Successful exit for HTGF: German Medical Engineering joins the Thomas Group 

The Erlangen-based MedTech company German Medical Engineering (GME) is as of now a subsidiary of the Herdorf-based Thomas Group, a leading manufacturer of innovative actuator and hydraulic solutions.

Together, the companies aim to strategically develop GME’s business with its innovative therapeutic laser and light systems. HTGF was one of the first institutional investors and has closely supported GME since the seed financing in 2011. As part of the dealtransaction, HTGF is selling its shares. 

With the acquisition of the HTGF portfolio company GME, Thomas is entering a new business segment. From being a provider of mechatronic solutions for the mobility and off-highway markets, the portfolio is now expanding to include innovative solutions for laser and light therapy under the still independent GME brand.  

GME, founded in 2011, also expects great benefits from the acquisition by Thomas. With its market-relevant products, GME is firmly established in the healthcare sector. The company’s therapeutic light systems are used worldwide for the professional treatment of acute skin conditions such as rosacea, acne or alopecia areata, as well as for scar correction and other dermatological treatments. GME’s products are also used to treat autoimmune skin diseases such as psoriasis, neurodermatitis or vitiligo, as well as actinic keratoses – precursors of non-melanoma skin cancer. The collaboration will create synergies that will enable GME to grow sustainably and organically, while maintaining the pace of innovation and expanding its core competences. 

“As part of the Thomas Group, we benefit from the global presence of a renowned high-tech supplier, be able to tap into new markets and invest more time and energy in the further development of our product portfolio,” said Stefan Schulze, Managing Director of GME. ”Furthermore, we are a very good fit as companies. Like us, the Thomas Group develops technologies designed to improve people’s lives, with a focus on defined values. We are pleased that in the future, Thomas’ therapeutic solutions will provide relief or even healing to even more people.” 

Stefan Schulze remains in his role as managing director of German Medial Engineering GmbH, while co-founder Dr. Dietmar Fischer will continue to contribute his many years of experience in the field of laser and light systems as technical director of the development department. The renowned Harvard professor Dr. Dieter Manstein will also continue to support GME with his expertise as a clinical consultant. 

“I would like to express my sincere thanks to HTGF for the constructive and trusting collaboration. HTGF has been a reliable partner for us over many years, providing us with advice and support as a company,” says Stefan Schulze. ”In this context, my special thanks go to Martin Pfister, who unfortunately passed away much too soon. Over the years, he became not only a valued contact but also a friend.” 

Jan Engels, Investment Manager at HTGF, says: “We are very pleased to have been able to support GME on its journey from its beginnings to a successful exit. We are convinced that GME will continue its growth strategy as part of the Thomas Group, a strong partner from the German Mittelstand.” 

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About GME – German Medical Engineering GmbH 
German Medical Engineering was founded in 2011 by respected experts with many years of experience in the laser industry. Since then, GME has established itself as a leading expert in the market for medical laser and light systems. The research and development department has developed numerous dermatological laser devices. The MultiLite® PDT lamp and the FlexSys® modular laser platform are among the best-known GME products. GME products are available in over 50 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit:

www.gmeonline.de 

About the Thomas Group 
Our vision is: Fluid Control Solutions for a better Life: Healthy, safe and comfortable – we want our solutions to contribute to making people’s lives healthier, safer and more comfortable. 

With around 900 employees, our family-owned company develops and manufactures electromagnetic and fluid actuator systems for the off-highway and mobility markets. Our aspiration to support our customers with the products we develop has allowed us to grow into a leading supplier with four international offices. 

We follow a zero-error quality philosophy in the development and production of our products. Our customers include premium manufacturers in the automotive industry, leading international manufacturers of vehicles and mobile machines, as well as system suppliers. For decades, they have benefited from the advantages of our innovative products and trusted in their quality and performance. 

The main key to our success is our highly qualified and motivated employees, who are treated with respect and responsibility by Thomas. The family business code of conduct stipulates that the well-being of the company and thus also of its employees comes first. 

About HTGF – High-Tech Gründerfonds  
HTGF is one of the leading and most active early-stage investors in Germany and Europe, financing startups in the fields of Deep Tech, Industrial Tech, Climate Tech, Digital Tech, Life Sciences and Chemistry. With its experienced investment team, HTGF supports startups in all phases of their development into international market leaders. HTGF invests in pre-seed and seed phases and can participate significantly in later-stage financing rounds. Across its funds, HTGF has over 2 billion euros under management. Since its inception in 2005, HTGF has financed more than 770 startups and achieved almost 200 successful exits.   

Fund investors in the public-private partnership include the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, KfW Capital as well as 45 companies and family offices.   
For more information, please visit HTGF.de or follow us on LinkedIn.    

Press contact
High-Tech Gründerfonds Management GmbH  
Tobias Jacob, Senior Marketing & Communications Manager  
T.: +49 228 – 82300 – 121  
t.jacob@htgf.de