Montanhydraulik to acquire KMF Kemptener Maschinenfabrik, preserving 185 jobs

Montanhydraulik GmbH will acquire the KMF Kemptener Maschinenfabrik GmbH in an asset deal that closes in April 2026, with the transaction becoming effective on 1 August 2026. The German hydraulic‑cylinder specialist, based in Holzwickede, employs over 1,100 staff and reported annual sales of about €260 million. KMF, founded in 1954 and located in Kempten, employs roughly 185 workers and produces hydraulic cylinders, motor‑auxiliary drives and custom hydraulic assemblies for mobile and construction machinery.

KMF entered a self‑administration (Eigenverwaltung) procedure in January 2026 after a drop in revenue, order cancellations and rising liquidity pressures. The acquisition, supported by private‑equity investor One Equity Partners, secures the continuation of KMF’s operations, retains the Kempten site and transfers most employees to the new owner. Montanhydraulik’s CEO Jens Ennen said the deal expands the group’s product portfolio and market reach, especially in compact cylinders for mobile applications. Advisors included FalkenSteg Restructuring, RSM Ebner Stolz (M&A) and Luther (legal). The combined entity will leverage complementary product lines and sales channels across the hydraulic‑systems market.