Kloepfel Corporate Finance as exclusive consultant to VIA optronics GmbH on the acquisition of a majority stake in Japanese VTS Touch Sensor Co., Ltd.

Munich, April 2018 – Kloepfel Corporate Finance GmbH (KCF) is the exclusive M&A consultant of VIA optronics GmbH (VIA) for the purchase of 65% of the shares of VTS-Touchsensor Co., Ltd. (VTS), a manufacturer of copper-based touch sensors, from Toppan Touch Panel Products Co., Ltd. a company of the Japanese group Toppan Printing Co., Ltd. (Toppan).

VIA, a subsidiary of the Philippine listed Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. (IMI), is a leading manufacturer of optical films and coatings for displays for the automotive industry, industrial goods and consumer electronics among others. With 6 locations worldwide they achieved sales of € 130 million in 2017 and with the help of the acquisition VIA hopes to further expand its leading international market and technology position. Nevertheless, VTS will continue to develop and manufacture the copper-based touch sensors in its two existing plants in Japan.

“Together with Toppan, VIA will push metal mesh technology and expand future production capacity. The new setup will also strengthen VIA’s offering of differentiated sensor technology for touch panels and interactive display systems in various markets and segments” said Jürgen Eichner, Managing Director and CEO of VIA.

„After Kloepfel Corporate Finance having advised on the sell-side process in 2016 to IMI, we have again trusted on the experience of Kloepfel Corporate Finance as our M&A advisor for this international acquisition. Thanks to many years of M&A experience, a high commitment and resilience and the right negotiating skills, it was possible to bridge cultural gaps and achieve together an outstanding result for all parties involved. This acquisition allows us to continuously fulfill our growth plan.” Daniel Jürgens, CFO VIA.

Kloepfel Corporate Finance acted as exclusive M&A advisor to VIA. This included providing advisory expertise and managing the preparatory, marketing, due diligence phases and negotiation of the transaction.