TIC Holding Schweiz AG, a Buy, Build and Technologize platform funded by Winterberg Investment X and managed by Winterberg Advisory GmbH, has acquired Metron Measurement SA based in Quartino, Switzerland.
Baar, Switzerland – January 15, 2025
TIC Holding Schweiz has successfully completed the acquisition of Metron Measurement SA, an SCS-accredited laboratory specialized in calibrating measurement equipment in the field ofLength, Force, Torque, Humidity, Pressure and Electrical quantities. Metron further offers active administration and handling of all the equipment of their customers and can even perform its services onsite.
TIC (Testing, Inspection, and Certification) services have been a focus for private equity groups for decades, particularly in Europe, driven by the sector’s non-cyclical nature and high levels of recurring revenues. Winterberg has explored this sector in Switzerland for more than three years before making its first acquisition and is currently pursuing further live transactions.
Lorenzo Tencati, Board Member at TIC Holding Schweiz and Partner in Winterberg states: “After being in the M&A market in TIC in Switzerland for a long time, we have finally found the nucleus of our new platform. Metron has strong processes, and impressive growth and a highly motivated team to deliver its services at the highest standards, to the utmost satisfaction of its customers. We are also very happy that Alessandro Capone stays with us as CEO of Metron with a significant shareholding in TIC Holding Schweiz. Together with my partner Fabian Kroeher and the Winterberg team we are all up for an exciting journey to build a Swiss market leader in the next 5 to 7 years.”
Alessandro Capone, CEO of Metron Measurement adds: “From the first meeting, we were convinced that Winterberg will be the right partner to take Metron to the next level. We have been growing our services and team every year and really look forward to now be able to strategically invest and grow by acquisition in addition. We are also extremely grateful to our first investor Brütsch Rüegger Tools and especially to its CEO Martin Wirth for their support and trust in us during the last 10 years of activity, since 2015. We want to ensure that our collaboration in the market remains at its current level and that we continue to best meet our customers‘ needs.”
Martin Wirth, CEO of Brütsch Rüegger Tools affirms: “We are pleased to transfer our stake in Metron to an investor poised to further develop the company strategically and to expand the group into new sectors beyond our current scope. We are confident they will successfully drive Metron’s continued growth and build on its strong momentum. Metron is and remains our reliable exclusive partner for testing and calibration services – a long-standing partnership that will continue. We will keep providing our customers with calibration services and process-integrated calibration solutions based on Metron’s comprehensive portfolio of expertise and solutions.”
About TIC Holding Schweiz AG
TIC Holding Schweiz aims at becoming one of Switzerland’s leading customer-centric groups with a strong commitment to quality, excellence and diversity. The holding is actively seeking to acquire small and medium enterprises in accredited Testing, Inspection and Certification Services, preferably in succession situations. By fostering an entrepreneurial culture and benefiting from latest technologies in all corporate functions, it aspires to generate above-market growth and returns. TIC Holding Schweiz is based in Baar, Switzerland and its first group company Metron Measurement SA is located in Quartino, Switzerland.
About Winterberg Advisory GmbH and Winterberg Group AG
Based in Gruenwald, Germany, Winterberg Advisory GmbH manages private equity investment funds, mainly concentrating on small- and mid-cap successions, creating Buy, Build and Technologize platforms such as TIC Holding Schweiz AG and Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG. Winterberg Group AG, located in Zug, Switzerland, is an independent family office that invests in private equity, along with selective ventures in real estate and other asset classes.
For media inquiries, please contact presse@tic-holding.ch
Note to Editors: Please credit Winterberg Group for all references to provided quotes and information.
For further information about TIC Holding Schweiz AG, please visit www.tic-holding.ch
For further information about Metron Measurement SA, please visit www.metron-labo.ch
For further information about Winterberg Advisory GmbH and Winterberg Group AG, please visit www.winterberg.group.Winterberg’s Swiss healthcare platform Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG can be found under www.healthcare-holding.ch
This press release is prepared and distributed by Winterberg Advisory GmbH on behalf of TIC Holding Schweiz AG.
The Swiss mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market in 2024 has been marked by sharp contrasts, offering mixed signals for investors. After a strong start with a series of high-profile transactions, the pace slowed dramatically in the third quarter. However, the year-end outlook remains optimistic, thanks to a rebound in activity during the fourth quarter, including some landmark deals.
A Promising Start to 2024
The first quarter of 2024 set the stage for an active M&A market in Switzerland, with four billion-euro deals completed. The largest transaction was Swisscom’s €8 billion acquisition of Vodafone Italia, a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the Italian market.
