BECHHOFEN, GERMANY (Feb. 27, 5:15 p.m. ET) -- London-based investment firm 3I Group has acquired a majority interest in cosmetics parts major Geka GmbH of Bechhofen, Germany.
3i announced the deal Feb. 27 but did not disclose terms of the acquisition.
Geka has production plants in Bechhofen, Elgin, Ill., and in Stanley, Scotland.
3I said Geka is a pioneer in use of plastic injection molding for mascara brushes and mascara packaging. Its customer list includes Procter & Gamble, Avon and LVMH. It employs about 650 and generated sales of about 100 million euros ($134 million) in 2011.
“Geka’s innovative strength and long-term partnerships with the leading cosmetics manufacturers put the company in an excellent position to foster growth in its highly attractive and stable market segment,” noted Ulf von Haacke, partner and managing director of 3i Germany, in a news release.
“We are excited about the pro-active partnership with 3i and are ready to step up our growth,” stated Geka CEO Franco Lucá. “Our level of innovation remains a key unique selling proposition. In addition to expanding our business into the Asian and South American markets, we are looking to enter the cosmeceutical market with 3i’s support.” | 
