Konica Minolta has announced the sale of its entire 65 percent stake in MOBOTIX AG, along with all associated shareholder loans, to CERTINA Software Investments AG, a 100 percent subsidiary of the CERTINA Group. The deal marks a new chapter for MOBOTIX, which has been part of Konica Minolta since 2016. Meanwhile, the company’s CEO, Thomas Lausten, will leave MOBOTIX at the end of his current contract in June 2025.
The CERTINA Group is a Munich-based equity investor. According to their website, the group is a family-owned industrial holding company with a focus on European SMEs in upheaval and special situations, and has had over 65 successful acquisitions in various industries over its 25 years of investment experience. The group cited the following as the rationale for acquiring MOBOTIX:
- Acquisition of an established software and hardware manufacturer of high-end video and surveillance systems;
- Strategic step to further expand the existing CERTINA Software Division and strengthen joint development activities;
- Increase in CERTINA Group sales to EUR 1.3 billion.
The purchase price has not been disclosed. Closing is expected to occur in May 2025, and will be subject to mandatory antitrust clearance.
Reason for divestment
The divestment is part of Konica Minolta’s medium plan to divest non-focus business and concentrate on core business areas globally. According to Konica Minolta's
press release posted on Nikkei’s Japanese website, the company says it’s “promoting the selection and concentration of businesses to strengthen our business profitability,” in accordance with its three-prong medium-term management plan (2023-2025), namely "strengthening business profitability," "implementing structural reform to strengthen the revenue base," and "strengthening business management system."
Citing MOBOTIX’s business environment has recently shown signs of improvement thanks to market recovery and the success of new products, Konica Minolta says it has been considering using third-party capital to further accelerate MOBOTIX's growth in the video surveillance market. “We have decided that the best option is to transfer all of our shares in MOBOTIX and the loan we have made to MOBOTIX to CERTINA,” the company said.
A new chapter for MOBOTIX
The deal marks a new chapter for MOBOTIX, whose next phase of growth will be supported by CERTINA’s industry expertise and financial backing.
"We are excited to bring MOBOTIX into our portfolio, as we firmly believe our strategic expertise and commitment to innovation provide the best home for its future. By leveraging synergies with our existing technology investments, we are committed to supporting MOBOTIX’s next phase of growth and market leadership," said Giovanni Santamaria, Managing Partner of CERTINA´s Software division.
“We look forward to working with CERTINA as a strong partner on our side. The combination of our unique hardware designs with innovative software solutions on the edge based on our MOBOTIX DNA will bring exciting opportunities to grow together while utilizing the synergies from all portfolio companies,” said Christian Cabirol, CTO of MOBOTIX.
Leadership transition and governance changes
It is expected that all current members of the supervisory board of MOBOTIX will resign in the course of the closing of the transaction. CERTINA intends to be appropriately represented on the supervisory board of MOBOTIX.
Additionally, key leadership updates include:
Klaus Kiener (CFO) and Christian Cabirol (CTO) have extended their contracts until March 2027, ensuring continuity in financial and technological leadership.
Thomas Lausten (CEO) will leave MOBOTIX in mutual understanding at the end of his current contract in June 2025, working closely with the new leadership team to ensure a smooth transition until then.
“It has been a pleasure to work with our many colleagues, partners and customers around the world during the past 8 years and it is now a good time to change leadership with a new investor. CERTINA will bring significant value to our company with their experience in technology companies and I look forward to work with Giovanni Santamaria, Tobias Eiblmeier and their teams during the transition next months,” Lausten said.