Munich — ERS electronic GmbH, one of the world’s leading suppliers of thermal management solutions for semiconductor manufacturing, and Gimv, a listed European private equity investor, are joining forces to further drive ERS’ growth. The two ERS managing directors, Klemens Reitinger and Laurent Giai-Miniet, will remain involved in the company and retain their current positions. Financial details will not be disclosed.
ERS electronic GmbH, based in Germering near Munich, has more than 50 years of experience in the development of innovative thermal management solutions. These enable the semiconductor industry to perform reliable thermal tests during microchip production. The company has earned a special reputation for its fast and precise chuck systems. These can be used to perform air-cooling-based analytical, parameter-related and production-specific measurements in a test temperature range from ‑65 °C to +550 °C.
Since 2008, ERS electronic has also been active in the field of advanced packaging with fully automatic and manual debonding and warpage adjustment systems. They are now used by most semiconductor manufacturers and OSATs (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test Companies) worldwide. The company has received widespread industry recognition for its ability to measure and correct complex wafer deformations (also called “warpage”) that occur in the fan-out wafer-level packaging manufacturing process.
Gimv has extensive experience in helping European companies implement ambitious growth plans with the aim of creating sustainable value for business and society. Gimv Smart Industries focuses on leading growth companies that are at the intersection of the digital and industrial worlds, combining both areas of expertise to offer holistic solutions — as is the case with ERS electronic. Gimv and ERS are only joining forces to further expand ERS’ leading market position and to serve the continuously increasing demand.
Laurent Giai-Miniet, CEO of ERS electronic comments: “Thermal management in semiconductor manufacturing is becoming increasingly important. We are therefore in a good position to benefit from the rapid development of the industry and continue to offer our customers special added value. Our decision to work with Gimv is based on our shared commitment to excellence and our passion for innovation and technology. We look forward to opening a new chapter in ERS’ history with Gimv and realizing our shared vision.”
Klemens Reitinger, CTO of ERS electronic, added: “We are convinced that Gimv’s proven expertise will help us take a big step forward in further developing similar businesses, especially in terms of scaling operations and accelerating innovation. This partnership will provide us with the resources and flexibility to further advance product research and development and continue to lead the way in our industry.”
Ronald Bartel, Partner at Gimv Smart Industries and Head of Gimv Germany, adds: “ERS’s innovative capability and special customer-oriented approach make the company an ideal addition to our Smart Industries platform. It is precisely such ambitious, innovation-driven companies that we support in their further development. Our investment in ERS represents the company’s potential and we look forward to working with the team to execute its growth strategy.”
Advisor to shareholders of ERS electronic GmbH: Rödl & Partner
Lead management Dr. Oliver Schmitt and Thomas Fräbel. The team had already advised on a previous investment review proceeding for ERS electronic GmbH and its shareholders through Associate Partner Claudia Geercken.
Tax advice was provided by partner Dr. Susanne Kölbl and manager Dr. Benedikt Keilen.
About ERS electronic GmbH
ERS electronic GmbH, based in Germering near Munich, has more than 50 years of experience in the development of innovative thermal management solutions. They enable the semiconductor industry to perform reliable thermal tests during microchip production. The company has earned a special reputation for its fast and precise chuck systems. They can be used to perform air-cooling-based analytical, parameter-related and production-specific measurements in a test temperature range from ‑65 °C to +550 °C. Since 2008, ERS electronic has also been active in the field of advanced packaging with fully automatic and manual debonding and warpage adjustment systems. They are now used by most semiconductor manufacturers and OSATs (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test Companies) worldwide. The company has received widespread industry recognition for its ability to measure and correct complex wafer deformations (also called “warpage”) that occur in the fan-out wafer-level packaging manufacturing process.
About Gimv
Gimv, a Belgian private equity investor listed on Euronext 100, has extensive experience in guiding European companies to implement ambitious growth plans with the aim of creating sustainable value for business and society. Gimv Smart Industries focuses on leading growth companies that are at the intersection of the digital and industrial worlds, combining both areas of expertise to provide holistic solutions.