Franco Lucá, Geka’s CEO

Frankfurt-based investor Halder has signed a definitive agreement to sell its majority shareholding in Geka GmbH to 3i. Halder had acquired Geka in 2007. Parties involved have agreed not to disclose the financial details of the transaction which is subject to approval of anti-trust authorities.

Geka, headquartered in Bechhofen, Germany, serves both the mass market and premium segment for packaging in the cosmetic industry. In addition, it distributes cosmetic accessories via its division Victoria. Founded in 1925, the company has a broad patent and product portfolio. Geka is a pioneer in innovation of plastic injection moulding for mascara brushes and mascara packaging as well as a development partner of market leading international cosmetics groups including Procter & Gamble, Avon and LVMH. The company runs production facilities in Bechhofen, Germany and in Elgin, Illinois, USA with an additional sales office in France. The packaging manufacturer employs around 650 staff globally and generated revenues of approximately 100 million euros in 2011. “Geka’s future growth will come from its strength in innovation and its international expansion,” said 3i in a release.

The arrival of this new partner can only strengthen the development of Geka in its business, both in Europe and the United States and in new Asian and South American markets, particularly China and Brazil,” explains Franco Lucá, CEO. A development that took the form of noteworthy industrial investments in 2011 and that will continue in 2012.

One of the main events last year for Geka, was the start of its filling line in Bechhofen. “This year, confirms Franco Lucá, we are building new facility for ten new injection machines, several finishing machines and four injection moulding machines." Cost of the operation: 6.8 million euros. A similar program is scheduled in the U.S. plant for US$ 2.1 million.

Regarding innovations, Geka, always at the cutting edge, should also launch a lot of new products, especially on its preferred segment: injected brushes. "In addition to expanding our business into the Asian and South American markets, we are looking to enter the cosmeceutical market with 3i’s support," Lucá adds.

"Geka’s innovative strength and long-term partnerships with the leading cosmetics manufacturers put the company in an excellent position to foster growth in its highly attractive and stable market segment. We are convinced that we can support the company’s expansion and development by providing it access to growth capital and 3i’s international network," summarizes Ulf von Haacke, Partner and Managing Director of 3i Germany.