March 13, 2006 – U.S. investors buy Schuberth

Germany’s Schuberth Helme GmbH, a family owned helmet manufacturer, was purchased by Tricadis Capital, a firm representing a group of U.S.-based investors.
The purchase price was not disclosed.
Founded in Braunschweig, Germany in 1922, Schuberth has been manufacturing motorcycle helmets since 1956. The company produces approximately 500,000 helmets each year for motorcyclists, construction workers, soldiers, firefighters and law enforcement. Sales in 2005 totaled about Euro 50 million ($59 million).
Tricadis Capital is based in Frankfurt, Germany. Tricadis Capital Chairman Ulrich Neuert said the investors he represents plan to be involved in a “mid- to long-term” relationship with the company and hope to aid in its growth. “For us, Schuberth is a pearl,” he said.
Schuberth Chief Alexander Zahn is expected to remain in his leadership position. Plans are to increase the company’s sales by 10 percent, Zahn told the newspaper Braunschweiger Zeitung. He did not give a timeframe for that growth target.
“The new financial backing will allow Schuberth greater expansion opportunities into foreign markets,” Zahn said, indicating a plan to increase market penetration in the United States and Japan.
Tustin, Calif.-based Fairchild Sports is the exclusive importer and distributor of Schuberth helmets in the United States.
Schuberth employs 425 workers and operates four facilities in Braunschweig and neighboring Magdeburg. The Braunschweig facilities house sales, marketing and research and development. Manufacturing is done at the Magdeburg facility, opened in 2004.