Ardian Semiconductor signed an agreement with Solarpark Blautal GmbH to acquire its stake in centrotherm international AG, a leading semiconductor manufacturing equipment company - the Hartung family reinvests and remains a significant shareholder

Ardian, a world-leading private investment firm, announces that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Solarpark Blautal GmbH (“Solarpark Blautal”) to acquire its 90% stake in centrotherm international  AG (“Centrotherm” or the “Company”), a leading player in the design and production of power semiconductor manufacturing equipment. As part of this agreement, Solarpark Blautal will re-invest a portion of its proceeds alongside Ardian and remain a significant shareholder of Centrotherm. 

Founded in 1948 by the Hartung family and based in Blaubeuren, Germany, Centrotherm specializes in the development, manufacturing and sale of high temperature thermal processing equipment with a long history of supplying both the semiconductor and the photovoltaic industry. Centrotherm has established itself as a reliable, trustworthy and innovative supplier to the leading power semiconductor companies around the world. 

This agreement follows the acquisition of IBS in October 2024 and Synergie Cad in December 2024 and would represent, upon completion, the third investment of Ardian Semiconductor, the pioneering private equity investment platform dedicated to the semiconductor industry, formed through an exclusive strategic partnership with Silian Partners.

Ardian Semiconductor will support and accelerate Centrotherm’s development as a leading and innovative European semiconductor equipment company by leveraging its extensive industry expertise and global network; thus enabling the company to expand its product offering and enhance its market position. The partnership will focus on innovation, operational efficiency, and augmented customer intimacy.

The completion of the transaction is subject to customary precedent conditions, including regulatory approvals. Following the closing of the transaction it is intended to terminate the inclusion of the Centrotherm shares in the trading on the open market (delisting).

“We are thrilled to partner with Ardian and Silian Partners, who bring a unique set of financial, strategic and operational capabilities, which will be invaluable to help Centrotherm accomplish its ambition to accelerate its growth and continue to enhance the value it delivers to its customers.” Robert Hartung, Managing Director of Solarpark Blautal GMBH

“We are honored to join forces with Centrotherm and Solarpark Blautal, which strongly aligns with our mission to transform proven European technology companies into global leaders in their market segments. We are committed to bringing the required resources and support to the company and its management team around Jan von Schuckmann and Dr. Helge Haverkamp to help them realize the full potential of the company.” Lise Fauconnier, Senior Managing Director, Ardian

“We have been impressed by Centrotherm's innovation track record that is based on deep technical know-how, industrialization experience, and excellent customer relationships globally. Together with our expertise in strategic focus and scale we will create exceptional value for our customers and all stakeholders." Helmut Gassel, Partner, Silian Partners

Ardian Semiconductor, a pioneering private equity investment platform dedicated to the semiconductor industry, was formed by Ardian through an exclusive strategic partnership with Silian Partners, a team of highly successful senior executives from the semiconductor industry totaling more than 140 years of experience, contributing unique industry relationships, strategic vision, and operational focus. Ardian and Silian Partners work as one team to bring innovative and flexible capital solutions, as well as strategic and operational capabilities, to transform strong technology companies into global leaders in their market segments. Ardian Semiconductor is uniquely positioned to seize opportunities in the semiconductor industry, a critical enabler of the digital transformation, AI revolution and green transition of the global economy. The industry is forecasted to double in size over this decade to reach $1 trillion by 2030 driven by powerful and predictable technology megatrends.