Global law firm Baker & McKenzie has provided legal assistance to AFG as it looks to  strengthen the existing vinyl windows supplier partnership with the acquisition of a 31% minority share in Gaulhofer. The companies will continue to operate independently in the market. The investment comes as part of a capital increase at Gaulhofer Group.

“We are delighted to have assisted our client AFG on the successful execution of this transaction,” said Martin Furrer. “By this this deal, AFG completes an important step in expanding its Building Envelop Division.”

With revenues of just under EUR 60 million, Gaulhofer is one of the leading Austrian window manufacturers. The product portfolio comprises windows made from wood, wood/aluminum, vinyl, and vinyl/aluminium, sophisticated frameless all-glass solutions and a broad range of front doors and sun protectors. Gaulhofer places great importance on top quality, sustainable production methods and the use of local raw materials. Wood as well as aluminum and wood windows and doors are manufactured at the headquarters in Übelbach/Graz in Styria, and vinyl windows and doors in Mäder/Vorarlberg.

AFG is a Swiss building supplier listed at the SIX Swiss Exchange with its three divisions Building Technology, Building Envelope and Building Security. The Building Envelope Division, with the companies EgoKiefer (CH), Slovaktual (SK), Wertbau (GER) and Dobroplast (PL), is one of the leading European window manufacturers.

The Baker & McKenzie team was led by Martin Furrer and Alexander Fischer with assistance from Philip Spoerle, Julia Schieber, Tabea Kunz. Baker & McKenzie’s Austrian team, which was led by Gerhard Hermann and the Firm’s German team, led by Nikolaus Reinhuber, supported the transaction.