Your advisor in corporate finance
Fineurop Soditic acted as debt advisor to In&Out in the acquisition of the Pinto Group.
Founded in the 80s by the Pinto family, the group is an Italian leading player in the aluminum and PVC roller shutter industry. The group's portfolio also includes various shading solutions, with a strong emphasis on innovation in thermal and acoustic insulation, air flow management, light control, and design.
In 2023, the Pinto Group posted consolidated revenues exceeding Euro 105 million and employs around 400 people.
In&Out is part of the 21 Invest portfolio since November 2021.
This acquisition marks a crucial strategic move for In&Out, further strengthening its position as a 'one-stop-shop’ and consolidating its market leadership in the insect screens, shutters, window systems and accessories.
The transaction was supported by Banca Sella, BNL, BPER Banca, Crédit Agricole, Deutsche Bank and MPS.
Fineurop Soditic supported Vision Group in the structuring of the financing in relation to the sale of a stake to Intermediate Capital Group (ICG) in a MBO transaction.
The acquisition represents an exit for Arcadia SGR that invested in Vision Group in 2014 and for other investors.
The Group, headquartered in Milan, has over 900 employees and is focused on providing high-quality professional eyecare alongside innovative products.
Vision Group has become a leading eyecare network in Italy, boasting over 480 locations under VisionOttica and Vistasì brands and over 2,200 independent partner opticians.
Vision posted 2023 revenues of around Euro 113 million, and it is well-positioned in a market that still highly fragmented for vision correction.
ICG aims to further grow the Group, both organically and through acquisitions, strengthening Vision Group’s distinctive value proposition in professional eyecare across Italy.
ICG provided a comprehensive financing package, including both debt and equity, to support Vision’s growth plans and strategy over the years ahead, while Banco BPM provided a Super Senior Revolving and Acquisition Credit Facility.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Tikehau Capital in the acquisition of a majority stake of CEBAT S.p.A. from Oaktree Capital Management, Lp.
Headquartered in Rome, CEBAT specialises in the installation of utility networks and maintenance services which are critical for the enhancement and upgrade of electricity, water and telecommunication grids. With revenues exceeding Euro 200 million in 2023, more than 1,000 employees
and 15 operational hubs across Italy, Spain and Germany, CEBAT has completed more than 300 projects throughout its over 60 years of activity.
Tikehau Capital through its private equity decarbonisation strategy focuses on investing in companies engaged in global electrification, resource and energy efficiency, low-carbon inputs, and adaptation to climate change, with the aim of supporting players across the value chain whose products and services are critical to reducing the economy’s carbon footprint.
This transaction represents the second investment of Tikehau Capital’s second-generation flagship private equity strategy dedicated to decarbonisation. CEBAT is a perfect fit due to its critical role in expanding and modernising grid infrastructure to facilitate energy transition.
The acquisition was financed by Pemberton (Senior Secured Notes), while Intesa Sanpaolo provided a Super Senior Revolving Credit Facility.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Serioplast on the structuring of senior secured facilities.
Established in 1974 in Seriate (Bergamo, Northern Italy), Serioplast is a leading player in the rigid plastic packaging solutions for the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry in the home care & laundry, personal care, food & beverage, and pharma markets.
Serioplast is considered a strategic partner by a long-standing customer base, which includes blue-chip multinational FMCG players operating in different and resilient end markets, also thanks to its capillary presence in 16 countries with 32 plants.
Moreover, thanks to two dedicated facilities for the treatment of post-consumer plastics, the company directly manages the supply chain of recycled plastic materials, being able to offer its clients products which can include a percentage of recycled material, upon their request.
The new finance will be used for future growth through, inter alia, the development of new plants in the United States.
Eiffel Investment Group, Crédit Agricole Italia, Banco BPM Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, UniCredit, Mediocredito Centrale, Banca Ifis, Banca Popolare di Sondrio and Banca del Mezzogiorno financed the deal.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to QC Spa of wonders on the structuring of senior secured facilities.
