Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Pfäffikon, Switzerland, AutoForm provides software solutions for sheet metal forming simulation and Body in White (BiW) assembly simulation, mainly for the automotive industry. With its innovations for rapid and reliable validation of the BiW design, engineering, manufacturing, and assembly processes, AutoForm is setting the standards in end-to-end software solutions for the automotive industry. Its market-leading product suite is highly valued by its longstanding blue-chip customer base which includes the leading automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEMs) and suppliers. The company employs approximately 400 people – of which 140 in R&D - and is present in more than 50 countries, across EMEA, Asia and the Americas.

Under Astorg’s ownership, the company has transitioned from a founder-led organization to an institutionalized company, with an enlarged focus now covering all critical steps from design to assembly of an automobile’s BiW.

Leveraging its significant experience in scaling technology companies and investing in assets that cater to the automotive industry, Carlyle will support AutoForm in accelerating its growth plan through the development of its existing software platform and through acquisitions, as well as investing in the company’s innovative product suite and commercial operations.

Olivier Leteurtre, CEO of AutoForm, said: “We thank Astorg for the successful partnership and their outstanding involvement in Autoform’s transformation. We are excited to welcome Carlyle as our new partner. Their extensive understanding of the automotive industry and a breadth of experience in scaling vertical software companies will provide significant support to AutoForm’s growth plan, driving the business to consolidate its leading position in sheet metal forming and BiW assembly, globally.”

Benjamin Deshayes, Managing Director leading Technology for the Carlyle Europe Partners advisory team, said: “We have long been attracted to AutoForm’s highly differentiated solutions and continuous performance track record. We believe its deeply rooted culture of innovation through sustained R&D investments is a distinctive attribute that positions the Company very well for future growth. This acquisition underpins our strategic commitment to the European technology sector, and we look forward to partnering with Olivier and the AutoForm team, leveraging our significant expertise and global network.”

Dr. Waldemar Kubli, Founder of AutoForm, said: “Carlyle will be a great partner to support AutoForm in the next phase of its development. I am thankful for the support provided by Astorg and for the role they played in organizing the management transition I wanted for the business and for which I chose them 5 years ago.”

Joël Lacourte, Managing Partner at Astorg and Benoit Ficheur, Partner concluded: “We are proud to have partnered with the AutoForm team, supporting the development and launch of the new BiW assembly solution through a meaningful acceleration of the company’s R&D expenditure, reflecting our long-term shareholder perspective. AutoForm is uniquely positioned to support the automotive industry in the light-weighting and electrification of future cars. Given the quality of the team in place and the clear strategy, we are confident that AutoForm will continue on its strong growth trajectory with the support of their new shareholders”.

Carlyle was advised by Rothschild & Co (M&A) and Linklaters, Lenz & Staehelin and Latham & Watkins (Legal). The sellers were advised by Evercore and Jefferies (M&A) and Paul Hastings (Legal).

About AutoForm
AutoForm offers software solutions for sheet metal forming and BiW assembly process. With over 400
employees dedicated to this field, AutoForm is recognized as the leading provider of software for product manufacturability, tool and material cost calculation, die face design and virtual stamping as well as BiW assembly process optimization. All of the Top 20 automotive OEMs and most of their suppliers have selected AutoForm as their software of choice. Besides its headquarters in Switzerland, AutoForm has offices in Germany, The Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy, Czech Republic, Sweden, USA, Mexico, Brazil, India, China, Japan and Korea. AutoForm is also present through its agents in more than 13 other countries.
www.autoform.com

About Carlyle
Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) is a global investment firm with deep industry expertise that deploys private capital across three business segments: Global Private Equity, Global Credit and Global Investment Solutions. With $293 billion of assets under management as of September 30, 2021, Carlyle’s purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of its investors, portfolio companies and the communities in which we live and invest. Carlyle employs more than 1,800 people in 26 offices across five continents.
www.carlyle.com

About Astorg
Astorg is a global private equity firm with over €13 billion of assets under management. Astorg works with entrepreneurs and management teams to acquire market leading global companies headquartered in Europe or the US, providing them with the strategic guidance, governance and capital they need to achieve their growth goals. Enjoying a distinct entrepreneurial culture, a long-term shareholder perspective and a lean decision-making body, Astorg has valuable industry expertise in healthcare, software, technology, business services and technology-based industrial companies. Astorg has offices in London, Paris, New York, Frankfurt, Milan and Luxembourg.
www.astorg.com

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