Small Cap Buyout Investments

KTP

Activity

KTP Kunststoff Palettentechnik manufactures and markets storage and transport solutions, particularly folding containers for large volumes and plastic palettes. Based in Bous, near Saarbruecken, the company employs 60 people. Its main customers are automotive and parts manufacturers.

History

KTP was founded in 1988 by Horst Wintrich, the father of the current CEO. From the beginning KTP was able to reap full benefit from its partnership with Volkswagen (VW) on which to develop growth while remaining a family concern. For several years now, the unrivalled specifications of its folding storage solutions have enabled it to considerably expand its customer base within the automotive sector.

Funds managed by AXA Private Equity acquired 60% of KTP equity in October 2006. Andreas Wintrich, who heads up the company since 1999, holds the remaining 40%.

Strategy

KTP today earns nearly 80% of its revenues in Germany. The company is looking to diversify geographically and has embarked on a new phase in its development by considerably reinforcing its business in France, Spain, Italy and Eastern Europe. KTP’s ambition is also to diversify its customer base by moving into new business sectors.