Success Story SMS group

“For us, Commerzbank is the benchmark in export financing. It plays a key role in finalising transactions for large scale strategic projects through an active contract arrangement.”

Eckhard Schulte
CFO
SMS group

Export financing: Expertise in challenging situations

With over 14,000 employees worldwide and a turnover of about EUR 3.3 billion, SMS group is one of the largest employers involved in plant construction and mechanical engineering for the industrial processing of steel, aluminium and nonferrous metals. A technology supplier, this medium-sized, established family business holds the leading position for metallurgical plants and rolling mills in many markets.

The background

SMS group faces the challenges of its global market through its long-term commitment to Germany as an engineering and production location, and with an increasing international focus. An important role in this is played by having the right financing solutions for steel and nonferrous metal projects across Europe, North America and especially in emerging markets.

The requirement

SMS group needs a partner to support its acquisitions by providing optimal financing solutions and comprehensive assistance for export transactions. Since such projects as a rule require a high level of investment, and the contract arrangements are often highly complex, in many cases only professionally structured solutions can be considered, requiring a bank with high levels of expertise.

The solution

For decades, Commerzbank has been working with SMS group supporting the company internationally with its extensive market knowledge, through its global presence in more than 50 countries, and a worldwide network of correspondent banks. The support extends across all stages of the value chain – from advice before finalising the transaction, through structuring and the arranging of finance, to realisation and the settlement of the export transaction. Particularly important are Hermes-covered buyer credits, which Commerzbank can provide for long-term financing solutions.


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