By the end of the first half, the Swiss M&A market recorded three additional billion-euro transactions, including Novartis’s acquisition of Mariana Oncology for $1 billion, with further earn-outs of $750 million. These deals highlighted the strong appetite for cross-border acquisitions in high-growth sectors such as technology and healthcare.
A Surprising Lull in Q3
Despite the promising start, the third quarter saw a significant drop in M&A activity. Only two transactions during the summer months made it into the top ten deals of the year. This slowdown mirrored a broader European trend, where economic uncertainties and rising geopolitical tensions caused many investors to pause their dealmaking.
The slowdown was further evidenced by a 31% decline in transaction volume during the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, as reported by BCG. Total deal values also lagged behind previous years. For context, aggregate M&A transaction values in Switzerland stood at CHF 71.5 billion in 2023, already a drop from CHF 108.6 billion in 2022. To match last year’s total, a flurry of billion-euro deals would need to close before year-end.
A Strong Fourth Quarter Rebound
The fourth quarter began with a major transaction: Partners Group’s sale of Techem Group for €6.7 billion to TPG and Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC. This deal ranked as the second-largest of the year, highlighting the attractiveness of businesses focused on energy efficiency and digital solutions within the building sector.
Strategic acquisitions also dominated the deal landscape, with Swiss firms like Swisscom, Novartis, and Emmi targeting international markets. However, large-scale outbound transactions by Swiss companies remained limited, reflecting a more cautious approach to foreign expansions.
Insights on the Largest Deals
The largest transactions of 2024 reveal key trends:
- Strategic Focus: Most deals involved strategic buyers rather than private equity buyouts, emphasizing long-term value creation.
- Cross-Border Activity: Swiss buyers targeted assets in Italy, France, and the U.S., demonstrating continued interest in international growth.
- Private Equity Exits: While there were no major buyouts, private equity firms successfully exited investments, including Partners Group’s Techem deal.
Fabian Kroeher, Managing Partner at Winterberg Group, noted: “The Swiss M&A market’s dynamics this year reflect a pivot towards strategic, value-driven acquisitions. For private equity players, this creates a great environment for exits, because strategic buyers see more value in companies that fit their core businesses well.”
Winterberg Group’s Contributions to the Swiss M&A Landscape in 2024
Winterberg Group, through its Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG, played a significant role in shaping the Swiss M&A landscape this year. The group executed several strategic acquisitions that expanded its medtech services and distribution portfolio, cementing its position as a leader in the Swiss healthcare sector.
April 2024: Acquisition of MCM Medsys AG
Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG acquired MCM Medsys AG, a Solothurn-based distributor of medical devices and supplies specializing in interventional therapy, surgery, nephrology, and oncology. With a diverse catalog of over 900 products and strong relationships with 20 exclusive suppliers, MCM Medsys AG brought significant depth to Healthcare Holding’s offerings.
“With the acquisition of MCM, we are expanding our product portfolio to include high-class medical devices and establishing a stronger presence in Canton Solothurn,” said Fabian Kroeher. “This strategic move marks a milestone for our group and underscores our commitment to delivering innovative solutions for the Swiss healthcare market.”
July 2024: Acquisition of Naropa Reha AG
In July, Healthcare Holding completed its acquisition of Naropa Reha AG, a company specializing in rehabilitation and care products, including active wheelchairs. This acquisition provided the group with a foothold in the Swiss rehabilitation market and enhanced its ability to serve individuals with disabilities.
“Naropa’s expertise in rehabilitation complements our portfolio perfectly,” Kroeher noted. “This move aligns with our vision to broaden our reach while maintaining high standards of care and service.”
October 2024: Acquisition of MVB Medizintechnik AG
Healthcare Holding added MVB Medizintechnik AG to its portfolio in October, gaining access to specialized expertise in cardiotocography for gynecology and obstetrics, as well as innovative shock wave therapy products. The acquisition bolstered the group’s offerings in women’s health and therapeutic devices.
“The addition of MVB Medizintechnik AG strengthens our market position in women’s health and therapeutic solutions,” said Kroeher. “Their innovative products and expertise will significantly contribute to our growth strategy.”
Looking Ahead for Winterberg Group
Winterberg’s acquisitions in 2024 showcase the group’s strategic acumen and focus on long-term value creation. By targeting niche markets and leveraging synergies across its portfolio, Winterberg is well-positioned to drive sustained growth in the evolving Swiss healthcare landscape.
As the M&A market gains momentum in Q4, Winterberg remains committed to identifying high-potential opportunities that align with its disciplined investment philosophy and strategic goals and aims to still close one or two deals this year.
