Knorr-Bremse to divest Merak HVAC unit to OpenGate Capital

German brake specialist Knorr-Bremse AG announced the sale of its Merak business, which supplies heating, ventilation and air‑conditioning systems for trains, to private‑equity firm OpenGate Capital. The transaction, advised by Hengeler Müller and Perella Weinberg Partners, is expected to close by the end of the year. No sale price was disclosed.

Merak employs roughly 1,500 staff and generated about €360 million in revenue in the current year. Knorr‑Bremse said the divestiture will sharpen its focus on core rail‑technology competencies and is projected to lift the operating EBIT margin of its rail division.

The move is part of Knorr‑Bremse’s broader portfolio‑streamlining strategy aimed at profitable growth in its core markets.