Konica Minolta sells its 65 percent Mobotix AG stake as part of a strategic shift to Certina Group. Thomas Lausten, CEO of Mobotix, will leave the company in June 2025 following a transition period.
Konica Minolta has announced the sale of its entire 65% stake in Mobotix, along with all associated shareholder loans, to Certina Software Investments AG, a subsidiary of the Munich-based family equity investor Certina Group. The Certina Software Division, part of Certina Group, specializes in the development and expansion of technology-driven businesses worldwide.
As part of the agreement, Certina has committed to maintaining an investment credit line of €53.2 million, which will extend through March 2026. The purchase price has not been disclosed, including to the company itself. The closing of the transaction is expected to occur in May 2025, subject to customary antitrust clearance.
The divestment is part of Konica Minolta’s medium-term plan to divest from non-core businesses and focus on its core business areas globally, as outlined in a recent statement. Konica Minolta’s Imaging-IoT Solutions business will continue to provide highly value-added video solution services, with a focus on security and safety.
“The acquisition of Mobotix is a strategic step to further strengthen our software investments and underlines our long-term growth ambitions in our Group,” comments Tobias Eiblmeier, Head of Mergers and Acquisitions at the Certina Group.
Giovanni Santamaria, Managing Partner of Certina’s Software division, also comments on the acquisition: “We are excited to bring Mobotix into our portfolio, as we firmly believe our strategic expertise and commitment to innovation provide the best home for its future. By leveraging synergies with our existing technology investments, we are committed to supporting Mobotix’s next phase of growth and market leadership,” said Giovanni Santamaria, Managing Partner of Certina’s Software division.
It is anticipated that all current members of the supervisory board of Mobotix will resign upon the closing of the transaction. Certina intends to ensure appropriate representation on the Supervisory Board of Mobotix AG. Additionally, key leadership updates include that Klaus Kiener (CFO) and Christian Cabirol (CTO) have extended their contracts until March 2027, ensuring continuity in financial and technological leadership.
Thomas Lausten, the CEO, will leave Mobotix by mutual agreement at the end of his current contract in June 2025, collaborating closely with the new leadership team to facilitate a smooth transition.
“It has been a pleasure to work with our many colleagues, partners, and customers around the world during the past eight years, and it is now a good time to change leadership with a new investor,” states Thomas Lausten. “Certina will bring significant value to our company with their experience in technology companies, and I look forward to working with Giovanni Santamaria, Tobias Eiblmeier, and their teams during the transition in the coming months,” he concludes.
