Fortlane Partners advised AURELIUS & Management

Fortlane Partners advised AUR Portfolio III, part of AURELIUS ("AURELIUS") and Management with a Commercial Fact Book on the sale of VAG-Group ("VAG") to Georg Fischer AG ("GF"). VAG is a renowned global manufacturer and supplier of water utility valve solutions. The transaction is a next step toward GF’s vision of becoming the global leader in Flow Solutions and allows GF to leverage its market position in the infrastructure sector, especially in Europe and the Middle East. The value of the transaction is expected to be in the range of CHF 200 million, subject to the fulfillment of customary closing conditions. Closing is anticipated by year-end.

The Commercial Fact Book included an extensive analysis of VAG's business models, internal value chains, and client relationships. In addition, Fortlane Partners assessed the size and the growth prospects of VAG’s addressed market segments. The report also included a detailed analysis of the company’s competitive positioning within various geographies.

We have conducted numerous commercial and strategic projects in the flow & fluid control space, underlining our competence as advisor of choice in this industrial vertical.

About VAG
Founded in 1872, VAG has earned a strong reputation as a global full-service provider of high-quality water utility valves for potable water, wastewater infrastructure, dam/hydro, industrial and power end markets. The company employs approximately 1,000 people and operates production plants and sales offices across Europe, the Americas, India, the Middle East, South-East Asia, Africa, and China. With products such as gate valves, butterfly valves, control valves, and check valves that are used in critical infrastructure including water pipelines, transmission lines, dams, and power plants, as well as in specific industries such as desalination, VAG generates sales of € ~200m.

About AURELIUS
AURELIUS is a globally active private equity investor, distinguished and widely recognized for its operational approach. AURELIUS has been growing significantly in recent years, particularly expanding its global footprint, and today employs approximately 400 professionals in 9 offices spanning Europe and North America. To date, AURELIUS has completed more than 300 transactions and has built a strong track record of delivering attractive returns to its investors. Its approach is characterized by its uncompromising focus on operational excellence and an unrivalled ability to efficiently execute highly complex transactions.

About GF
GF, with its rich history in industrial innovation, is actively reshaping itself to become the global leader in Flow Solutions for Industry, Infrastructure and Buildings. With its divisions, GF Piping Systems and GF Building Flow Solutions, GF delivers essential products and solutions that enable the safe and efficient transport of liquids and gases worldwide. As part of its strategic transformation, GF is divesting its GF Machining Solutions division and is evaluating strategic options for its GF Casting Solutions division. Founded in 1802, GF is headquartered in Switzerland and present in 46 countries with 184 companies, 74 of which are production companies as per end of 2024. GF employs 19’023 professionals and generated sales of CHF 4’776 million in 2024. GF is listed on the Swiss stock exchange.

Transaction team:

Dr. Gerrit Schütte
Managing Director
Email

David Oesterschlink
Partner

Maximilian Knirsch
Manager

Gillian Bohle
Consultant