QC is a leading group in the Italian wellness and thermal tourism industry, founded by the two brothers Andrea e Saverio Quadrio Curzio in 1998 and based in Milan.
The Group operates a chain of SPAs and wellness hotels across Italy and other countries, offering day-spa experiences including a range of wellness services such as thermal baths, saunas, steam baths and relaxation rooms.
Today, QC counts 12 elegant wellness centres and 7 wellness hotels and has become the most important and innovative business group in the Italian health and wellness tourism sector.
The financing facilities have been provided by Banco BPM, Crédit Agricole Italia, Monte dei Paschi di Siena, Banca BPER, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti and Intesa Sanpaolo.
The new funds will be used to support QC’s growth strategy via new openings in prestigious locations.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Arca Fondi S.G.R. S.p.A. and Space Capital Advisors in the acquisition of five Italian companies active in the luxury packaging sector through the holding Mosaiq Group S.p.A.
Alongside Arca Space Capital, Amundi Private Equity Italia (APEI – a mid market private equity fund underwritten by Crédit Agricole Italia Group) and BNP Paribas BNL Equity Investments co-invested.
The target companies manufacture sustainable packaging solutions addressed to leading fashion and luxury brands: Valtenna S.r.l. production of boxes and coated boxes, Bulgarelli Production S.r.l. manufacture of tags and micro-packaging, D'Auria Packaging S.p.A. production of shopping bags, Co.Ri Sacchettificio S.r.l. manufacture of fabric bags and garment covers, and Brand Label S.r.l. production of fabric labels.
With sales of around Euro 70 million and over 300 employees, Mosaiq Group provides packaging solutions to luxury brands. The Group has flexible production capacity and it is vertically integrated with plants located in the main Made in Italy districts.
The acquisition was financed by a pool of banks consisting of Banca BPER, Banco BPM, Crédit Agricole Italia, Banca Popolare di Sondrio, and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to H.I.G. Capital in the sale of its portfolio company DGS S.p.A. to ICG in partnership with DGS co-founders and management team.
Based in Rome, DGS has been active for over 25 years in the ICT services market for public and private companies. The Group specializes in providing solutions for digital transformation of business processes (including application system integration and proprietary custom applications), cybersecurity services, and IT management consultancy.
DGS serves large customers, leaders in their respective industries, ensuring high technical standards, with a staff of over 1,900 employees and expected revenues of Euro 340 million.
During H.I.G.’s ownership, DGS has tripled in size consolidating its position as a leading Italian firm in cybersecurity services and digital transformation.
The leading global alternative asset manager ICG, will support DGS for the next phase of its development.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to the shareholders of Investo Uno in the sale of a majority stake of ThermoKey to private equity firm IGI SGR S.pA.
Investo Uno is owned by Berrier Capital, led by Alberto Craici, as well as entrepreneurs Giorgio and Giuseppe Visentini and Giuseppe Patriarca.
Founded in Rivarotta (UD) in 1991, ThermoKey is active in the HVAC-R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration) sector and has been manufacturing air heat exchangers (coils and radiators) and ventilated units (Dry Cooler, Unit Cooler and Condenser) for over 30 years.
The Company employs more than 200 employees and in 2023 reported consolidated revenues of approximately Euro 60 million (+20% over 2022) and an EBITDA of more than Euro 8 million.
IGI, with the support of LGT Capital Partners and BNP Paribas BNL Equity Investments as co-investors, will support ThermoKey in strengthening its position in the conditioning sector in Europe by pushing for higher penetration in the energy & process cooling and IT cooling sectors, developing more structured commercial agreements with OEM channel as well as improving its presence in the refrigeration sector.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Excellera Advisory Group in the addition of Barabino & Partners S.r.l.
Founded by Mr. Luca Barabino in 1985, the company is the largest corporate communications firm in Italy with four offices in Milan, Rome, Treviso and Genoa and a well-established presence abroad.
