elero GmbH, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of electric drives and controls for roller shutters, sun protection systems and rolling doors, was sold as of 13th September 2011. Nice S.p.A. has acquired from the Paragon Partners München Private Equity Fund 80% of elero. The principal shareholder is Nice S.p.A., a leader in the home automation sector, with 80 % of the share capital. The remaining 20 % is divided between Paragon Partners and Jochen Lütkemeyer, the new managing partner of elero GmbH.
Quote Jochen Lütkemeyer: “I am looking forward to the challenge of having the opportunity to contribute my many years of experience in an international environment.” Dr. Ing. Wolfgang Günther and Rainer Kunz have resigned as Managing Directors.

Strategic expansion of leading position
With the merger of Nice S.p.A. and elero GmbH two experts in the field of automation systems are now coming together. Nice S.p.A. was founded at the beginning of the 1990s; it designs, produces and markets automation solutions for gates, garages, road barriers, parking systems etc. The objective of both companies is that of generating fresh impetus and establishing possibilities to continue offering technological excellence and the highest quality, in conjunction with innovative building management geared to energy savings and energy production from renewable sources. With a purchase price of 25.8 million euros Nice S.p.A. has acquired 80 % of the share capital in elero. The strategic merger of elero GmbH and Nice S.p.A. forms a solid foundation for the further growth of both companies.

elero brand retained
elero GmbH is profiting from the merger in terms of economic stability and continuity, among other aspects. The elero brand is being retained and will preserve its identity. The product range will be continued at the highest quality level.

About elero GmbH:
elero GmbH is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of electrical drives and controls for roller shutters, sun protection systems and doors. Founded in 1964 as a small firm of craftsmen, elero now employs more than 500 staff worldwide. There are production facilities at the main plant in Beuren near Stuttgart, as well as in Pößneck (Thuringia). At international level the company has ten branch offices, five exclusive partners and ten authorized representatives.

About Nice S.p.A.:
Founded in the early 1990s and listed on the STAR segment, organized and managed by Borsa Italiana, Nice S.p.A. is active in Home Automation sector. The Group designs, produces and markets systems for the automation of gates, garages, road barriers, parking systems, awnings and blinds for residential, commercial and industrial buildings, as well as wireless alarm systems. In December 2010 Nice S.p.A. expanded into the lighting sector the purchase of FontanaArte and in June 2011 entered the South American market with the take-over of the Peccinin Group. Nice products, which stand out for their distinctive combination of technological innovation and design, are exported to more than 100 countries, generating over 80 % of the consolidated revenues abroad.