DC Advisory advises Steiff Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH on the sale of a majority stake in Margarete Steiff GmbH to Ravensburger AG
Background
- Headquartered in Giengen an der Brenz, Germany, Margarete Steiff GmbH (Steiff) is wholly owned by Steiff Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH (SBG), the family-owned holding company behind the Steiff business
- Founded in 1880, Steiff is a globally recognized premium soft toy brand and the creator of the teddy bear, known for its iconic “Button in Ear” trademark since 1904
- In 2025, SBG decided to seek a partner to support Steiff’s future growth as a new majority shareholder, while allowing SBG to remain involved in its future development
- Ravensburger AG is an international toy group with a long-standing heritage in category-leading brands in games, puzzles and arts & crafts with a deep commitment to quality, responsibility, and emotionally resonant brand building across generations
Process
- DC Advisory was appointed as exclusive financial advisor to SBG to evaluate strategic options for Steiff, including the sale of its majority stake
- DC Advisory conducted a tailored global process, leveraging its sector expertise and senior-level relationships to identify and engage the most relevant bidders and create competitive momentum throughout the process
- DC Advisory provided comprehensive M&A services, including overall transaction strategy and tactics, global sector insights, and close support throughout the entire process
Outcome
- In June 2026, SBG signed transaction documents for the sale of a majority stake in Steiff to Ravensburger AG
- The closing of this transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals
- As the majority shareholder, Ravensburger will support Steiff’s continued growth, while SBG will remain a significant shareholder and partner in the company’s future development
- This transaction showcases DC Advisory’s expertise in the Consumer, Leisure & Retail sector and its ability to advise long-standing family-owned heritage brands on identifying the right strategic partner to unlock long-term growth potential while preserving brand legacy, values, and identity
“DC Advisory provided hands-on support and thoughtful strategic advice throughout the entire process. The team combined its international reach, deep understanding of both the sector and our business, and a truly tailored approach that reflected the unique characteristics of a more than 140-year-old family-owned heritage brand. Their unwavering commitment and support from the very beginning were instrumental in helping us identify the right partner for both Steiff and its future development.”
“We are honored to have advised SBG on this exceptionally exciting mandate for one of the world’s most recognized heritage brands. It was a privilege to help design the best possible setup to unlock the potential inherent in the Steiff brand, while respecting the legacy of its founder and namesake, Margarete Steiff. This transaction marks the beginning of an important new chapter for the company.”
- Consumer, Leisure & Retail
- M&A Advisory
Disclaimer
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