IMA enters into a partnership with Lichtenberg Capital and sells a majority stake in ATOP S.p.A.

Ozzano dell’Emilia, Italy / Schwaz, Austria – July 15th 2026 – IMA Group, a global leader in the design and manufacture of automatic machines for the pharma, consumer and automation industries and Lichtenberg Capital, an Austrian based, entrepreneurial investor focused on supporting medium-sized European companies through transformational phases, today announced that they have entered into a partnership regarding ATOP S.p.A. (ATOP), an Italian specialist for automated production lines for electric motors. As part of the transaction, a vehicle advised by Lichtenberg Capital will acquire a majority stake in ATOP, while IMA will continue to be involved as a strong industrial partner and minority shareholder.

IMA acquired a majority stake of ATOP in 2019 and has played a decisive role in the company’s industrialization and international expansion. In the course of sharpening the focus on its core business, IMA has decided to hand over the operational lead of ATOP to a partner with dedicated transformation expertise, while continuing to contribute its industrial and international network as well as its technological know-how to ATOP’s further development.

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals. Closing is expected towards the end of September 2026.

Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Barberino Val d’Elsa in Tuscany, ATOP develops and manufactures automated production lines and winding machines for stators and rotors of electric motors. The company was among the first to industrialize hairpin technology for electric traction motors and has built a broad portfolio of proprietary technologies, protected by more than 680 patents in force and pending. Today, ATOP employs 135 people and serves international OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers with a strong focus on e-mobility applications, complemented by solutions for industrial applications, household appliances and power tools.

After years of dynamic growth, the e-mobility market has recently been characterized by macroeconomic uncertainties and shifting political frameworks, which have led to a slowdown in investment decisions across the industry. First signs of a market recovery are now becoming visible, with renewed investment initiatives among OEMs and suppliers. The objective of the partnership between Lichtenberg Capital and IMA is to position ATOP in the best possible way for the expected market upswing.

Together, Lichtenberg Capital and IMA intend to further develop ATOP with a clear focus on technological innovation in the fast-moving e-mobility market, the continuous advancement of ATOP’s product portfolio and the expansion of its customer base across e-mobility and adjacent end-markets. The employees and their engineering expertise at the Barberino Val d’Elsa site are a cornerstone of the partnership and of ATOP’s future development.

Alberto Vacchi, Chairman & CEO of IMA Group, commented: “We would like to thank Lichtenberg Capital.for recognizing ATOP as a company with significant growth potential and for committing to its future development. IMA is increasingly focusing on its historical core businesses, with particular emphasis on the pharmaceutical sector. The transfer of the controlling interest in ATOP is therefore part of a broader strategic plan to streamline the Group’s portfolio and strengthen its focus on its core businesses. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to all ATOP employees for the commitment and sense of responsibility they have shown throughout this industrial transition. Their constructive approach, together with the valuable support provided by the Tuscany Regional Government, has helped ensure that the protection of employees remained at the heart of this process.“

Stefan Hamm, Managing Partner at Lichtenberg Capital, remarked: “We would like to thank IMA for their trust in the future partnership with Lichtenberg and are very excited to work together to shape the next phase of ATOP’s development. Following our successful investment in Iacobucci HF Aerospace S.p.A., we are very pleased to be able to realize another acquisition in the Italian mid-market.” Clemens Gapp, Managing Partner at Lichtenberg Capital added: ”With our transformation know-how and the sector expertise gained from other investments in the e-mobility environment, we are convinced that we are the right partner to unlock ATOP’s full potential and prepare the company for the upcoming cycle in the globally growing market.”

Fabrizio Colla, CEO of ATOP, stated: “We are confident to have found the right partner, already involved in such a very specialized segment, able to understand the potential of ATOP as a leading company, continuing to be supported by IMA, as a minority shareholder.”

Advisors

DC Advisory (Milan) acted as exclusive financial advisor to IMA Group on the sell-side with Poggi&Associati (Bologna and Milan) acting as legal counsel and EY Parthenon as advisor for Vendor Due Diligence.

Mediobanca (Frankfurt) acted as financial advisor to Lichtenberg Capital on the buy-side with Nunziante Magrone Studio Legale (Rome) acting as legal counsel.

About ATOP

ATOP S.p.A., headquartered in Barberino Val d’Elsa, Italy, develops and manufactures automated production lines and winding machines for stators and rotors of electric motors. Since its foundation in 1993, the company has built a broad portfolio of proprietary technologies – including hairpin, coil, flyer, needle, spindle and single-pole winding as well as permanent magnet assembly – protected by more than 680 patents in force and pending. ATOP serves international OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers in the e-mobility sector as well as customers in industrial applications, household appliances and power tools, and supports its installed base worldwide with comprehensive after-sales services. For more information visit www.imautomation.com/locations/atop/

About Lichtenberg Capital

Lichtenberg Capital is a private equity firm that specializes in supporting medium-sized companies in transitional situations. Its approach is characterized by passion, expertise and a clear goal: transforming challenges into sustainable success stories. The firm therefore supports companies with a healthy operational core in the implementation of necessary transformation and change processes. Lichtenberg Capital sees itself as an active shaper that not only contributes capital, but also knowledge, experience and commitment. For more information visit www.lichtenberg-capital.com.

About IMA Group

IMA Group is a global leader in the design and manufacture of automatic machines for the processing and packaging of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, tea and coffee, as well as in automation solutions. For more information visit www.imagroup.com

Contact:

IMA Group: andrea.baldani@ima.it

Lichtenberg Capital: office@lichtenberg-capital.com

ATOP: fabrizio.colla@ima.it