11 June 2024
Vöhringen, Bavaria – Founded in 1975, SMG Sportplatzmaschinenbau GmbH (www.smg-machines.com) has established itself as a global leader in the development and manufacturing of cutting-edge machines for the sports industry and today used by elite teams such as Real Madrid, FC Bayern Munich, and the Miami Dolphins. Together with Tobias and Daniel Owegeser, who remain involved as shareholders, Gimv is set to accelerate the further growth and international expansion of SMG.
SMG’s impressive portfolio includes specialized machines used in a wide array of sports and recreational settings – from playgrounds and athletics tracks to private tennis courts and soccer (training) grounds. For almost 50 years, SMG has been a trailblazer in the synthetic sports surfaces and artificial turf sectors, offering machines that expertly mix components, lay base layers, and line surfaces. Their innovative artificial turf machines are renowned for precision backfilling and maintenance, employing advanced self-propelled and ride-on technology.
With all development and production taking place in Germany, SMG collaborates closely with leading material manufacturers and installation companies to ensure top-tier quality. Boasting a global clientele of over 1,200 customers, the company is supported by 55 dedicated employees in Vöhringen and an extensive network of independent sales partners worldwide. Notably, the USA represents SMG’s largest market, with prestigious clients across high schools, colleges, universities, and American Football Clubs.
Now, with Gimv’s partnership, SMG is set to embark on the next phase of its remarkable journey. The expertise of Gimv as new majority shareholder will be instrumental in fueling further international growth with spearheading products to the next level.
Details of the transaction remain confidential.
Daniel and Tobias Owegeser, co-owners of SMG, declare: “We have already grown significantly in recent decades and have laid the foundations for the successful expansion of our business, particularly in the USA. Together with our father Johann and our brother Markus, we have decided that we want to team up with a strong partner to further boost our growth story in the years to come. Jointly with Gimv, we now want to take the next steps towards internationalization and make targeted use of the many opportunities abroad.”
Ronald Bartel, Partner Smart Industries, declares: “With SMG, we are delighted to welcome an exceptional and impressive new technical and industrial addition to our Smart Industries platform. We are deeply convinced of the product as well as the owners and management team and look forward to supporting SMG on its global growth path.