Dräger increases stake in Hamburg-based start-up bentekk to 100%
The Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA increased its stake in bentekk GmbH to 75% in October 2018, and to 100% in February 2019. The purchase was linked to milestones already agreed upon during the first acquisition of a 51% stake in March 2017. The ›X-pid‹, developed by bentekk and produced and sold by Dräger, is a portable gas measurement device for detecting benzene and other carcinogenic substances.
bentekk founders Matthias Schmittmann (l) and Johannes Weber (r).
Since the acquisition of the majority stake around two years ago, a second, improved generation of the ›X-pid‹ gas detector has been developed for use, the relevant explosion protection certifications have been granted, production capacities have gradually been built up and the product has been launched in all major European countries, as well as in Australia and Singapore. Beyond that, the market launches in the USA and Canada are fast approaching.
As part of the achievement of technical milestones, the bentekk founders and Managing Directors, Matthias Schmittmann and Johannes Weber, are selling their remaining shares to Dräger. The bentekk GmbH will retain its employees and remain at its location in Hamburg-Harburg. Together with Dräger employees, local teams will receive support for the ›X-pid‹ launch in the next few months and first steps toward the development of an even more sensitive product model will be taken.
Other news from the department business & finance
Most read news
More news from our other portals
Something is happening in the life science industry ...
This is what true pioneering spirit looks like: Plenty of innovative start-ups are bringing fresh ideas, lifeblood and entrepreneurial spirit to change tomorrow's world for the better. Immerse yourself in the world of these young companies and take the opportunity to get in touch with the founders.