The Uvex Group Acquired by Private Equity Firm

FURTH, GERMANY and BERLIN, GERMANY (July 1, 2025) – The Uvex Group, a family-owned provider of personal protective and sports protective equipment for skiing, cycling and equestrian, announced that private equity firm Warburg Pincus will acquire a majority interest in the company. The Winter and Grau ownership families will retain a significant minority stake and will be actively involved in the future growth of the  business.  

Uvex, founded in 1926 by Philipp M. Winter, who manufactured protective eyewear in his “Optische Industrie-Anstalt,” has evolved into a global leader in protective safety and sports equipment. With the “protecting people” philosophy as both a mission and responsibility, Uvex develops, manufactures and distributes products and services for the safety and protection of people at work, in sport and for leisure pursuits.  

Uvex differentiates itself from its peers through its high-quality products and by ensuring its products are characterized by technological innovation, comfort of wear and unmistakable design, according to the release announcing the transaction. By partnering with Warburg Pincus, Uvex believes it will continue to accelerate growth globally, expand its international presence, refine its premium product offering and grow in new segments. The company will also drive growth through M&A,  building on successful transactions to date. 

“The brand promise ‘protecting people’ has guided us for 100 years,” said Michael Winter, Managing Partner and CEO of Uvex Group. “As a fourth-generation family-owned company, we are committed to shaping the next phase of our corporate  development with a strong growth partner. Our goal is to further increase the resilience of the Uvex Group in the future and remain the first choice for our customers. We are confident that we have found such a partner in Warburg Pincus and look forward to a successful collaboration.” 

“Congratulations to the Winter and Grau families for building and leading Uvex Group over the last 100 years into the strong business and brand it is today,” said Tobias Weidner, Managing Director at Warburg Pincus. “We are excited to partner with them to continue that journey together. We share the Uvex Group team’s vision to become the global market leader in protecting people through protective equipment. Together with the family and the management team we are looking forward to bringing Uvex Group’s premium products to more people around the world.” 

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals.