EMZ Partners acquires FotoFinder Systems
Munich/ Paris — EMZ Partners acquires majority stake in FotoFinder, the leading provider of visualization technology for early skin cancer detection and aesthetics. Co-founder and main shareholder Rudolf Mayer withdraws from his shareholder position and entrusts the future success of FotoFinder to co-founder Andreas Mayer, other members of the Mayer family and selected members of the management team. All of the latter reinvest a significant portion of their proceeds or become new shareholders.
The European private equity firm EMZ Partners has entered into a binding agreement to acquire a majority stake in FotoFinder, headquartered in Bad Birnbach, Germany. The company’s founder, Rudolf Mayer, who together with his son and co-founder Andreas Mayer has driven the successful development of the company and shaped FotoFinder into the leading and pioneering brand in the field of early skin cancer detection technology, will fully retire from his role as managing director and shareholder.
The significant (re)investments of all other existing family shareholders as well as other members of the management team clearly underline the promising prospects of the company and the firm belief in its future success.
FotoFinder was founded in 1991 and provides products and services to dermatologists, dermatology clinics, hospitals, screening centers and research institutes. FotoFinder systems combine proprietary AI-based software with industry-leading Automated Total Body Mapping and Video Dermatoscopy technology to form integrated skin visualization solutions. The company maintains close collaboration with universities and leading experts in dermatology and has access to a global network of dermatologists through its FotoFinder Online Academy. The service offering is completed by a service portfolio including maintenance, training and second opinion services.
Although FotoFinder’s core market is Germany and the DACH region, the company operates globally and generates more than 70% of its revenue abroad in over 90 countries. Products and services are sold directly, through subsidiaries, and through a worldwide network of distributors and agents.
Driven by rising global awareness of skin cancer, FotoFinder is pursuing attractive growth options in highly regulated regional medical technology markets. This includes further international expansion, a stronger focus on technologically advanced solutions (ATBM Master), proprietary AI-supported technology, and consistent cultivation of the adjacent aesthetics and beauty market.
Shearman & Sterling advised EMZ Partners (EMZ) on the financing of the acquisition of a majority stake in FotoFinder Systems GmbH (FotoFinder), a leading provider of visualization technology for early skin cancer detection and aesthetics.
The Shearman & Sterling team included partner Winfried M. Carli and associate Daniel Wagner (both Munich Finance). The team led by partner Winfried M. Carli regularly advises EMZ on financings, such as the recent investments in Hermann Pipersberg, celebrate company and Ankerkraut.
About Fotofinder
FotoFinder, founded in 1991, provides products and services to dermatologists, dermatology clinics, hospitals, screening centers and research institutes. The systems sold combine proprietary AI-based software with industry-leading Automated Total Body Mapping (ATBM) and video dermoscopy technology to form integrated skin visualization solutions.
About EMZ
EMZ is a leading European investment company that sees itself as a partner to medium-sized companies. The focus of activities is on investments alongside founders, family shareholders and managers. EMZ is majority controlled by its own employees and invests the money of institutional investors from Europe. From the current fund with a volume of more than one billion euros, EMZ makes investments in the amount of 10 to 150 million euros.
About Shearman & Sterling
Shearman & Sterling is an international law firm with 25 offices in 13 countries and approximately 850 lawyers. In Germany, Shearman & Sterling has offices in Frankfurt and Munich. The firm is one of the international market leaders in advising on complex cross-border transactions. Worldwide, Shearman & Sterling primarily advises international corporations and large national companies, financial institutions, and large mid-sized companies. For more information, visit www.shearman.com.