GF Completes Divestment of Machining Solutions to United Grinding Group

Deal News | Jul 01, 2025 | Legal Community Swiss

GF Completes Divestment of Machining Solutions to United Grinding Group

Georg Fischer (GF), a Swiss industrial corporation, has successfully divested its Machining Solutions division to United Grinding Group for a total purchase price of CHF 630 million, structured on a cash and debt-free basis. In this transaction, GF's Machining division's annual sales expected in 2024 were CHF 885 million. United Grinding Group, primarily owned by Swiss holding company Patinex, thus strengthens its global presence by acquiring approximately 3,300 employees across eight international production sites. Legal advisory for GF was provided by NKF, while Br & Karrer assisted United Grinding in the acquisition.

Sectors

  • Industrial Manufacturing
  • Precision Machinery
  • Legal Services

Geography

  • Switzerland – Both GF and United Grinding Group are based in Switzerland, making it central to the transaction.
  • Europe, Asia, and the US – The Machining Solutions division has production sites across Europe, Asia, and the US, highlighting the international scope of the transaction.

Industry

  • Industrial Manufacturing – GF is a global player in industrial manufacturing with its Machining Solutions division being a key part of its operations.
  • Precision Machinery – United Grinding Group specializes in grinding technology, indicating their presence in the precision machinery industry.
  • Legal Services – Br & Karrer and NKF are legal firms involved in the advisory roles in this transaction.

Financials

  • CHF 630 million – The agreed purchase price for the divestment of GF Machining Solutions.
  • CHF 885 million – The anticipated sales to be carved out from GF Machining Solutions in 2024.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
GFSelling CompanyCompanyAn international industrial and publicly listed corporation, active in the fields of piping systems, building flow solutions, casting solutions, and machining solutions.
United Grinding GroupBidding CompanyCompanyA grinding technology specialist and the acquirer in the transaction, majority-owned by Patinex.
Br & KarrerLegal Advisor for BuyerCompanyA leading Swiss law firm advising United Grinding Group on the acquisition.
NKFLegal Advisor for SellerCompanyA Swiss law firm representing GF in the sale of its Machining Solutions division.
PatinexMajority Shareholder of United Grinding GroupCompanyA Swiss holding company wholly owned by Martin and Rosmarie Ebner.