Barclays Private Equity France invests in Martek Power as part of a new growth phase

Barclays Private Equity, along with its manager and founder, becomes the majority shareholder of the Martek Power group, one of the world’s leaders in the field of power converters.  

Founded in 1987 by Marcel Katz, Martek Power has since adopted an ambitious growth strategy in Europe and in the USA.  With over 40 years of industry experience, the 170 engineers of Martek Power have developed a strong and unique expertise in the conception and the production of power converters for the high technological aeronautical, defence, medical, telecom and railway industries. The ability to adapt and meet customers’ needs have made Martek Power the French market leader of ‘customised’ products and number three worldwide in the ‘standard’ military supplies.  

Martek Power employs more than 930 staff in France, the UK, the USA, Mexico, Tunisia and China. In 2007, Martek Power achieved sales turnover close to 68 million euros.  

Following the recent acquisition of Powertron in the UK, Martek Power will continue in the coming years to enlarge its product offerings, primarily through research and development as well as through several well-targeted acquisitions. In view of this, Barclays Private Equity France will bring to Martek Power its investing expertise, which should allow Martek to generate complementary synergies and to strengthen its links with its main clients.  

Barclays Private Equity invests in Martek through the exit of two non-operational shareholders.  

Marcel Katz, founder and president of Martek Power commented, ‘This transaction ensures continuity in the management team and the strategic orientation of the company by allowing us to have the financial means to conduct a selected external growth strategy.’  

Guillaume Jacqueau, CEO of Barclays Private Equity France added, ‘The very positive image of Martek Power according to its clients, the potential of the Group and the strong involvement of the management team in this project has strongly motivated us to complete this transaction.’