Change of Ownership Completed:
CSSP Acquires AKE Group
Precision tool manufacturer from Balingen with new owner and clear customer agenda – Commitment to all locations and the AKE brand – Transformation shows results – Expansion of service and continuation of internationalization
Balingen, September 1, 2026 – AKE Knebel GmbH & Co. KG has a new owner: CSSP Werkzeug Holding GmbH, based in Munich, acquired all shares as of September 1, 2026. For customers, trade partners, and suppliers, there are no changes: contacts, contracts, and conditions remain unchanged, and business operations continue regularly at all locations.
With CSSP, AKE gains a family-managed, long-term oriented owner that acquires medium-sized industrial companies to further develop them operationally. CSSP deliberately chose AKE – because of its products, market position, and the competence of its workforce.
The AKE Group employs around 500 people and is a leading manufacturer of precision tools with seven national and international companies. The majority of its self-produced products are developed and manufactured in Germany.
Restructuring Shows Results
The change of ownership was preceded by a consistently implemented restructuring program. AKE reorganized processes in central areas, refined its product portfolio, and implemented important measures to increase customer loyalty. The results are measurable: significantly improved delivery reliability – including production times shortened by 20 to 25 percent – increasing demand, higher order volumes, and a competitive cost base.
Technological advancements have also been driven forward. With the Fusion Cutter, AKE is launching a new DP jointing cutter specifically tailored to the requirements of modern production environments in the wood and furniture industry. It enables customers to achieve lower machine downtime and reduced tool costs per cut. AKE is also expanding its portfolio with new circular saw blade technologies that reduce energy costs and conserve resources. Innovative technology and high economic efficiency thus ensure reliable and competitive production for the user.
The company thus enters the new ownership structure operationally strengthened – the transaction secures the continuation of the transformation.
“AKE is a company with substance: technologically strong products, quality grown over decades, and a workforce that understands its craft. That is exactly what we are building on. We are committed to all locations of the group and to the AKE brand, and we want to continue to convince customers of our products in the future.”
Siegmund Rudigier, Managing Director of CSSP
What Customers and Trade Partners Can Expect Now
The core competencies of AKE are at the center of the joint agenda: customized circular saw blades and milling tools. Building on this, AKE is specifically expanding its service business – from maintenance to regrinding service. At the same time, AKE is continuing its internationalization and expanding sales in Europe, America, and Australia – as well as business in new product segments. The delivery promise for in-stock domestic items remains unchanged: ordered today, shipped today. In parallel, AKE is investing in digital services – from automated order entry to a new service app.
“The past months have been challenging and exciting. We have made further groundbreaking decisions, accelerated many topics, and started new projects. CSSP will continue AKE with respect for our values and invest in its future. I am convinced that AKE will remain a reliable partner for our customers.”
Alexander Knebel, former shareholder of the AKE Group
About AKE Knebel
AKE Knebel GmbH & Co. KG, based in Balingen, has been developing and manufacturing precision tools for machining since 1960. The portfolio includes customized and standardized circular saw blades and milling tools for raw wood, panel materials, plastics, insulation materials, aluminum, and metal – supplemented by a holistic maintenance and regrinding service. In 2013, AKE launched the world’s first SuperSilent circular saw blade, which received multiple awards – including the VR-InnovationsPreis Mittelstand 2014 from the Baden-Württemberg Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken, the Red Dot Design Award, and innovation awards at Ligna in Hanover. In 2024, AKE was recognized as a Top Innovator of German SMEs in the TOP 100 innovation competition. In 2025, it was honored as a “Global Market Leader Champion” by WirtschaftsWoche in the global market segment “Circular Saw Blades and Milling Tools.”
Domestically, AKE maintains locations in Balingen, Rietberg, and Prien; international companies exist in France, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Hungary. www.ake.de
About CSSP
CSSP Holding GmbH is a family-managed investment company based in Munich and Salzburg. It acquires majority stakes in medium-sized industrial, trading, and service companies in German-speaking countries and develops them operationally and long-term as an entrepreneurial owner. www.cssp-holding.com
