DLA Piper advises Singapore-based Nanofilm on its acquisition of German thin film coating solutions company AxynTeC

DLA Piper has advised Nanofilm Technologies International (Nanofilm), headquartered in Singapore, on the acquisition of AxynTeC Dünnschichttechnik GmbH, a professional thin film coating solutions company based in Augsburg, Germany. The acquisition provides Nanofilm with an accelerated path in establishing a new base of operations in Europe and direct access to AxynTeC’s European clientele, particularly within the field of medical technology.

Nanofilm’s core business revolves around providing coating services, thin-film coating equipment solutions, nanofabrication solutions, and fuel cell solutions. With a global workforce exceeding 3,000 employees across Singapore, China, Japan, Vietnam, and now Europe, Nanofilm maintains a substantial presence. With a growing customer base, and recognising Europe’s robust technological and industrial leadership, it stands as a highly significant region for Nanofilm’s expansion. Through the strategic acquisition of AxynTeC, Nanofilm has expanded its solutions portfolio and gained initial access to the European market, successfully initiating its planned expansion into Europe. AxynTeC specializes in Diamond-Like Coatings (DLC) and holds a strong track record in Southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with its innovative process technology, plasmaIMPAX.

Corporate partners Mathias Schulze Steinen and James Chang, who are based in Frankfurt and Beijing respectively, co-led the transaction with the support of a multijurisdictional team. Mathias commented: “We are delighted to support Nanofilm on this very exciting transaction. Our German offices are deeply experienced in supporting multinationals in their direct investment activities in Germany, and we look forward to acting on many more cross-border transactions in the years to come.”

James added: “This transaction is a perfect demonstration of our firm’s cross-border deal execution capabilities. We are international lawyers particularly equipped to handle cross-border, cross-cultural and cross-jurisdictional projects.”

Mathias and James were supported on the mergers and acquisitions aspect of the transaction by Corporate associate Nana Krähling, Intellectual Property and Technology partner Burkhard Führmeyer, and associate Anna Rogler. Partner Konrad Rohde and Counsel Sven Bischoff provided assistance on the tax elements. Nana Burkhard, Anna, Konrad and Sven are all based in Frankfurt.

Employment partner Henriette Norda and associate Theresa Richter, both based in Hamburg, advised on the employment aspects of the deal, while counsel Thilo Streit and associate Svenja Mayer assisted on the compliance and regulatory aspects. Thilo and Svenja are based in Cologne.