KPS Capital Partners in Europe

KPS Capital Partners in Europe Header

KPS in Europe

KPS invests globally and has maintained a long-standing presence in Europe for over 15 years. KPS has acquired or signed agreements to acquire manufacturing and industrial businesses across Europe, with sellers and/or businesses based in Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

In Europe, KPS has primarily invested through complex corporate carve-outs, creating new companies to acquire non-core businesses from large global corporations. KPS has also completed numerous acquisitions of family-owned and entrepreneur-led businesses, building global manufacturing platforms headquartered in Europe.

KPS has developed a strong reputation across Europe, particularly in Germany, where leading European corporate sellers see KPS as a peer manufacturer or a strategic operator, rather than a financial buyer. Corporate sellers have selected KPS in complex transactions based on the Firm’s experience executing large-scale carve-outs, its long-term ownership approach, and its operational focus.

KPS’ long-standing relationships with employee representatives and trade unions across Europe form an important part of its approach. The Firm works constructively with unions and works councils to support continuity, stability, and long-term success at its portfolio companies, a clear competitive advantage.

For example, KPS and the Industrial Union of Metalworkers (“IG Metall”) of Germany, entered into a “Framework Agreement” in 2017, and KPS and the Industrial Union for Mining, Chemical and Energy (“IG BCE”) also entered into a “Framework Agreement” in 2019.

KPS Europe

KPS completed acquisitions from Europe’s leading companies

KPS Europe Advisory Board

Dr. Bohr began working with KPS in 2014 and is currently Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Ottobock Healthcare SE and Member of the Supervisory Board of Brose SE. From 2003 to 2013 Dr. Bohr was Chairman of Bosch Automotive Group. He also previously served as Board Member of Nippon ABS, Japan; as Non-Executive Director of Motor Industries, India; as Member of the Supervisory Board of Daimler AG and chaired the Supervisory Board of Deutz AG. From 2015 to 2022 he was Chairman of the Board of Governors of Aachen University.

Bernd Bohr, PhD
Germany

Dr. Wuensche began working with KPS in 2015 and served as Chief Executive Officer of KPS portfolio company Chassis Brakes International Group (“CBI”), one of the world’s three largest manufacturers of automotive foundation brakes and foundation brake components. Prior to his tenure at CBI, Dr. Wuensche served as Chief Executive Officer of Benteler Automotive, a leading global automotive supplier of chassis & modules, structures, engine & exhaust systems and electro-mobility solutions. Prior to his tenure at Benteler Automotive, Dr. Wuensche served as Chief Executive Officer of Eberspächer Exhaust Technology. Dr. Wuensche also served as Chief Executive Officer of Edscha North America, a global market and innovation leader in hinge systems and convertible top systems.

Thomas Wuensche, PhD
Germany

Dr. Weise began working with KPS in 2017 and spent a third of his professional career as an active officer in the German armed forces, and later as a reserve officer with NATO in Brussels with the rank of Colonel. He previously served as a managing director, board member and, most recently, an entrepreneur in the automotive supplier sector.  Dr. Weise was previously appointed by the federal government as Chairman of the Board of the Federal Employment Agency for a total of 16 years.  The Federal Employment Agency has over 100,000 employees and a budget of 80 billion euros. Additionally, Dr. Weise served as honorary president of the Johanniter Unfallhilfe and Chairman of the Board of the non-profit Hertie Foundation. Today he holds several advisory and supervisory board mandates.

Dr. h.c. Frank-Jürgen Weise
Germany

Mr. Maugis began working with KPS in 2015 and is currently President of the French-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry and President of AFNOR, the French normalization body. From 2004-2015 he served as President of Robert Bosch France.

Guy Maugis
France

Mr. Magliana began working with KPS in 2015. He previously served as Director and Chairman of the Board of various corporate and civic entities in the U.S. and Europe, including Sab Wabco Brakes, MESH Consortium Space, DOC Generici, the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce, and the Italia America Foundation. After many years in management including as Chief Executive Officer for Saab Scania N.A., Mr. Magliana returned to Italy upon the invitation of the Prime Minister, where he led the restructuring of Natwest Bank Italy and of Italfondiario on behalf of the Bank of Italy and served as Country Executive of the Royal Bank of Scotland.  He also acted as an Advisor to numerous corporations, financial, and government institutions, including Dow Brands, MSC/Rekeep, Schlumberger, the Bank of Boston, Citibank, and the Governments of Germany, Italy, and Sweden.

John Magliana
Italy