Capvis invests in Swiss 3D sensor and analytics company Xovis
Capvis acquires a majority stake in Xovis, the global leader in people flow measurement and analytics. With the support of Capvis, Xovis’ management will continue to focus on growth and plans to enter new markets and business segments.
Zollikofen and Baar (Switzerland), 15 May 2019
Capvis Equity V LP, a fund advised by the Swiss private equity firm Capvis AG (together "Capvis"), acquires a majority stake in the Swiss headquartered Xovis AG ("Xovis"), a global market and technology leader for 3D sensors and suitable software solutions for accurate counting and analysis of people flows. Capvis acquires Xovis from funds advised by financial investor Emeram Capital Partners GmbH. The three founders and executive board members of Xovis, Christian Studer, David Studer and Markus Herrli will remain shareholders of the company and continue to follow their successful path together with Capvis.
Optimised waiting time measurement and people flow control
Since its foundation in 2008, Xovis has developed into the global market leader for the analysis of waiting times and people flows. In addition to around 75 airports, shopping centres, retailers, sports stadiums, cultural venues, etc. also use the systems to significantly increase customer satisfaction and sales. Today, Xovis employs about 90 people in Switzerland and the USA. Based on a stereo camera system combined with powerful microchips, Xovis’ 3D sensors are able to process and analyse the data on the device itself. An important product advantage is that customers receive high-precision people flow data, which have been completely anonymised at the point of measurement. In compliance with data protection regulations, the decentralised calculation on the respective sensors guarantees that no image or personal data is transmitted. By using proprietary algorithms, Xovis sensors can calibrate themselves, connect to form a joint multi-sensor and differentiate between specific characteristics such as gender, coherent groups or own personnel, thanks to deep learning.
David Studer, CEO of Xovis, comments: "Around 75 of the world's largest airports rely on Xovis solutions to reduce waiting times, avoid capacity bottlenecks and increase customer satisfaction. In the international retail business, our sensors provide stationary traders with a transparency that is normally only achieved by online businesses."
Focus on growth
"Together with Capvis, we will enhance Xovis' technological leadership and continue on our growth path. Capvis’ international network will enable us to significantly expand growth markets such as Asia and the USA", David Studer continues. The Xovis management team is very enthusiastic about the partnership with Capvis: "We chose Capvis as our partner because we share the same goals of investing in innovation and growth. We are convinced that, together with Capvis, our success story will continue."
Simon Lussi, Investment Director at Capvis, adds: "As a high-tech company from Switzerland and with such an impressive development, Xovis has been inspiring us for some time. The outstanding technology paired with intelligent applications and a strong management team offer growth potential in a market that is still in its early stages. We are pleased to support the management of Xovis in the future development of the company and to jointly advance the company’s success."
The parties have agreed not to disclose any financial details of the transaction.
Contacts
at Xovis Holding AG:
David Studer
CEO
+41 32 342 04 70
david.studer@xovis.com
at Capvis AG:
Julie Darbellay
Head of Investor Relations
+41 43 300 58 38
julie.darbellay@capvis.com
About Xovis
Xovis is a market- and technology-leading Swiss high-tech company that develops, produces and distributes 3D sensors and software solutions for the precise counting and analysis of people flows worldwide. Xovis solutions are used for the optimised control of passenger flows and waiting times, for example at airports or in stationary retail. The unique multi-sensor technology enables the coverage of large areas and provides high counting accuracy and reliability in accordance with data protection regulations. Simple integration, high precision and AI-based features characterise the technology of Xovis. The company was founded in 2008 and today employs around 90 people in Switzerland and the USA. Its headquarters are located in Zollikofen (Canton of Berne, Switzerland).
About Capvis
Capvis is one of the leading private equity companies in Europe. Capvis AG, exclusive advisor to the Capvis funds, mainly acquires majority stakes in leading medium-sized companies. The aim is to support management teams in unleashing entrepreneurial potential and achieving new levels of excellence. Capvis focuses on regional champions in local markets and global niche market leaders in the Industry & Technology and Advanced Services sectors. Since 1990, Capvis has completed 57 transactions with a total invested capital of more than EUR 3 billion. Capvis has listed ten companies on the stock exchange and has repeatedly been voted Switzerland’s best private equity firm by the international press.