Räuberleiter invests in Mehnert

Räuberleiter acquires 26% stake in Mehnert GmbH to drive the future of industrial service

Strategic partnership aims to scale Mehnert into a next level service leader
for automated production—while preserving its entrepreneurial culture. A
follow-up investment later this year will further accelerate growth.

The private equity firm Räuberleiter has officially acquired a 26% stake in Mehnert GmbH, a specialist in the assembly, maintenance, and optimisation of complex industrial systems and custom machinery. The move marks the beginning of a long-term partnership to scale Mehnert into a leading global service provider for automated production and robotics—while keeping its people-first culture front and center.

Mehnert, with over 15 years of experience and a team of 70+ experts across Europe, and an office in the US, supports clients in sectors ranging from automotive and aerospace to pharmaceuticals and food. The company provides services including commissioning, electrical and mechanical installation, robotics programming, subassembly, and industrial training through its in-house Mehnert Academy and Mehnert Lab.

With its deep expertise in electrics, mechanics, and digital control, Mehnert helps manufacturers worldwide stay competitive and production-ready—especially in an era of rapid automation and shifting industrial demands.

Strategic fit and shared ambitions
For Räuberleiter, known for its hands-on approach to mid-stage B2B technology investments, the acquisition is a natural extension of its focus on empowering companies during pivotal growth phases.

»We see in Mehnert what we look for in every partnership: technical excellence, a strong cultural core, and a genuine passion for empowering people,« says Aimo Bülte, Managing Director at Räuberleiter. »We’re not here to rip things apart—we’re here to give Mehnert a leg up, building on what’s already strong and making sure their unique DNA can thrive at scale. What impressed us just as much as their operational strength is their investment in future talent—through initiatives like their Academy and their hands-on robotics and automation program for schoolkids. That’s not just service leadership, that’s long-term vision.«

The partnership will focus on expanding Mehnert’s international reach, further developing its digital capabilities, and evolving the Mehnert Academy into a training hub for the next generation of industrial service professionals. A key part of the vision includes scaling the company’s role as an extended service arm for both global manufacturers and special machinery builders—without
competing against them.

To support these goals, Räuberleiter is planning an additional capital investment later this year, aimed at accelerating the development of Mehnert’s nearshoring operations, digital platform, and market expansion initiatives.

»This isn’t just a financial investment—it’s a growth partnership,« adds Bülte. »We’re building the backbone of high-performance industrial service, one expert at a time.«

Culture and continuity
Importantly, Mehnert’s operational leadership and distinct culture will remain intact. Known for its entrepreneurial mindset, flat hierarchies, and commitment to continuous learning, Mehnert embodies the kind of authentic, people-centric ethos that Räuberleiter seeks to protect and grow.

»We’ve always believed that the key to strong service is strong people,« says René Mehnert, Managing Director of Mehnert GmbH. »With Räuberleiter, we found a partner who speaks our language—both technically and culturally. This partnership gives us the power to scale without losing who we are.«

With strategic support from Räuberleiter, Mehnert will continue evolving its offering across the full service spectrum—from technical design and system integration to global 24/7 deployment. The long-term goal is to shape a future-proof service platform that can flexibly support machine builders and producers alike.