The deal allows Excellera, the aggregative platform created in 2022 and supported by Xenon Private Equity to get under its umbrella the top two Italian communication firms by size and value, Barabino & Partners and Community. Over the past year Excellera was joined by both Public Affairs Advisors and Value Relations.
Excellera is expected to boast a total turnover exceeding Euro 60 million, about 300 among employees and collaborators and an EBITDA of Euro 20 million, positioning itself at the top of the industry in Italy and at the forefront in Europe.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Xenon Private Equity in the acquisition of a 60% stake of Miorelli Service S.p.A. share capital.
Founded in 1981 by Luciano Miorelli and based near Trento, the company has been operating for over 40 years in the facility management and maintenance industry for blue-chip public and private clients with a widespread presence throughout Italy.
Miorelli recorded a turnover of approximately Euro 100 million in 2023.
Xenon, together with the founding family, will further strengthen Miorelli leading positioning in Italy through organic growth, as well as through acquisitions to increase the services offered.
The acquisition was financed by a pool of banks composed of Oldenburgische Landesbank Aktiengesellschaft, Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, BNL/BNP Paribas and Muzinich.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to the shareholders of Retex in the sale of a majority stake to the Italian private equity fund FSI.
Established in 2010 and headquartered in Milan, Retex supports brands in digital transformation and innovation by integrating technology, creativity, and data.
Retex has made sustainability a core value of its development strategy, operating with the status of Benefit Company, in 2023 the company reported revenues of over Euro 100 million.
FSI is the largest country-focused Private Equity fund in Italy, leader in the technology sector. The investment in Retex is in line with the fund strategy to create a leading group in the MarTech sector, open to other companies active in the same business.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to the shareholders of Manucor in the sale of a 100% stake to the Bulgarian company Plastchim-T.
Based near Caserta, Manucor is active in the production of polypropylene films for the flexible packaging (food packaging) and labeling industry.
The company offers a complete range of specialty products to meet the needs of the market and posted a turnover of approximately Euro 150 million.
Plastchim – T is one of the main privately owned European manufacturers of biaxially oriented polypropylene films (BOPP), cast polypropylene films (CPP), and flexible packaging products, leading player in the packaging and packaging-related industry.
The acquisition of Manucor allows Plastchim-T to create Europe's largest producer of BOPP film, with an installed capacity of up to 200 kt per year.
FIneurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Xenon Private Equity in the acquisition of the 100% share capital of Solana S.p.A., from the founding shareholders.
Founded in Maccastorna (near Lodi) in 2001, Solana is a modern factory active in the tomato processing for industrial food service and clients. Its plant covers 135,000 sqm with a built area of about 22,000 sqm and it has been created greenfield to optimize the flow and production processes according to hygiene, energetic and industrial requirements and in compliance with ESG standards.
With a processing capacity around 200.000 tons of tomatoes per year, Solana posted 2023 turnover of ca. Euro 64 million mainly generated in Italy, but also in Europe and Japan.
Xenon's growth plans include new acquisitions to strengthen Solana's presence in the agri-food sector and expand its territorial and commercial reach.
The purchase was funded through a mezzanine bond underwritten by Equita private debt fund.
Additionally, acquisition financing and ancillary facilities was provided by BPER Banca, Banca Sella, Cassa Centrale Banca, BdM Banca, Iccrea Banca, Banca Centropadana, and BCC Lodi.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Fox Petroli S.p.A. in the signing of an agreement with Q8 for the sale of a 50% stake of Eco Fox S.r.l.
Eco Fox is a leading Italian player active in the biogenic fuels market, specialized in the production and trading of advanced biodiesel.
It operates through a proprietary manufacturing facility in Vasto, with a nameplate of 200,000 tons/year and a 30,000 m3 storage capacity.
Eco Fox is a company with undisputed standards of excellence that are also highlighted by the several independent certifications obtained, such as the ISCC (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification), the Italian National Certification System for the sustainability of biofuels and bioliquids, the Iso 9001:2015 for Quality, 45001:2018 for Occupational Health and Safety, and 14001:2015 for the Environment.
