Sapal S.A., based in Ecublens, Switzerland, is being taken over by the Navigator Group. The packaging machine manufacturer previously belonged to Bosch Packaging Technology. The Sapal management will remain on board. 80 employees are to be given long-term prospects.
The investment holding company „Navigator Group“, led by Munich-based Navigator Capital GmbH, intends to acquire the Packaging machinery company Sapal S.A. The company, based in Ecublens, Switzerland, previously belonged to the „Packaging Technology“ of the Bosch Group. On 5 September 2017, Navigator Group and Sapal signed contracts that initiate the takeover. Sapal is the third investment of the Navigator Group with six partners in Munich, Düsseldorf, Zurich, London and Paris.
Sapal is regarded as one of the technology leaders for Packaging machines for diefold wrapping of cheese, soup cubes and chocolate. Production at the Ecublens site has existed since 1906 and the packaging machines are also known in part under the name „Kustner“. According to the Navigator Group, the takeover will provide 80 employees with long-term prospects.
The Navigator Group is acquiring the unit as part of a „Share Deals“. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price. The Sapal management will remain on board. Claudio Manfroni, Managing Director of Sapal S.A., assesses the sale as follows: „I am convinced that we have found a suitable new owner in the Navigator Group, with whom we can successfully drive Sapal's business forward.“
Jakob Bleiker, Head of the Food Product Division at Bosch Packaging Technology, comments on the deal: „As an independently positioned company, we see good opportunities for Sapal to expand its business in this volatile market. Niche market flexibly and develop it profitably in the long term. As there is hardly any synergy potential with other areas of Bosch Packaging Technology, we have decided to separate Sapal from the Bosch Group and sell it to the Navigator Group.“
