Pava Partners acted as exclusive Debt Advisor to funds advised by IceLake on the acquisition of a majority stake in q-holding GmbH (“quattron“) and NEXTRAIL GmbH (“NEXTRAIL”). The combination of quattron and NEXTRAIL in partnership with IceLake creates a leading European consulting, digitalization and implementation partner for critical network infrastructures in the railway, energy and telecommunications sectors.  

Pava Partners has contributed significantly to the new group’s strategic opportunities by establishing an attractive financing structure to support further inorganic growth. The rationale is to combine the strengths of quattron and NEXTRAIL to drive further organic growth and consistently support Buy & Build opportunities. All operating shareholders will continue to lead the companies in the future and retain a significant equity stake.  

The two companies already know each other well through multiple collaborations in the past and complement each other with virtually no overlap in their service portfolios. The new group plans to continue its strong organic growth trajectory by broadening its customer base and service areas as well as taking on challenging megaprojects as a pioneer in infrastructure consulting on a national and international level. In addition, with IceLake, the companies now have a partner with extensive Buy & Build experience to drive further inorganic growth through add-on acquisitions in the areas of consulting, engineering and software development in the DACH region and internationally. 

“The Debt Advisory team at Pava Partners played a pivotal role in the successful execution of this transaction. Their deep understanding of the business models of quattron and NEXTRAIL, along with the synergetic potential of both companies, was essential in positioning the right credit story. Through their commitment and dedication along all project phases, we secured an optimal financing solution aligned with the company’s future strategy and our Buy & Build ambitions,“ says Sergej Lehmann, Partner and Head of DACH at IceLake.

About IceLake

IceLake is an independent European private equity firm that supports entrepreneurs and management teams in building market-leading companies. Founded by experienced private equity managers and entrepreneurs, IceLake represents a team of entrepreneurial investors who work in partnership, act pragmatically and think long-term. IceLake focuses on buyout and growth situations of mid-market companies led by ambitious management teams, with a focus on B2B and IT services, software and healthcare. In its partnerships with portfolio companies, IceLake supports its partners in the implementation of their growth strategies, in particular with Buy & Build and international expansion. 

More information at www.icelake.com.

About quattron

quattron is an internationally active management and technology consultancy with a focus on strategic infrastructure management. With awards such as “Hidden Champion” of management consultancies for network infrastructures (WGMB) and “Top 20 German management consultancy” according to the Lünendonk® List 2024, quattron is a reliable partner for complex challenges and projects in the railway, energy and telecommunications sectors. quattron was created through the merger of four previously independently acting consulting firms for infrastructure operators and today has more than 200 employees across seven locations in Germany and Switzerland. 

More information at www.quattron.com. 

About NEXTRAIL

NEXTRAIL is a specialized provider of consulting services in the field of technology and digitalization for the railway sector. With six locations across Germany, Austria and Switzerland and a team of over 100 experts, the company has successfully completed over 300 railway infrastructure projects since it was founded in 2016. NEXTRAIL offers a broad portfolio for the entire life cycle of railway infrastructure projects, from strategic planning and feasibility studies to the implementation and management of railway technologies.  The subsidiaries INCYDE, focusing on cybersecurity, and CERSS, which specializes in railway safety, are also part of NEXTRAIL Group. 

More information at www.nextrail.com.