Maxburg backs drilling specialist Schmabo in buy-and-build energy infrastructure bet
What's the deal? Munich-based private equity firm MaxburgDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has invested in Schmallenberger BohrserviceDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → (Schmabo), a specialist in horizontal directional drilling, in a private placement announced in October 2026. Law firm Lark advised Maxburg; terms were not disclosed.
What does Schmabo do? It carries out complex rock drilling projects for general contractors, grid operators, and public-sector clients. Its services are used in energy transition infrastructure, for example where cables must be laid through challenging ground.
About the investor: Maxburg is an owner-managed firm founded in 2014 that focuses on long-term investments in mid-sized companies across the DACH region. It has capital commitments of around €1 billion and has completed more than 30 platform investments.
What's the endgame? The deal is a growth partnership rather than a disclosed funding round. Managing shareholder David Martins keeps a significant stake and continues to lead the company, while the plan is to add drilling capacity and locations and pursue acquisitions.
Why now? Germany's expanding energy and utility networks are driving demand for specialist drilling. The H2Coastlink hydrogen pipeline is using horizontal directional drilling for crossings, and the Rhein-Main-Link transmission project is prompting fresh investment in drilling equipment.
The signal: The investment fits Maxburg's broader infrastructure exposure, including its 2026 sale of power-line contractor autmatecDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → to HOCHTIEFDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →. It reads as a buy-and-build bet on a niche service tied directly to network expansion — though the undisclosed price means its valuation significance cannot be assessed.
Read more: legalcommunitygermany.com
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