GfS: A New Chapter Begins with Assa Abloy Acquisition
Deal News | Mar 25, 2025 | Legal Community Germany
In a strategic acquisition, Assa Abloy Sicherheitstechnik has acquired GfS Gesellschaft für Sicherheitstechnik, a leading European manufacturer of escape route security systems. This transaction was facilitated by key legal advisors from Gtt Olk Feldhaus, led by Dr. Heiner Feldhaus, advising the seller, Maxburg Beteiligungen, and Clifford Chance, with guidance from Dr. Moritz Petersen, representing the buyer. GfS, a family-owned business based in Hamburg, has been operational for over 40 years, serving clients such as retail stores, hospitals, and airports. Following the acquisition, GfS will maintain its independent operations, under the continued leadership of its current management team. Maxburg Beteiligungen, known for its long-term investments in the German-speaking region, focuses on both private and publicly traded companies.
Sectors
- Security Systems Manufacturing
- Investment and Advisory
- Legal Services
Geography
- Germany – The transaction involves German companies and legal advisors, with both GfS Gesellschaft für Sicherheitstechnik and Maxburg Beteiligungen being based in Germany.
Industry
- Security Systems Manufacturing – GfS Gesellschaft für Sicherheitstechnik is involved in the manufacturing of escape route security systems, classifying it under Security Systems Manufacturing.
- Investment and Advisory – Maxburg Beteiligungen's role as an investment company advising on the transaction places it in the Investment and Advisory sector.
- Legal Services – The involvement of legal firms Gtt Olk Feldhaus and Clifford Chance in advising on the transaction relates to the Legal Services industry.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| GfS Gesellschaft für Sicherheitstechnik | Target Company | Company | A leading European manufacturer of escape route security systems. |
| Maxburg Beteiligungen | Selling Company | Company | An investment company focused on long-term investments in the German-speaking region. |
| Assa Abloy Sicherheitstechnik | Bidding Company | Company | A global leader in access solutions involved in the acquisition of GfS. |
| Gtt Olk Feldhaus | Legal Advisor to Seller | Company | A commercial law firm advising Maxburg Beteiligungen in the transaction. |
| Clifford Chance | Legal Advisor to Buyer | Company | A global law firm advising Assa Abloy on the acquisition. |