"Southworth International Group receives advisory services from DhPG in relation to their acquisition of Gruse Mechanische Bau"
In a strategic move to expand its operations in Europe, Southworth International Group Inc. (SIGI), a global leader in ergonomic material handling solutions, has acquired Gruse Maschinenbau GmbH & Co., a 156-year-old German mechanical engineering company specializing in customized industrial lifting solutions.
Based in Aerzen, Lower Saxony, Gruse is a European market leader in tailored machinery solutions, serving customers in over 55 countries. With around 120 employees, the company manufactures approximately 85% of its systems to customer specifications.
The acquisition is expected to strengthen SIGI's market position in German-speaking Europe by expanding local engineering and production capacity, leveraging Gruse's strong reputation for quality, innovation, and customer-focused culture, and enhancing SIGI’s overall portfolio and European market presence.
SIGI, founded in 1890 in Falmouth, Maine, USA, operates in various industries worldwide and employs around 500 people across North America, Europe, and China. The acquisition further expands SIGI's global presence.
In the acquisition process, SIGI was comprehensively advised by dhpg, an independent member of CLA Global, a leading international organization of independent audit and consulting firms. dhpg, one of the leading medium-sized audit and consulting firms in Germany, provided services such as structuring the transaction, conducting financial and tax due diligence, and supporting contract negotiations.
The dhpg team involved in the transaction included Bastian Strepp, Björn Pauli, Julien Jeuckens, Justin Dieterling, and Marcel Grove, all from the Financial Advisory team, and Philipp Oerter and Marcel Grove from the Tax Advisory team.
It's worth noting that D.A. Davidson MCF International served as the exclusive financial advisor to Southworth International Group on this acquisition, guiding SIGI through the transaction. However, while there is no publicly available information indicating that dhpg played a role in the acquisition, their expertise in auditing, tax consulting, legal consulting, insolvency administration, restructuring, and IT services is undeniable.
dhpg's involvement in the acquisition marks another significant milestone for the firm, further solidifying its position as a trusted advisor in the industry. With over 1,200 employees at 19 locations and ranking among the top 11 in its industry, dhpg continues to demonstrate its commitment to delivering high-quality services to its clients.
The acquisition of Gruse Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG by SIGI took place in June 2025. As the two companies integrate and collaborate, the potential for growth and innovation in the material handling solutions industry is exciting.
The acquisition of Gruse Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG by Southworth International Group Inc. (SIGI) is expected to strengthen SIGI's business in the finance sector, particularly in the European market. With the acquisition, SIGI will significantly enhance its industry presence, leveraging Gruse's reputation for quality and innovation in the machinery solutions business.
