Marktlink guides sale of aluminium frame manufacturer to Swedish group
Swedish listed group Lifco has acquired Efka, a Dutch manufacturer of aluminium frames that used in various areas, such as exhibitions, offices and retail premises.
Founded in 1888, Efka today is one of Europe’s largest companies in the market for customised aluminium frames for textiles. The firm’s products are visible across supermarkets, outdoor advertising, within offices, and in residential property spaces.
Nearing their retirement age, Efka’s owners Henk Lever and Hans de Vet last year started a strategic review process aimed at ensuring the company’s continuity. They duo approached M&A specialist Marktlink to help explore the different options.
“Our objective was clear: find a partner that will not only benefit the owners, but also the future of the company”, recalled Lever and De Vet.
Fast forward several months, and Sweden’s Lifco has been signed as the ideal partner for Efka’s next (growth) chapter. Established in 1946, Lifco is a conglomerate of nearly 200 small and mid-sized businesses in 30+ countries. Most of the company’s subsidiaries operate autonomous and are leaders in their respective market.
Lifco, which has acquired 100% of the shares of Efka, will integrate the Dutch company – and its around 40 employees – into its Systems Solutions division.
Koen Rutten, partner at Marktlink and the lead dealmaker on the project, commented: “Henk and Hans gave us their full trust during the sales process. In the course of the process, interest increased and on top of that, the business outperformed expectations. This combination of factors enabled us to roll out an exemplary and well-structured process with an exceptional result.”
Marktlink’s team also consisted of team members Okkie den Boon, Teije Hiltermann and Alex Blekkink.
Looking back at the process, the now retired duo Lever and De Vet said: “Marktlink’s team succeeded wonderfully well with their mandate. They were involved, demonstrated in-depth knowledge, and acted professional and transparent. In short: real value for money.”