HgCapital acquired Hirschmann Group, based in Neckartenzlingen (Germany), in February 2004 for EUR 115 million as part of a management buy-out. Since then, management backed by HgCapital has implemented a number of changes to establish the company as a world leading player in its niche markets. Two non-core subsidiaries have been sold, operational improvements have been made to develop efficiencies across the group and investment has been directed towards new product development. As part of the reorganization, a new group structure was established creating two entirely separate companies: Hirschmann Automation and Control GmbH and Hirschmann Car Communication GmbH, each with their own autonomous operations.

Hirschmann Automation and Control GmbH (“HAC”) is now one of the world’s leading specialists for automation and network technology.

As a result of these changes, Hirschmann Automation and Control GmbH (“HAC”) is now one of the world’s leading specialists for automation and network technology. The company’s product range comprises network components for the Ethernet, Fast-Ethernet and Gigabit-Ethernet, fiber interfaces for different field bus systems as well as actuator and sensor plug connectors and systems for load indication and load moment limitation. In 2006, the company booked sales of around EUR 190 million, operates very profitably and has 750 staff members.

Belden is a provider of signal transmission solutions in the field of data networking

US company Belden, based in St. Louis/Missouri and listed on the New York Stock Exchange, is a provider of signal transmission solutions (above all special-purpose cables) in the field of data networking and for a broad range of other specialty electronic applications. In 2005, Belden reported sales of about USD 1.35 billion. The company employs more than 5,000 staff worldwide. Following the acquisition, HAC will continue to be run by the current managing director, Reinhard Sitzmann.