Paris, 27 July 2017 – LBO France announced the acquisition of a majority stake in SERAPID (“the company”). This buy-out operation is led partnering with two managers, Emeric Labesse and Guillaume Davies, as well as the historic shareholder Saïd Lounis.
SERAPID is a French company created in 1972. As the creator of the rigid chain technology, SERAPID designs and manufactures telescopic mechanical links used for the horizontal and vertical displacement of heavy loads and the rapid change of press tools. Thanks to its intrinsic advantages (clean, reliable and compact technology), the rigid chain is a real alternative to traditional mechanical and hydraulic solutions that meet the needs of various industries (automotive, nuclear, aerospace, medical and entertainment).
Building on its success, the company reached €26m of sales in 2016, of which 70% in industrial equipment and 30% in scenic and architectural.
Headquartered in Dieppe, the company already has a very strong international presence, with 59% of its revenues generated in Europe, 37% in North America and 4% in Asia. The company employs 116 employees.
In order to accelerate its development in the coming years, SERAPID has identified three major axes:
– Accelerating the international deployment of historical applications;
– Deployment of new applications in the medical, defense and lift markets for freight, trucks and cars;
– Strengthening the existing organization.
Jean-Marie Leroy, Partner at LBO France, commented: « This primary LBO, negotiated off-market in the frame of a proprietary transaction, illustrates our small cap strategy perfectly. We support French companies willing to expand abroad. »
Parties involved:
LBO France
– LBO France team : Jean-Marie Leroy, Partner Small Cap LBO France
Louis de Lummen, Investment Manager
Karine Callec, General Counsel
– Finance : EY : Jean-François Nadaud
Guilhem de Montmarin
– Legal : Jeantet : Philippe Matignon
Pascal Georges
– Strategic : LEK : Serge Hosepian
Maxime Julian
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About LBO France
As a key player in private equity with €3.6bn of capital under management, LBO France is an independent company that has been supporting French companies in their growth for more than 30 years. Its strategy is based on 4 investment approaches in non-listed assets, managed by dedicated teams: (i) Mid Cap buyout through the White Knight funds and Small Cap buyout through the Hexagone funds, (ii) Innovation-Capital through the Innovation Capital funds, (iii) Real Estate through the White Stone and Lapillus funds, (iv) Debt. LBO France is 100%-owned by its management and employs almost 60 professionals.
Press Contacts For LBO France – Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Robert Amady – +33 1 53 32 78 91 – +33 6 72 63 08 91 – robert.amady@citigate.fr Daiana Hirte – +33 1 53 32 78 90 – +33 7 60 90 89 12 – daiana.hirte@citigate.fr