goetzpartners advised H.I.G. Capital

Fortlane Partners advised WERU on the full refinancing process with its unique cross-functional approach consisting of its Debt Advisory and Commercial Due Diligence practice. WERU, the market leading manufacturer of high-quality windows and doors is a portfolio company of H.I.G. Europe - the European Private Equity affiliate of H.I.G. Capital with over €3bn capital under management.

Fortlane Partners prepared a Commercial Review Paper to explain the European windows and doors market and the business model as well as the business plan of WERU Group to substantiate the key financing highlights and to successfully educate potential lenders with tailor-made information.

Key success factor of the successful refinancing process was Fortlane Partners' extensive and unrivalled network of lending parties comprising banks and debt funds. Fortlane Partners setup a long-list of relevant potential lenders to secure the competitive edge in a structured and highly competitive financing process.

The final debt solution provides long-term stability and flexibility to make planned growth investments required to build on the Group's strong market position. Fortlane Partners negotiated attractive terms and conditions as well as a high degree of flexibility in the final credit documentation (incl. a portability clause).

ABOUT WERU

WERU is the leading German manufacturer of high-quality windows and external doors of residential buildings with a full-range of frame materials and is headquartered in Rudersberg, Baden-Württemberg. WERU's products are positioned in the premium- and luxury sgement and WERU is perceived as the quality leader in the market. WERU has among its competitors the highest service quality, lead time, delivery reliabilty, and after sales support for specialist retailers. WERU has a renowned and distinguised brand, a "Made-in-Germany" reputation and a clear USP. WERU was rewarded with "Deutsche Standards - Marke des Jahrhunders" in 2019.

ABOUT H.I.G. Capital

H.I.G. Europe is the European Private Equity affiliate of H.I.G. Capital with over €3bn capital under management, dedicated to European debt- and equity transactions. The European Private Equity funds raised €600m in 2007 (H.I.G. European Capital Partners I) and €825m in 2013 (H.I.G. European Capital Partners II).

Transaction team:

Debt Advisory

Philipp Widmaier
Managing Director

Sebastian Achleitner
Associate Director

Commercial Due Diligence

Sigurd Kitzer
Partner

Alexander Reitmann
Senior Consultant