Golzern Industry

Golzern Industry invests primarily in established small and medium-sized companies with stable business models and long-term development potential. We focus on situations where continuity, reliability and entrepreneurial responsibility are central — particularly in the context of succession or ownership transition.

Our approach combines entrepreneurial common sense with rigorous, number-based analysis. We define a clear strategic direction and develop robust business and financial plans together with management — fairly, transparently and on an equal footing. We invest our own capital with a long-term perspective and without exit pressure. Our role is that of an active owner at strategic level; we do not interfere in day-to-day operations.

We see ourselves as an entrepreneurial partner rather than a financial sponsor. Having built and transformed companies ourselves, we understand both the economic and personal dimensions of succession and growth situations.

We work closely with existing management teams or committed entrepreneurs who want to further develop a company together with an experienced majority partner. Our contribution goes beyond capital: we provide strategic clarity, financial discipline and targeted impulses in areas such as digitalization, processes and organizational development — always with respect for the existing culture and strengths of the business.

Golzern Industry focuses on clearly defined business areas and sustainable value creation. We prioritize stable cash flows, operational excellence and long-term competitiveness over short-term optimization.

Our in-house expertise in strategy, finance, IT and operations allows us to identify and realize pragmatic improvements without disrupting the core of the business. Where appropriate, we support Buy & Build strategies and professionalize structures to enable healthy, scalable growth.

Our involvement in the paper industry is one example of this approach: through hands-on ownership, we have gained deep insights into production processes, financing structures and corporate governance. This experience forms a solid foundation for further investments — while we remain open to new sectors where our skills can create comparable value.

We are looking for established companies seeking a reliable majority partner or facing succession, primarily in Central and Southern Germany.

Typical characteristics include:

Financials: Revenue of €1–10 million with consistently positive EBITDA
Organization: 10+ employees and a committed management team
Business model: Proven market position, stable customer base, predictable cash flows
Potential: Opportunities in digitalization, process optimization or Buy & Build
Regions: Central Germany, Berlin, Brandenburg, Franconia and Hesse

Our Group’s track record demonstrates deep transaction experience. While we have a strong footprint in the Venture space, our Industry focus is built on successful majority takeovers and sustainable exits that respect the company’s heritage.

Golzern Industry Exits: 5 Successfully realized transactions.

Active Industry Portfolio: 2 Companies currently under active development.

Gwen Schröter

Managing Director | Strategy & Business Development Expert

Gwendolyn Schröter is an expert in strategic transformation and ecosystem building. She has spent nearly 20 years at the intersection of innovation consulting and investment management. Her strength lies in identifying market shifts and positioning companies to thrive in changing environments. As Managing Director, she focuses on the strategic roadmap of Golzern Industry’s holdings.

gs@golzern.biz

Valerie Schüler

Managing Director | Finance & Small/Mid-Cap Specialist

Valerie Schüler brings high-level institutional financial expertise to the German “Mittelstand.” As a CFA Charterholder with 16 years of experience at DWS (one of Europe’s leading asset managers), she has an unparalleled understanding of Small and Mid-Cap companies. She combines the analytical rigor of the public markets with the hands-on approach of a CFO.

vs@golzern.biz

Thilo Kassen

Venture Partner | Digitalization & Operations Specialist

Thilo Kassen is the bridge between traditional business models and modern digital architecture. With nearly two decades of experience in the tech sector, he specializes in turning digital potential into operational reality. Before joining Golzern, he held senior leadership roles (COO/CTO) where he scaled organisations and led complex software development projects.

tk@golzern.biz

Stephan Schröter

Senior Advisor | Entrepreneur & Deal Mentor

Stephan Schröter is the founder of Golzern Holding and brings more than 40 years of entrepreneurial experience to the Golzern Industry deal team. He has built and scaled multiple businesses and offers deep, hands-on insight into ownership, growth, and succession situations. His expertise lies in structured, transparent business planning, strong financial discipline, and pragmatic decision-making. As a senior advisor, he supports acquisition processes and acts as a trusted sparring partner for management teams.

ss@golzern.biz