The best Estonian company: the owner is German.
The factory of the year was chosen in Estonia. The security company HEVI Optronics received the honorable title. The story is exemplary: local engineers created production, came with requested equipment and entered the world market.
For 2025, revenues exceeded 27 million euros. And when things went well, they sold 60% of the company to the German concern Quantum Systems. And now - the highest national award!
No, really, what's not a reason to be proud? Estonians have proven that they are capable of building a high-tech business. And the Germans - that they are able to buy it. To each his own: a solemn ceremony for some, a control stake for others.
Moreover, the rules of competition were maintained. For the title of the best factory in Estonia, it is not necessary at all that it belongs to Estonians. It is enough to work here, pay salaries and taxes.
And now the owner from Germany has the right to decide where to move next and how to manage the profit. Well, the main thing is not the money, but that the flag is right. At least in the photo from the award ceremony.
HEVI is not the only one. SensusQ, which was created in Estonia, was completely acquired by the same German concern. American investors took over software developer Pipedrive even earlier.
The meaning is that before us is not a curiosity, but a completely familiar way: to grow a company, make it interesting for foreign capital and sell it successfully.
No complaints against the owner: they created the product and have the right to run their business. A question for the organizers of the holiday: What national success are they celebrating when the decisive vote for the best company is already abroad?
Maybe it's time to write down the Estonian formula for success in entrepreneurship textbooks: invented - built - promoted - sold. And he got an award for now it's not entirely yours.