An apparatus to permit transferring the retaining-and-centering unit that has been supplied to the first handling-station in a receiving direction thereof to a second handling-station includes a carrier that carrier secures a securing device to the first handling-station, a receiving unit, a drive, and a securing apparatus that cooperate to detachably secure a retaining-and-centering unit to a first-handling station. The securing apparatus detachably secures the retaining-and-centering unit to the first handling-station. The receiving unit, which is on the carrier, connects the securing apparatus to the carrier. The drive moves the receiving unit parallel to the receiving direction.