Bird & Bird advises Contour Design on acquisition of Active Key business from Cherry SE

The acquisition, which is expected to close in the coming weeks pending regulatory approvals, includes the dedicated Active Key team and all associated assets. Both Cherry SE and Contour Design are committed to ensuring a seamless transition for the Active Key business, emphasising long-term potential and operational continuity.

Active Key, based in Germany, is a recognised provider of high-quality, specialised keyboards and mice designed for environments where cleanliness, durability, and reliability are critical, including medical and industrial spaces.

Contour Design is a leader in developing, designing, and marketing innovative ergonomic input devices. With this acquisition they aim to enhance its workplace health and safety solutions by integrating Active Key's hygiene-oriented technology with its ergonomic innovation, expanding its global product portfolio. Active Key will be introduced as a complementary brand within the Contour portfolio, ensuring continuity for existing customers and enriching the company’s offering.

This transaction marks the first time Bird & Bird has advised Contour Design and Polaris Private Equity in Germany. Previously, the firm had provided advice to the client in Denmark. This expansion of legal support from Denmark to Germany highlights the international collaboration and expertise of Bird & Bird in handling complex cross-border transactions. The firm's ability to navigate different legal landscapes and offer tailored advice demonstrates its commitment to supporting clients in achieving their strategic objectives across multiple jurisdictions.

Contour Design has been advised by the following Bird & Bird lawyers: partner Dr. Marc Seeger (lead), Counsel Jan Medele and associate Moritz Wargalla, LL.M. (all Corporate/M&A, Düsseldorf), partner Morten Rosenmejer (Corporate, Copenhagen), partner Dr. Miriam Ballhausen and associate Dr. Philipp Etzkorn (both Tech & Comms, Hamburg), partner Thomas Hey, Counsel Dr. Karina Bischoff and associate Valentina Lehrmann (all Employment, Düsseldorf), partner Dr. Constantin Eikel and associate Annelie Säurig (both IP, Düsseldorf), partner Christian Lindenthal, LL.M. and associate Nicole Kaldeuer, LL.M. (both Regulatory, Munich), partner Dr. Stephan Waldheim and associate Tamy Tietze (both Competition, Düsseldorf), Counsel Michael Brüggemann (Tax, Frankfurt), partner Dr. Michael Jünemann and associate Jonathan Stoldt (both Frankfurt), and associate Dr. Julian Lauer (Hamburg) (all Finance & Financial Regulation).