Dürr Group, a prominent engineering firm based in Germany, has finalized the sale of its environmental technology division, known as Clean Technology Systems, to an affiliate of the US investment firm Stellex Capital Management. This move, announced in June, is part of Dürr’s strategy to streamline its corporate structure and reinvest in its core operations.
The sale involves an enterprise value of approximately €385 million, with Dürr expecting to receive gross proceeds between €290 million and €310 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Following the transaction, these proceeds will be subject to transaction-related costs and taxes, most of which are anticipated to be payable in 2026. Notably, Dürr retains a 25 percent stake in the environmental technology business, indicating continued involvement in its future.
The divested Clean Technology Systems division is a global leader in exhaust-air purification systems, reporting sales of €407 million in 2024 with a workforce of around 1,300 employees. This sale marks a significant step in Dürr’s ongoing effort to simplify its operations, a process that began last year and also included consolidating its automotive business and the sale of Agramkow, a Danish filling technology specialist. As a result, the Dürr Group’s organizational structure has been reduced from five divisions to three.
In a statement regarding the sale, Dr. Jochen Weyrauch, CEO of Dürr, expressed satisfaction with the completion of this strategic move. He noted, “With the sale of the environmental technology business, we have successfully completed the simplification of our Group structure. Our focus is now fully on our core business, centered on the sustainable automation of production processes.”
The new owner, Stellex, is poised to leverage its resources for the growth of the Clean Technology Systems division. Karthik Achar, Partner at Stellex, emphasized the partnership with Dürr, stating, “Alongside a reputable and valued partner in Dürr, we look forward towards driving future growth of the Clean Technology Systems business across the globe, working to bring Stellex’s transatlantic resources to bear.”
This divestment, while significant for Dürr, also signals a broader trend in the industry towards specialization and efficiency. As companies adapt to changing market demands, the focus on core competencies is becoming increasingly vital for sustained growth and innovation.
