Autonomous vehicle OEM 2getthere will support ZF Friedrichshafen in its development of next generation of driverless cars and future urban mobility solutions
LONDON & UTRECHT, 19 March 2019 – Hampleton Partners, the international mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance advisory firm for technology companies, has advised 2getthere Holding B.V., a leading manufacturer of driverless electric shuttles for future urban mobility, on its majority acquisition by ZF Friedrichshafen, the global automotive supplier and front-runner in developing the next generation of autonomous vehicle technology. This is the second autonomous vehicle technology transaction closed by Hampleton within the space of nine months.
“Hampleton led a great process from start to finish, introducing us to an outstanding partner in ZF that will unlock the next dynamic growth phase of our company. Hampleton’s level of experience and, above all, profound understanding of the automotive market, led us to the best possible transaction,” said Carel van Helsdingen, Founder & CEO of 2getthere, the world’s first provider of autonomous vehicles in commercial applications, operating since 1996. “We’re excited to embark on the next stage of this journey, collaborating with ZF to become the world leader in autonomous vehicles, as we continue to develop and deliver the answer to the world’s future urban mobility needs.”
The transaction offers ZF Friedrichshafen a world leader in autonomous urban transit and e-mobility solutions, while globally extending 2getthere’s commercial and technology reach.
David Riemenschneider, a seasoned automotive veteran and Head of Hampleton’s Automotive Practice, who has worked and completed deals in the automotive industry for over three decades, commented:
“We are extremely proud to have partnered with 2getthere, pioneers in the driverless electric vehicle market who have a legitimate claim to the future of urban mobility. The 2getthere executive team has shown incredible talent, vision and drive to get to this point. I am personally looking forward to seeing the company, led by an outstanding management team, continue to reach new heights in cooperation with ZF.
“One thing is clear: autonomous vehicles will not just change future mobility choices but will also transform everything from urban planning, global supply chains and even the way people live, work and play. The tie-up between 2getthere and ZF puts the combined company firmly in control of this revolution.”
Miro Parizek, principal partner and founder at Hampleton, commented: “As Hampleton Partners’ second successive autonomous vehicle transaction in less than a year, 2getthere’s successful process enabled by our experienced industry team adds yet more evidence to our statement that strategic and in-depth understanding of the automotive industry, technology and financial markets leads to game-changing transactions.”
The engagement was led by David Riemenschneider, with Nicholas Milligan and Anton Røthe supporting the transaction at Hampleton.