21 Invest has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in Nadella, one of Europe’s leading producers of linear guides and rollers for industrial motion applications. Founded in the 1960s, Nadella offers products covering a vast range of end user industries, serving a well diversified international customer base. Thanks to its flexible, ‘asset-light’ business model, Nadella is able to satisfy the underlying market demand for high levels of product customization and enjoys significant profitability. Nadella closed 2013 with pro-forma revenues of around €M 45 (including an add-on acquisition in Germany completed in Q1 2014) and an Ebitda margin of above 20%.

21 Invest had established a close relationship with the current CEO who, after joining Nadella in 2011 as manager and minority shareholder, was looking for a new partner in order to lead the group’s next phase of development. 21 Invest represented the ideal partner to guide the company towards the strategic vision of consolidating leadership in Italy and Germany and creating a strong global presence.

Alongside the CEO, 21 will support the company’s growth strategy, based on the following drivers:
• International expansion with the deployment of the business in the most dynamic industrial economies globally, also through local initiatives
• Market consolidation of the group’s leadership position in Europe by expanding the current product range and client base through selected acquisitions.

In order to reach growth objectives, 21 will also work towards improving company efficiency, with a particular focus on product innovation and strengthening the current distribution network, especially in Germany. Nadella is an excellent example of a leading player in one of Italy’s many industrial niche markets, with attractive prospects for continued long-term growth.