Luther advises Canadian 5N Plus Inc. on acquisition of Heilbronn-based manufacturer of solar cells for space applications

5N Plus, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-purity metals and specialty semiconductors, has acquired all shares in Azur Space Solar Power GmbH. The transaction is subject to approval by the regulatory authorities.

Azur is a global leader in developing and manufacturing multi-junction solar cells for space and terrestrial photovoltaic applications with an annual turnover of over EUR 50 million and a workforce of around 240 employees. 5N Plus is already an important supplier within the US satellite supply chain. The integration of AZUR will now establish 5N Plus also as a reliable and competitive supplier to the European space programs, especially due to Canada’s membership in the European Space Agency (ESA).

About 5N Plus Inc.

5N Plus is headquartered in Saint-Laurent in Montreal and operates R&D, manufacturing and commercial centres in several locations in Asia, North America and Europe, including three in Germany and one in Belgium. Founded in 2000, the company has a workforce of 578 employees worldwide and generated a turnover of over CAD 237 million in 2020. The company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:VNP). Its main market is in the USA, where it generates one third of its sales. Its largest shareholder is Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Canada’s second-largest pension insurer.

About Azur Space Solar Power GmbH

Azur was incorporated in 1964 and initially belonged to the Telefunken Group and then to the RWE Group before being sold to the Generali Group in 2006. The company has already supplied solar cells for several hundred space projects and satellites, including the Hubble Space Telescope.

On behalf of 5N Plus Inc.:

German legal advisors

Luther, Corporate/M&A: Dr Benjamin Hub (Partner), Guido Wenzel (Partner, both Lead), Dr Sonja Daniela Kellermann (Associate)

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Canadian legal advisors: Dentons