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Exclusive financial advisor to the sole shareholder of VITARIS in the sale to CHROMOS Group

On 16. May 2023, the two companies VITARIS AG and CHROMOS Group AG announced a forward-looking transaction. The Swiss CHROMOS Group AG takes over the specialist supplier of innovative laboratory equipment and high-quality consumables for the Swiss Life Science market. The foundation of the acquisition was based on a match in company philosophy and business model. This integration into an international group of companies provides VITARIS AG with the basis for additional growth and for further development in existing but also new business areas.
IFBC supported the founder and owner of VITARIS AG as exclusive financial advisor in the development of strategic options for the future of his company. In dialogue, a long-term solution was developed and jointly implemented. In the subsequent sales process, IFBC as M&A advisor searched for the ideal buyer, developed the transaction structure and accompanied the contract and purchase price negotiations.

VITARIS AG was established 20 years ago through a management buyout. In 2015, the CEO Marius Kleger became sole owner and, together with his team, ensures the continuous growth and ongoing success of the company. The selective choice of brands from international leading manufacturers focuses on applications in cell culture, microbiology, molecular biology laboratories as well as general laboratory supplies in the Swiss market. VITARIS AG is headquartered in Baar and employs more than 20 people.

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Independent valuation of group companies in the context of a contribution in kind

In the context of the establishment of a Swiss holding company, the contribution in kind of various subsidiaries of the MPF Industry Group was evaluated. In that regard, IFBC was mandated to value the companies of the group on a consolidated basis. The valuation performed by IFBC was reviewed by the auditor in the context of the contribution in kind.

MPF Industry Group is a leading global manufacturer of HVAC (heating ventilation, air conditioning) and gas industry products, abrasives, machine accessories, DIY items and fast-moving consumer goods. MPF Industry Group includes 12 subsidiaries. In 2019, the company realized a consolidated turnover of more than 740 million euros.

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Exclusive Financial Advisor to the sole shareholder of IBEin establishing Trifork as new majority shareholder

On December 20, 2022, Trifork and IBE announced the signing of a partnership. As partners, Trifork and IBE will work closely together in the future development of IBE’s online learning and testing platforms. As part of the partnership, Trifork will also acquire the majority of stake in IBE as of fiscal year 2023.

IFBC supported the founder and owner of IBE as exclusive financial advisor in the preparation of the transaction and throughout the entire transaction process. In a first phase, possible strategic options were examined with the owner and the transaction was prepared. During the implementation of the transaction IFBC as M&A advisor developed the transaction structure and accompanied the due diligence as well as the transaction negotiations.

IBE is a Swiss company focused on the development of software for adaptive testing and formative learning for schools in Switzerland and other German-speaking countries. IBE started as a privately organized research institute with a connection to the University of Zürich and has since earned an excellent reputation within the Swiss education system.

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Analysis of the financing situation and development of a financing concept for ewl

Against the background of intensive investment activity as part of the "Solaris" corporate strategy, ewl requires an appropriate financing solution. With Solaris, ewl is pursuing the expansion of CO2-neutral, renewable and efficient energy sources, as an important contribution to the implementation of the climate and energy strategy of the city of Lucerne. To promote the fields of district heating, lake energy, heat pumps and services, an appropriately coordinated financing solution is to be secured. IFBC supported ewl in analyzing the financing requirements, carried out an assessment of the financing feasibility based on benchmarking, and prepared a financing concept with concrete implementation proposals for the structuring of the financing.

ewl is the leading provider of energy services in the area of Lucerne. Its ecologically and economically sustainable offerings include electricity, gas, heating, cooling, water, telecommunication, energy services and electrical installations.