Success Story | EU Design/Fenili Group S.P.A. acquires all shares of Knopf-Schäfer GmbH and Button House International Limited as part of its international expansion strategy
WALTER FRIES Corporate Finance GmbH exclusively advised the shareholders of Knopf-Schäfer GmbH and Button House International Ltd. on the sale of all shares to EU Design/Fenili Group S.P.A. as part of a cross-border transaction.
This strategic acquisition adds a leading manufacturer and distributor of buttons and accessories in the European clothing industry to the EU Design/Fenili Group. By taking over and integrating the two companies, the buyer is expanding its product and customer portfolio and achieving a further milestone in its expansion strategy and market development through the newly acquired market access. The merger and the organisational support of the EU Design/Fenili Group are also intended to leverage synergies and realise new growth potential. The previous shareholder and managing director, Mr Oliver Harrer, will take over the position of CEO of Knopf-Schäfer GmbH and will continue to develop the company together with the new owner.
"We were very impressed by the professional cooperation with WALTER FRIES Corporate Finance, especially in light of the cross-border transaction. The structured and efficient approach during the due diligence, coupled with the international conduct of negotiations and the constant professional expertise, was the key to our success. Mr David Schmidt and Mr Armin Ambrosi enjoyed our complete trust and freedom of negotiation at all times. We felt very well advised and can absolutely recommend working with them. Many thanks again for the great support.“
David Schmidt and Armin Ambrosi (WALTER FRIES Corporate Finance GmbH) acted as advisors for Knopf-Schäfer GmbH and Button House International Limited while Intaria AG (Christian Roller, Financial and Tax DD; Felix Schwartpaul, Legal) acted as advisor for EU Design/Fenili Group S.P.A.
About Knopf-Schäfer GmbH & Button House International Ltd.
Knopf-Schäfer GmbH is one of the leading manufacturers and distributors of buttons and accessories in the European clothing market. The company was founded in 1950 and is based in Aschaffenburg. One of Knopf-Schäfer’s specialities is the development of customer-specific products. The company has stood for excellent quality for over 70 years and has established itself as an established name in the German clothing industry. Through its sister company Button House International Ltd. based in Honk Kong, Knopf-Schäfer GmbH has also had access to customers in the Asian market for over 20 years.
About EU Design/Fenili Group S.P.A.
EU Design / Fenili Group is a vertically integrated manufacturer of trims and accessories for the apparel and leather goods industry. Core products include buttons, fasteners, metal hardware, custom jewelry and accessories. Customers range from luxury brands to large retailers in North America, Europe and Asia. Factories are located in areas with high density of garments and accessories vendors. Fenili was established in Italy in 1913 while EU Design began its venture in New York in 1999.
About WALTER FRIES Corporate Finance GmbH
WALTER FRIES Corporate Finance is an independent M&A advisory firm specialising in corporate transactions, succession solutions and buy-outs in the German SME sector. The experienced team has been very well networked with strategic investors and financial investors for many years and has outstanding expertise with excellent references.
