GMH Gruppe completes acquisition of Kind & Co., Edelstahlwerk GmbH

GMH Gruppe has acquired 100% of the shares in Kind & Co., Edelstahlwerk, GmbH & Co. KG (Kind&Co), a company specializing in the production and refinement of high-alloy steels, including a diverse range of tool steels and special alloys. Kind&Co, based in Wiehl, reported sales of approximately 125 million euros in 2023. The acquisition aims to enhance GMH Gruppe’s position in the tool steel industry, especially in the hot-work tool steels segment, where Kind&Co has a notable international presence. The purchase agreement was signed on August 16, 2024, and the transaction concluded on September 30, 2024.

The acquisition is expected to enable GMH Gruppe to access new market segments, broaden its product portfolio, and improve service capabilities for customers. Kind&Co’s expertise in hot-work tool steels, utilized in applications like die casting, extrusion, and drop forging, is anticipated to help GMH Gruppe diversify its market reach. According to Dr. Alexander Becker, CEO of GMH Gruppe, this acquisition aligns with the company’s strategic objectives and enhances its ability to meet customer needs.

Kind&Co's capabilities in research and development will support GMH Gruppe’s ongoing innovation initiatives. Kind&Co, founded in 1888 and family-owned for multiple generations, sees this transition to GMH Gruppe, another privately owned company, as a step towards continuity and growth. Susanne Wildner, Managing Director of Kind&Co prior to the acquisition, expressed confidence in GMH Gruppe’s ability to maintain Kind&Co’s legacy while guiding it toward future success.

The acquisition provides Kind&Co employees with opportunities to become part of a larger organization with expanded resources and a global footprint. Customers can expect continued access to high-quality products, now backed by GMH Gruppe's broader expertise and capabilities.

Source and Photo: GMH Gruppe