Headquartered in Schmallenberg, SCHMABO is a fast-growing specialist provider of complex horizontal directional drilling (“HDD”) for the energy and utility infrastructure, certified in accordance with DVGW GW 302. David Martins retains a significant stake in the company and will continue to lead SCHMABO as Managing Director. Together with Maxburg, SCHMABO intends to further strengthen its position as a specialist in technically demanding rock drilling and will invest in additional drilling capacity, new locations, and targeted acquisitions.
Since David Martins joined the company in 2021, SCHMABO has grown into one of Germany’s leading specialists for HDD through difficult soil and rock formations, particularly for the installation of power, gas, and water lines. As Germany continues to expand its energy and utility networks, demand for this type of specialized drilling is growing steadily. SCHMABO currently employs more than 30 people and operates several high-performance drilling rigs, including the world’s first 60-ton rock drilling rig. In addition to its headquarters in Schmallenberg, the company has a branch location in Heideck, Bavaria.
“In Maxburg, we have found a strong partner that will actively support our next growth phase. Together, we aim to expand our drilling capacity, open new locations, and strengthen our market position in demanding HDD projects. We are also explicitly open to acquiring companies that are a good fit for us,” says David Martins, Managing Director of SCHMABO, adding: “The experienced Livingstone team, with its industry expertise in the infrastructure sector and excellent process management, made a significant contribution to the successful closing of the transaction.”
Maximilian Geueke, Investment Director at Maxburg, adds: “What David Martins has built is an impressive entrepreneurial achievement: from a regional drilling company to the technology leader in rock drilling. We are very much looking forward to our partnership with him. He is exactly the right entrepreneur to have at our side as we capitalize on the significant opportunities that Germany’s infrastructure buildout will create in the coming years.”
“We are pleased to have advised David Martins on this important step. The strong interest in the transaction process underscores the high appeal of specialized infrastructure service providers in the German market,” says Christian Grandin, Partner at Livingstone.
Livingstone acted as exclusive M&A advisor to David Martins on the transaction. The parties have agreed to not disclose the financial terms of the transaction.
About SCHMABO
SCHMABO is a certified specialist provider of complex HDD rock drilling, headquartered in Schmallenberg. With more than 30 employees and several drilling rigs, the company delivers demanding energy and utility infrastructure projects throughout Germany.
About Maxburg
Founded in 2014, Maxburg is an owner-managed private equity firm based in Munich that focuses on long-term investments in mid-sized companies in German-speaking Europe (DACH region).
