Semperit announces the acquisition of Austrian silicone molder Rico Group
Vienna, Austria – The Semperit Group announced that it will acquire 100% of the Austrian Rico Group GmbH, a supplier of silicone injection molds and manufacturer of liquid silicone components. The acquisition agreement was signed in Upper Austria. Closing is expected in the third quarter 2023.
CEO Karl Haider is very satisfied with the acquisition: “Rico is a very attractive company and represents a strategic expansion in terms of product portfolio, processing technologies, automation and materials. With Rico’s engineering know-how, new and attractive markets will be increasingly developed, and growth created.”
In its almost 200-year corporate history, Semperit has gained a wealth of experience with elastomers and their value chain. Now Semperit is integrating the elastomer specialist Rico into the group of companies. The long-term potential of the transaction for the Semperit Group primarily lies in high-quality toolmaking for high-precision and complex solutions and the automation of production steps for the manufacture of large quantities. Furthermore, the acquisition strengthens market access in North America, where Rico has had its own production facilities for many years.
Semperit focuses on continuity and welcomes Rico’s highly qualified employees to the Group. The independence of the Rico Group will be maintained in the operational areas, and after the takeover the corporate functions will be supported by Semperit. Semperit continues to focus on the expansion course already embarked upon by Rico and will therefore seamlessly continue the construction of the plant expansion in Thalheim. Likewise, the expansion in the USA and in Switzerland will be fully supported.
Rico Group was founded 29 years ago in Thalheim near Wels. The company is a global market leader in mold making and liquid silicones, offering highly complex, precise, customized overall solutions in high volumes. Rico Group employs around 500 people and now consists of five companies, three of them in Austria, one in Switzerland and one in the USA. Rico Group generates currently revenues of approx. EUR 90 million per year and is on a consistent growth path.
Alfred Griesbaum, one of the three owners and founders of Rico Group, comments on the sale: “Semperit is our guarantee for continuity and growth, because Semperit is a company that understands our business, appreciates our Upper Austrian roots and can make three out of one plus one. With this promising perspective, handing over to Semperit was easy for us as founders.”
Rico Group covers the entire liquid silicone value chain – from prototype development to highly complex mold making and large-scale cleanroom production. The company is considered an international leader, especially in mold manufacturing and multi-component injection molding products. Rico serves industrial customers with its customized solutions and supplies products for health care & life science, household & sanitation, electrification and mobility.