Investment focus

HQIB generally invests in established companies that are well positioned in attractive market niches, operate at a sustainably high profitability level, or have the potential to achieve such, and are headquartered or have their main business activities in the German-speaking region. As the international expansion is an important part of the growth strategy of many of our portfolio companies, we are acquiring complementary businesses internationally.

We focus our investments on the market areas of safety & security, digitalization, and healthcare, where we are able to add the greatest value possible based on our experience and our industry network. We are interested in technically and technologically advanced business models in the fields of hardware, software, and services.

Our focus is on the acquisition of shareholdings. Particularly situations where entrepreneurs are looking for a strategic partner for further advancement, planning to implement a structured succession process, or are seeking a replacement for departing shareholders. Our flexible approach also offers the possibility to provide growth financing and conduct capital increases.

However, we do not invest in serious restructuring and turnaround cases, as we do not consider ourselves a suitable partner for such situations. The financing of start-up companies or project financing is also not part of our investment approach.

Investment criteria

The criteria listed below only apply to new platform companies (as nucleus investment in a specific industry) and do not apply to add-on acquisitions to existing portfolio companies:

• Turnover of € 5-50 million
• Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of € 1-5 million
• Sustainable profitability and positive cash flow
• Leading market position in attractive market niches
• Convincing entrepreneurs and management teams with growth ambitions
• Healthy balance sheets and a solid trajectory in core business activities