Bolster acquires minority stake in BTG
Bolster Investment Partners acquires a 40% stake in BTG, based in Oud-Beijerland, The Netherlands. BTG Positioning Systems is the worldwide market leader in the development and production of positioning measurement systems for (semi) automated container ports. Bolster will support BTG in realizing its long-term growth ambition and in further professionalizing the organization.
BTG Positioning Systems, specializes in developing, producing, and installing measurement systems for the positioning of cranes and vehicles in (semi) automated container ports. BTG uses unique transponder technology and infrared technology which enables the determination of the position of cranes and vehicles to be measured with unmatched precision and reliability.
In the early 1990s, the Port of Rotterdam started with the automation of the Europe Container Terminals (ECT) by introducing unmanned gantry cranes and automated guided vehicles. This resulted in ECT being the first container terminal in the world to fully automate the container handling process. BTG has played an important part in the automation of the ECT by developing measurement systems for cranes and vehicles. Driven by an increasing demand for automation of container ports worldwide, BTG decided to focus on the development and production of the measurement systems. The effective and reliable technology of BTG has been the standard for the automation of cranes and vehicles in container ports for many years now. The products of BTG have been placed in more than 100 container ports so far, spread over 38 countries worldwide.
The participation of Bolster originated from the wish of BTG to strengthen its shareholder base and to realize its growth ambitions. The current successful strategy of BTG will be continued, focusing on maintaining and expanding its technological lead, complemented by various growth and professionalization initiatives.
Diek Neurdenburg, Daan Potters en Jerry Diepenbach, owners of BTG: “BTG has experienced strong growth in a peculiar way. In Bolster, we found a long-term partner with whom the philosophy and culture of our company will be preserved and where the expertise of Bolster will contribute to a healthy further development of our company.”
Joost Bakhuizen, partner at Bolster Investment Partners: “BTG Positioning Systems is a market leader in a global niche market, which makes it an excellent fit with our investment philosophy. BTG has experienced impressive growth by specializing in positioning systems for cranes and vehicles in container ports. The effective technology has been the industry standard for many years, proven by a track record of strong growth. We’re looking forward to working with the BTG team in realizing the international growth opportunities.”
For further information, please contact:
Bolster Investment Partners
Joost Bakhuizen: +31 20 226 3088
About BTG
BTG, based in Oud-Beijerland, specializes in developing, producing, and installing measurement systems for the automation of container ports. The activities of BTG cover the entire value chain from the internal development of hardware and software to the production, assembly, sale, and installation of the measurement systems. Consequently, BTG has all the knowledge and critical components in-house.
BTG employs 23 FTEs, half of which are active in R&D. In addition to its head office in Oud-Beijerland, the company also has a production location in Spain and a sales office in China.
About Bolster investment Partners
Bolster Investment Partners is a long-term investor specialized in minority interests. Bolster invests in exceptional Dutch companies with a keen focus and a proven business model. Bolster helps entrepreneurs realize their company’s full potential by acting as equal partners to make the difference.
The Bolster Investment Partners team spun off in 2017 from Van Lanschot Kempen NV, where it was running Van Lanschot Participaties since 1982. Bolster’s three partners have been working together for more than ten years. The Bolster team has further developed into a committed and attuned team of thirteen professionals. Bolster has a proven track record; since 1982, we have successfully collaborated with more than 100 companies.