The transaction, subject to the approval of the Competition and Market Authority and the Golden Power regulation, allows Q8 to directly enter the sustainable liquid biofuel production chain, contributing to the decarbonisation of the transport sector.
Fineurop Soditic acted as M&A and debt advisor to DeA Capital Alternative Funds SGR which, through the Taste of Italy 2 fund, a private equity fund specialized in the agri-food sector, acquired a 55% stake of Avantea S.r.l. from the founding shareholders.
The company was founded in 2008 in Cremona by Giovanna Lazzari and Cesare Galli, two internationally renowned veterinarians with 120+ publications to their name in the field of biotechnology and a postdoctoral degree from the University of Cambridge. The company is now the world leader in assisted reproduction services for competition horses, revolutionising the industry through the introduction of ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) technology in the equine field, with benefits for both animal welfare and breeders.
In 2023, Avantea posted a turnover of approximately Euro 10 million, of which 80% generated abroad, mainly in Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Middle East.
Taste of Italy 2 will support the company in consolidating its leadership worldwide by strengthening its managerial and commercial structure, opening new laboratories and launching further innovative services.
The operation was financed by BPER Banca.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Holding Moda in the structuring of a capex acquisition line to support the acquisition of Beste and the future growth strategy.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to the Shareholders of Tecnofer S.p.A. in the sale of a 90% stake to Eurizon Capital SGR, the asset management division of Intesa Sanpaolo Group, and Ersel Asset Management SGR, a wealth management specialist, respectively through the infrastructural funds ITEᴙ and Equiter.
Tecnofer is currently owned by Executive S.p.A., a holding company headed by brothers Marco and Carlo Ascari, who will reinvest alongside the funds and will continue to be involved in the management.
Founded in 1989, Tecnofer provides value-added maintenance services to railway infrastructures. Since its establishment, the company has developed important know-how and a proprietary fleet of specialised vehicles including technologically advanced, in-house made convoys.
Over the years, this has become the standard reference on Italian railway and subway networks, for activities such as chemical and mechanical vegetation control and tunnel cleaning.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Arcadia SGR that, through its private equity fund Arcadia Sustainable Capital III acquired a 75% of KEP Italia. The two founders will retain together the remaining 25% stake.
Founded in 2007, in close proximity to Brescia, KEP is a renowned manufacturer and reference brand in the premium segment of protective riding helmets. It is known for its particular attention to safety, comfort and design, as well as for its focus on sustainability, which includes the use of recycled raw materials.
KEP reported revenues of approximately Euro 8.4 million in 2022.
Arcadia will support KEP's ambitious growth and consolidation strategy.
This acquisition represents the first investment of Arcadia Sustainable Capital III, PIR compliant fund that recently closed its initial funding round at Euro 80 million.
The investment strategy, in continuity with the track record of the previous fund, still focuses on growth and managerialization of Italian SMEs, with a particular emphasis on sustainability.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to SMI and its parent company Crippa S.p.A., an Italian manufacturer of tube-bending machinery and a portfolio company of Astraco Capital Holding, in the acquisition of CMS Costruzione Macchine Speciali S.p.A.
CMS, based near Vicenza, is focused on rolling machines, hairpin machines, and presses for the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration sectors.
Founded in 1988, CMS boasts an installed fleet of more than 3,000 machines in over 40 countries worldwide, 2 production centers, over 200 active customers and 2 subsidiaries, one of which in the USA.
In 2022, CMS recorded a turnover of Euro 25 million.
The purchase was funded through a mezzanine bond underwritten by Equita private debt fund and Alantra private debt fund.
Additionally, bank financing was provided by illimity Bank, Imprebanca, and the Merito SGR private debt fund.
The deal represents the second add-on of Astraco Capital Holding with Crippa and SMI with the aim of creating an industrial platform.
