On the way to becoming a major player through buy-and-build: How SF-Filter is driving consolidation in the filtration industry

The strong trend for consolidation is driving buy-and-build activity across many industries. Filtration is no exception, and with support from the Equistone funds, SF-Filter, a leading provider of mobile and industrial filters, has firmly established itself as an active consolidator in a fragmented market. 

Established player with an international footprint
Since its founding in 1968, SF-Filter has developed a reputation throughout Europe as a leading independent distribution platform specialising in filtration. The company, headquartered in the Swiss town of Bachenbülach, near Zurich, supplies end-customers, resellers and original equipment manufacturers, all of which benefit from a comprehensive product portfolio across all relevant filter categories – air, fuel, hydraulics, oil and pneumatics – as well as the company's deep technical know-how. With plans for further expansion, SF-Filter has solidified its position as a leading independent distribution platform, with a total of six locations across Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France, Poland and Belgium.

A partnership to accelerate international expansion
Since acquiring a majority stake in SF-Filter in September 2022, the Equistone funds have supported the company as it has pursued a targeted buy-and-build strategy which has seen it make three strategic acquisitions in the past six months. With the takeover of German filter specialists Busse & Kuntze Filter GmbH and Ostholte Filter GmbH, SF-Filter strengthened its regional presence in Germany, as well as its service and product portfolio. This includes the area of mobile filtration, with a focus on the aftermarket for off-road vehicles, such as construction machinery and agricultural equipment. Another important milestone was the takeover of Belgian-based Hermans-Brems & Co NV at the end of last year. With the acquisition of this long-standing sales partner, SF-Filter expanded into the fast-growing Benelux market for the first time, securing access to a diverse and attractive customer base.

Consolidation as a driver for further growth
The highly fragmented nature of the European filtration industry is a key driver for the buy-and-build strategy being pursued by SF-Filter. Many smaller companies require investment or the know-how of a larger, established player to keep pace with shifting customer priorities and counter long-term challenges. SF-Filter’s strong market position has been further strengthened by its recent acquisitions, and the company is now recognised as an active consolidator within the filtration market.

Together with the support of the Equistone team and its considerable expertise in buy-and-build and scaling companies in fragmented markets, SF-Filter anticipates further significant growth in the coming months. In addition to targeted investments in digitalisation and automation, further acquisitions are planned in both existing markets and new, high-growth regions within Europe.