Novum Capital acquires Hecht Contactlinsen GmbH

The Frankfurt-based private equity company Novum Capital has acquired a majority stake in Hecht Contactlinsen GmbH from Au near Freiburg as part of a succession plan with effect from 31 August 2024. Hecht Contactlinsen is the leading manufacturer of customised, rigid permeable, and soft contact lenses in Germany – and has been owner-managed since it was founded in 1978. With the takeover by Novum Capital, the company has completed a successful process of further development. The change of ownership is an important prerequisite for continuity, delivery capability, innovation, and growth beyond the generational change at Hecht.

Utilising new growth opportunities

Novum Capital Partner Beatrice Dreyfus says: “As the new majority shareholder, Novum Capital stands for continuing the reliability, innovative strength, and growth that the employees and customers of Hecht Contactlinsen have been accustomed to for 46 years. The company is a hidden champion that also has great potential in other European countries. We will support Hecht with business expertise, financial resources, and genuine passion.” This will strengthen the home base in Au as well as the subsidiaries in Germany, Switzerland, and Spain.

Continuity at management level

The previous Managing Partner Stefan Muckenhirn (57) retains a minority share in the company founded by his father – and remains managing director. Bernhard Steiert (58), son of an early Hecht shareholder and also managing partner, is leaving as managing director. Stefan Muckenhirn says: “As Commercial Director, Bernhard Steiert, with his exceptional management expertise and in-depth industry experience, has played a decisive role in shaping the great success of Hecht Contactlinsen GmbH over many years and has led the company to high profitability. I would like to thank him wholeheartedly for this and am delighted that he will remain associated with the company in an advisory capacity.”

Like Stefan Muckenhirn, the previous Managing Director Frank Widmer (63) will remain as managing director. He comments: “I would also like to thank Bernhard Steiert very much for his outstanding and highly competent commitment over many years. The task of the management team is to continue to be a reliable, innovative partner for optical businesses, practices and clinics that customise contact lenses with our staff and our products.”

Stefan Muckenhirn adds: “I am convinced that in Novum Capital, the management team has found an investment company that is ideally suited to Hecht's potential. We are delighted about this milestone in the company's history and are looking forward to a future full of new opportunities.”

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