Helix, a leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance electric motors, high-voltage inverters and integrated electric drive units for applications in the mobility sector, has sold a majority ownership stake to MiddleGround Capital, an operationally-focused private equity firm that makes control investments in North American and European headquartered middle market B2B industrial and specialty distribution companies.

Helix’s founding shareholders will remain in the business following its acquisition, with the business using the new capital to increase production, invest in product development, and expand into new markets including North America. 

“For 15 years Helix has been a pioneer in the realisation of powerful, compact, efficient electric drive systems enabling our clients to achieve outstanding, often record-breaking products,” said Darren Cairns, Helix director and CEO. “We have established a proven track record, and our Scalable Core Technology has become one of the most trusted sources for high-performance electric propulsion products in the eMotorsport and hypercar markets. With the support of MiddleGround’s operational expertise and guidance, I am confident that we will have the necessary tools to continue to ramp up growth efforts and reach a wider range of clients at a greater scale.”

MiddleGround Capital has deep experience in the high-performance motorsport sector through its portfolio investments, including Xtrac, a leading global supplier of professional motorsport and specialised high-performance automotive transmission systems; New Eagle, which provides proprietary hardware and software solutions that are mission-critical for the development of control systems for a variety of applications, including autonomous and electric vehicles; and Race Winning Brands, a leading manufacturer and marketer of racing and high-performance engine components sold to the automotive and powersports markets. The investment in Helix represents the fourth transaction completed by MiddleGround’s European team since the establishment of its Amsterdam office in January 2023. 

“Our investment in Helix represents a continuation of our strategy of partnering with leading companies aligned with our Mobility Thesis, particularly given their pioneering, high-performance motor and inverter technology,” said John Stewart, MiddleGround founding partner. “The company is well-positioned to scale its product offerings and expand its addressable market, capitalising on the shift towards electric vehicles. We are very excited to lend our deep operational experience to their talented team, and to assist them in reaching their next stage of growth.”

www.ehelix.com