Fineurop Soditic acted as M&A advisor to the founding shareholder and CEO of Brandart in the sale of a 25% stake to the French asset management group Tikehau Capital through its ESG focused fund.
Headquartered in Busto Arsizio, Brandart is a leading provider of sustainable packaging and display solutions (retail bags, window displays, boxes, etc) supplying global high end consumer brands.
In 2022, Brandart achieved a turnover of Euro 215 million, 75% of which generated by export and an EBITDA margin of around 15%.
Brandart partners with the brands in the development, procurement and distribution processes of packaging and merchandising products, displays and window installations.
Tikehau Capital will provide Brandart with strategic support to further accelerate the growth of its core business and expansion into new markets, with the aim of developing a one-stop-shop for packaging and visual merchandising solutions, keeping sustainability and innovation at the core of its offer.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Bialetti Group in the signing of a framework agreement with the company I.L.L.A. S.p.A. for the sale of the "Aeternum" brand active in the procurement and distribution of cookware products.
The deal is part of the divestment project in the cookware business started by Bialetti in 2022.
Bialetti is leading player in Italy and among the main operators in international markets in the production and distribution of Houseware products. In particular, the Bialetti brand is focused on coffee preparation products such as traditional coffee makers, electric coffee makers and electric espresso coffee machines and it also offers a line of coffee capsules.
The divestment of the Aeternum brand will further enable the Group to focus on its strategic and business priorities: consolidating Bialetti as a relevant brand in the coffee world and sustaining a strong push to internationalize the brand.
Founded in Langhirano close to Parma in 1946, I.L.L.A. is active in the production of cookware products such as pots, pans and casseroles in aluminum with non-stick coating.
The acquisition of Aeternum is in line with ILLA's relaunch path.
The integration of the well-known and strategic brand Aeternum will enable ILLA to increase its market share.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to HWG S.r.l. in the launch of a voluntary tender offer for the shares of Sababa Security S.p.A. representing 31.363% of the share capital.
Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Milan, Sababa Security operates in the cybersecurity sector and provides an integrated and customized offer of security products and services for the protection of IT/OT networks against cyber, physical, and cyber-physical threats.
Established in Verona in 2008, HWG provides cyber security solutions in more than 20 countries worldwide, protecting the mission-critical systems of customers in high-risk sectors such as government, finance, fashion, automotive, telco, manufacturing, and oil & gas.
HWG has been controlled by Investcorp Technology Partners since last year.
The voluntary tender offer announced by HWG in January 2023, was aimed at the delisting of Sababa Secuity shares listed on Euronext Growth Milan. In May 2023, HWG completed the acquisition and consequently the Sababa shares will be delisted from the Italian Stock Exchange.
The integration of Sababa and HWG aims at creating a leading player at Italian and European level able to cover all strategic areas of cybersecurity.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Ambienta SGR in the acquisition of a majority stake in Previero N S.r.l., joining the third generation of the founding Previero family that will retain a significant stake in the business.
Founded in 1922 and based in Anzano del Parco (Como), Previero is the pioneer in the plastic mechanical recycling space, driving market innovation and delivering benchmarking quality standards. As of today, the Company is among the few players capable of offering turnkey recycling solutions covering the entire preprocessing phase (commonly named "from bale to flake") and addressing all types of feedstocks (i.e. PET, films, rubber).
With a workforce of around 110 employees, Previero focuses on R&D, engineering, and assembling/testing activities, which over the years led to a differentiated and integrated value proposition, matching the increasing need of global recyclers to identify technological partners capable of supporting them in the design and commissioning of the full recycling line.
Previero is the first platform investment from Ambienta’s most recent fund, Ambienta IV, the largest European Private Equity fund solely focused on companies that enable positive environmental change in their respective sectors.
The acquisition is in line with Ambienta strategy with positive impacts on volumes of materials recycled, CO2 emissions reduced, energy and landfill saved.
