CU Chemie UETIKON

With headquarters in Lahr, Germany, CU Chemie UETIKON (UETIKON) is a leading fine chemicals manufacturer with one of the world’s most modern production plants.

Supported by around 135 full-time employees, its core competencies lie in the custom synthesis of fine chemical intermediates and the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). At the same time, the business operates under good manufacturing production (cGMP) conditions and has a continuous record of approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

VALUE CREATION

UETIKON has demonstrated strong organic growth, with output increasing from €34m in 2012 to €40.5m in 2014. During the investment period, Equistone worked closely with the business to support:

• A successful transition to a new management team, having identified succession issues pre-investment. Equistone recruited a new CFO, who has since been promoted to CEO. Also two key roles, head of production and head of R&D, were sourced from within the business.
• A clearer commercial strategy, with increased focus on niche products and the ability to handle complex projects for large pharmaceutical clients, along with developing new applications and markets for existing products.
• Geographic expansion into the US market, with an established sales office.

THE EXIT

Equistone Fund III sold its investment in UETIKON to Novacap, a French manufacturer and distributor of essential chemicals.