2024 contingent on regulatory approvals.
Sectors
- Laboratory Automation
- Investment and Private Equity
- Chemical Analysis and Instrumentation
Geography
- Germany – GERSTEL is headquartered in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany.
- United States – GERSTEL has sales subsidiaries in the USA and the article's announcement includes comments from a U.S.-based Battery Ventures partner.
- Netherlands – The announcement of the acquisition is made from Breda, the Netherlands, indicating AAT or one of the brands is based or operational there.
Industry
- Laboratory Automation – The article discusses the acquisition of GERSTEL by Advanced Automation Technologies, a family of laboratory automation brands.
- Investment and Private Equity – Battery Ventures, a private equity firm, is backing Advanced Automation Technologies in its acquisition spree.
- Chemical Analysis and Instrumentation – GERSTEL specializes in automated solutions for gas and liquid chromatography, which are integral to chemical analysis.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Automation Technologies (AAT) | Acquiring Company | Company | A platform of laboratory automation brands supported by Battery Ventures, acquiring GERSTEL. |
| GERSTEL GmbH & Co. KG | Target Company | Company | A German company specializing in automated solutions for gas and liquid chromatography. |
| Battery Ventures | Investor / PE Firm | Company | A global investment firm backing AAT in its acquisition strategy. |
| Holger Gerstel | Former Owner & MD of GERSTEL | Person | The owner of GERSTEL deciding to sell the company due to the complementary nature of AAT's portfolio. |
| Peter Wiersdorfer | Managing Director of GERSTEL | Person | Continues as the managing director through the acquisition. |
| Zack Smotherman | Battery General Partner | Person | A general partner at Battery Ventures serving on AAT's board. |
| Amod Kher | CEO of AAT | Person | CEO of AAT commenting on the acquisition's benefits. |