Nanogate : Intends to Continue its Course of Expansion With Further Acquisition and to Extend its Global Market Position

Göttelborn, November 20, 2017. Nanogate SE, a leading global specialist for design-oriented high-tech surfaces and components, is continuing its growth strategy and has today agreed the acquisition of the plastics division of the Austrian company HTI High Tech Industries AG. As a result, Nanogate intends to further expand its strong market position in the area of high-quality plastic components and surfaces and also to strengthen its internationalization. As a result of the transaction, Group sales in 2018 are set to increase to over EUR 220 million, while the operating result (consolidated EBITDA) is set to increase further, despite transaction and integration costs.

The purchase price will be paid exclusively in shares as part of a non-cash capital increase in the amount of 275,000 shares. HTI will immediately transfer the stake to an affiliate of QInvest LLC, which intends to hold the shares for the long term. An affiliate of QInvest LLC is already a financing partner of HTI. In addition, QInvest intends to provide financial support for Nanogate's further growth. Closing of the planned transaction is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2018.

Expansion of the Non-Automotive Business and Further Internationalization

After completion of the transaction, Nanogate will fully integrate the subsidiaries HTP Slovakia (Vráble, Slovakia) and HTP Electronics (Neudörfl, Austria) into the Nanogate Group. The two companies have a combined total of around 350 employees. In addition, Nanogate will acquire HTP Austria (Fohnsdorf, Austria) as part of a strategic partnership with QInvest (including a later purchase option).

In addition to many years of experience in the automotive business, HTP Slovakia also has a strong non-automotive business with first-class references. Nanogate is benefiting from a new, high-performing and, at the same time, cost-efficient location, as well as from the geographical expansion toward Eastern Europe. HTP Electronics is a leading provider of special plastic components, with a product focus outside the automotive environment. The production of high-precision and microcomponents, also for electronic applications, is highly automated. The unit has high development capabilities and will, in the future, collaborate with the Nanogate Group, for example on new hybrid solutions requiring the combination of electronics, metal and plastics expertise. Future strategic partner HTP Austria is specialized in the production of lightweight components for the automotive industry and, in the future, can take over secondary and supplementary manufacturing steps for the Nanogate Group.

Sales Increase to More Than EUR 220 Million Expected in 2018

Depending on the closing date, Nanogate anticipates a likely additional sales contribution of over EUR 30 million in the next fiscal year. Despite significant transaction and integration costs, the new units are set to make an initial positive contribution to consolidated EBITDA in 2018. On this basis, Nanogate expects a rise in Group sales to over EUR 220 million in the 2018 fiscal year. Despite significant transaction and integration costs, the operating result (consolidated EBITDA) is expected to increase further, while depreciation and financing costs will initially negatively impact consolidated net income. Alongside the transaction, Nanogate is pushing forward with its announced innovation program, seeking to extend its technology leadership. The order and product mix will also be further optimized across the Group.

CEO of Nanogate SE, Ralf Zastrau: 'The transaction agreed today means that Nanogate has achieved its next leap in growth. We are expanding our product portfolio, strengthening our non-automotive business and broadening our geographical presence by two more countries. Nanogate will expand its leading role with the additional business, new competencies and the announced expansion of our technology platforms. The Group also has many years of experience in acquisitions and expects rapid integration following closing. Thanks to the stimulus and the willingness of our new anchor shareholder to provide financing, we expect positive effects for our business beyond this transaction.'