29.11.2023 - Cendres+Métaux Group acquires Lauener & Cie SA

The Cendres+Métaux Group is acquiring 100% of the shares in Lauener & Cie SA, based in Boudry NE. Lauener & Cie SA specializes in high-precision turned parts for the watchmaking industry and medical technology, and employs 145 people. The two companies complement each other perfectly, have many years of experience, and are highly specialized in micromechanical contract manufacturing. As a result of the takeover, the Cendres+Métaux Group now employs around 700 people. Thus, it becomes one of the largest independent contract manufacturers for the watch industry and medical technology in the Jura Arc.

Biel/Bienne, Switzerland, November 29, 2023 - With the acquisition of Lauener & Cie SA, the Cendres+Métaux Group is taking a further step in its growth strategy in high-precision mechanical contract manufacturing. The Group now offers the entire value chain, from casting precious metal alloys and precious metal recycling to machining, surface treatment, assembly, and packaging under clean room conditions. It manufactures customer-specific complex components, semi-finished products, or high-precision finished products.

Both companies are strengthening their core business through the takeover and complement each other in terms of know-how and customer base: Lauener & Cie SA has been active in bar turning since 1905 and is today an indispensable player in the field of high-quality turned parts. It enjoys the trust of highly renowned customers from the watch industry and medical technology.

Cendres+Métaux optimally complements this expertise with its know-how in precious metals production, milling expertise, surface finishing and packaging under clean room conditions, among other things. From now on, customers will benefit from a broader offering and a sustainable and diversified group as a partner in contract manufacturing.

Philipp von Büren, CEO of the Cendres+Métaux Group, comments on the acquisition: "The purchase of Lauener is entirely in line with our growth strategy: Cendres+Métaux can thus supplement its bar turning division with parts from the watchmaking industry and m. The increase in size will also give us greater stability and flexibility. The Lauener sites are strategically important for Cendres+Métaux."

Because their two children did not want to take over Lauener & Cie SA, Emmanuel, and Caroline Raffner decided to sell the company after 14 years at the helm. The two explain: "When choosing a buyer, we wanted to continue what has made the company so successful since its foundation in 1905: We have held on to family values and continuously invested in the production facilities to secure and expand. We have also diversified and always believed in Swiss-Made, a Swiss shareholder base, and a strong industrial culture. Lauener will continue to grow harmoniously thanks to its size and the complementary orientation of the Cendres+Métaux Group. Our employees can look calmly into the, and our customers will benefit from a broader range of services." In addition, Emmanuel Raffner will remain on the Board of Directors until the end of next year, thus ensuring the transition.