The FOCUS Group, consisting of FOCUS GmbH in Hünstetten and FOCUS electronics GmbH in Leipzig, is delighted to announce that the previous shareholders have sold 100% of the FOCUS Group to the Lab14 Group. LAB14 is a 100% subsidiary of RSBG SE, which in turn is owned by the RAG-Stiftung.
The FOCUS product range includes components for surface analysis and preparation, and are used in applied chemical and physical research at universities and research institutes worldwide. These include photoemission electron microscopes, such as the patented NanoESCA, electron spin detectors and the market-leading electron beam evaporators. In 2007, the FOCUS Group has been using its know-how in the field of laser and electron beam welding in vacuum and has since successfully positioned itself in this market with its own product line.
With the sale, there is also a change in management. Dr. Michael Merkel, former main shareholder and managing director of both companies, will hand over the management of the FOCUS Group to Dr. Marten Patt (previously Head of Business Development at FOCUS GmbH) and Dr. Thorsten Kampen (previously Head of Business Unit Components and Business Development at SPECSGROUP) on 01.01.2023.
Dr. Michael Merkel is pleased that “with the Lab14 Group, a strong partner has been found who will now take over my professional life’s work and lead it into a successful future.” Dr. Marten Patt notes that “RSBG will support the FOCUS Group in further expanding its position as a premium provider in the field of surface analysis as well as electron and laser welding systems and, in particular through the integration into the LAB14 Group, FOCUS will have the opportunity to position itself even more broadly and expand its business.” Dr. Thorsten Kampen adds that “we have nevertheless succeeded in meeting the wish of the former main shareholder that product and service quality as well as the company’s internal values will be maintained, despite ambitious goals for the future.”
The RAG-Stiftung finances the eternal obligations left behind by the German coal industry and supports projects in the fields of education, science and culture. Its investment company, RSBG SE, and the associated LAB14 group of companies sees itself as an investor and long-term partner of medium-sized highly innovative companies, in particular with products and services for the advanced technologies of micro- and nanofabrication, as well as surface analysis in research and industry.
