HF Opportunities Acquires Insolvent Automotive Supplier Gerhardi Kunststoff

The investment firm HF Opportunities (HFO) has acquired key assets of the insolvent automotive supplier Gerhardi Kunststoff GmbH through an asset deal. The transaction secures approximately 1,000 jobs across the company’s three sites in Lüdenscheid, Altena-Rosmart, and Ibbenbüren. The management team, led by CFO and company spokesperson Christoph Huberty, will be restructured to align with the new ownership.

Restructuring and Integration into the HFO Group
With this acquisition, HFO continues its buy-and-build strategy in the automotive supply sector and expands its presence in the German automotive industry. Gerhardi represents HFO’s third investment in this market segment. Following the transaction, the focus will be on stabilizing operations, increasing revenue, and leveraging synergies within HFO’s existing portfolio.

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A key component of the restructuring plan is the integration of freeglass GmbH, which has already been contractually agreed upon. Together, the two companies will form a joint platform for plastics and surface technologies, combining their production and development capacities to open up new business areas.

Long-Established Company in Plastics Processing
Founded in 1796, Gerhardi & Cie. is one of the oldest industrial enterprises in Lüdenscheid. Today, the company is recognized as a development partner for interior and exterior plastic components for vehicles. Its customers include major car manufacturers such as the Mercedes-Benz Group AG, for which Gerhardi produces chromed radiator grilles for the brand’s electrified C-Class models.

The company’s integrated production depth—encompassing design, injection molding, electroplating, painting, and assembly—is considered a crucial factor in its competitiveness.

Gerhardi filed for insolvency in November 2024, citing project delays, market uncertainties, and underutilized production capacities as key reasons. The acquisition by HFO is intended to stabilize the business operations and pave the way for a renewed phase of growth.

More information:
gerhardi.com, hannoverfinanz.de, hf-opportunities.de, inso.whitecase.com

Gerhardi Kunststofftechnik GmbH, Lüdenscheid, Germany

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