Frankfurt / London --- 3i, Europe's leading private equity firm has backed the Management Buyout of the German industrial supplier Rasmussen GmbH / Norma Group located in Maintal - subject to agreement through the relevant authorities. The involved parties agreed not to disclose the transaction volume.

The deal includes the shareholding of Rasmussen managers. Rasmussen produces fasteners, hose clamps and fluid-systems mainly for well-known automotive manufacturers. In Germany the company manufactures at two industrial sites in Maintal, Hesse, and Gerbershausen, Thuringia. The company employs about 800 employees in Germany and over 1,600 worldwide. 3i has further expansion plans for the coming years and anticipate further hires for the national and international plants.

"The sale of Rasmussen to 3i ensures the company''s long-term continuation," says Jörgen S. Rasmussen, Managing Partner of Rasmussen GmbH. "3i has the necessary industrial experience and international connections to help us utilise our innovative power and our employees'' know-how for the further expansion of Rasmussen''s in international markets."

"Rasmussen is one of the most successful family-owned businesses in the industrial supplier market offering unequalled opportunities in terms of product quality and innovation," says Dr. Stephan Krümmer, Managing Director of 3i Germany. "We will focus on economic growth and plan to continue Rasmussen''s success story and develop the company´s potential. With our specific sector know-how and our international network we are very well-positioned to reach this objective," Krümmer adds.