Sector: Autotech M&A

Hampleton Partners advised Simi Reality Motion Systems GmbH, a leading developer of fully markerless video-based motion capture and analysis software, on its acquisition by ZF Friedrichshafen, the global automotive supplier and front-runner in developing the next generation of autonomous vehicle technology. This is the second transaction that Hampleton has closed with ZF Friedrichshafen in two months.  

Hampleton advised 2getthere Holding B.V., a leading manufacturer of driverless electric shuttles for future urban mobility, on its majority acquisition by ZF Friedrichshafen, the global automotive supplier and front-runner in developing the next generation of autonomous vehicle technology. 

The transaction offers ZF Friedrichshafen a world leader in autonomous urban transit and e-mobility solutions, while globally extending 2getthere’s commercial and technology reach.

Hampleton Partners advised VI-grade GmBH, a leading provider of best-in-class turnkey solutions for driving simulation, on its acquisition by Spectris Plc., a supplier of productivity-enhancing instrumentation and controls. VI-grade provides simulation software and hardware for advanced vehicle dynamics simulation, including electric and autonomous vehicles, reducing the need for OEMs and T1s to build costly prototypes in early design phase.

The transaction offers Spectris an outstanding opportunity to provide its current and new clients with a complete turnkey simulation including hardware, software and services.

Hampleton Partners advised Bright Box on its acquisition by the leading multi-line insurer, Zurich Insurance Group. Bright Box is a global vendor of solutions and platforms for the connected car industry and the Connected Car platform from Bright Box is sold to automotive OEMs and dealerships from Europe through the Middle East to Asia.

Technavio announced Bright Box as one of the top five vendors in the Connected Car market from 2017 to 2021. The company is also recognised as one of the top 300 companies in the Internet of Things field according to Berg Insight.

This acquisition helps Zurich expand its focus on mobility through tailored services, enhanced by digital interactions with car drivers and closer collaboration with car dealerships, NSC and OEMs.

Hampleton Partners advised on the sale of Symtavision, an automotive simulation company, to Luxsoft, an international custom software development company. Symtavision provides software and testing tools allowing T1s and OEMs to simulate load and response times for in-vehicle networks to ensure desired functionality is achieved. This is often a safety-critical task, especially for ADAS components as well as LiDAR/radar/camera signaling for autonomous driving.

This acquisition fits into Luxoft’s solution-based, end-to-end offering strategy and will help the company expand its embedded software expertise into the growing automotive segment.