Ambienta will support Previero to become a global provider of integrated and sustainable recycling solutions.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Montefiore Investment in the acquisition of a majority stake in Exa from Alcedo SGR. The founding shareholders of Exa will reinvest in the Company alongside Montefiore.
Founded in 2005, Exa is a general contractor focused on the luxury retail and hospitality sectors which has progressively established itself in Italy and internationally as a leader in project management for luxury brands for all their real estate projects: flagship stores, hotels, offices and showrooms. With approximately 250 employees, the group has offices on three continents and supports over 100 clients worldwide, particularly in Italy, France, U.K. and U.S.A.
The deal is the first carried out by Montefiore in Italy. The fund will support Exa on a further growth strategy, particularly abroad.
The acquisition was supported by Eurazeo which provided a senior secured loan.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to DeA Capital Alternative Funds SGR in the sale of a majority stake in STALAM S.p.A. to a club deal of private investors organized by Deal Source Italia.
Founded in Vicenza in 1978, STALAM is a world leader in the development, design and manufacturing of radio frequency (RF) equipment for drying and heat treatment of raw materials, semi-finished and finished industrial products.
Over the years STALAM has diversified the fields of application of its machinery by expanding the range for the textile and technical-textile sector, then developing solutions for the food sector, where radiofrequency technology is used for the rapid thawing of meat, fish products and fruit and vegetables, for the pasteurization of liquid and solid products, both in line and after packaging, for the disinfestation and sanitization of dried fruit, grains, cereals etc. and for the control of the final degree of humidity of bakery products after cooking in traditional ovens. Moreover, thanks to continuous R&D investment, STALAM has also grown in the field of pharmacosmesis and nutriceuticals (e.g. sanitization of medicinal herbs, denaturing of animal feed).
STALAM operates through 4 plants in Italy and China, employs 120 people and has a network of over 70 agents and distributors and 19 assistance centers worldwide. In 2022, the STALAM group achieved a consolidated turnover of around Euro 23 million.
STALAM was acquired by Dea Capital Alternative Funds in 2016 through a management buyout and was the last holding in the portfolio of the IdeA Efficienza Energetica e Sviluppo Sostenibile fund.
Deal Source will support STALAM in a further phase of expansion, supporting its development and growth also through acquisitions.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Chequers Capital in the sale of Giovanni Bozzetto S.p.A. to Aimia Inc. for around Euro 227 million (EV).
Paladin Private Equity LLC, global private equity firm based in the US and Germany, will act as Aimia’s partner on the transaction.
The Bozzetto executive management team will reinvest to hold a minority position of up to 6%.
Founded in 1919 and headquartered near Bergamo, Bozzetto is a leading ESG-focused provider of specialty chemicals, manufacturing over 2,000 proprietary chemicals to service its core textile, water solutions, and dispersion end markets.
Bozzetto has built a strong reputation as a pioneer of developing ESG-focused solutions, including the benefits of a circular economy, and reduction in water, energy, and hazardous chemicals.
Bozzetto operates 6 manufacturing facilities, servicing over 1,500 customers in more than 90 countries and it achieved 2022 revenue of approximately Euro 225 million with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 14.5%.
Aimia Inc. (TSX: AIM), a Canadian-based holding company focused on long-term global investments, will support Bozzetto to substantially expand into the Americas and Asia organically and through accretive acquisitions, further diversifying the Company’s historically European presence.
Transaction closing, subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions, is expected to occur before the end of the second quarter of 2023.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to VAM Investments in the acquisition of a majority stake in ConformGest S.p.A.
VAM Investments will invest alongside the entrepreneurs who founded ConformGest and will maintain a leading role.
FIDIM of the Rovati family and BNP Paribas BNL Equity Investments will also invest in the VAM vehicle.
Established in Biella in 2008, is a full-service provider specializing in mechanical breakdown warranty solutions in the second-hand vehicle industry. It provides to independent professional sellers a complete range of mechanical failure warranty programs for any type of second-hand vehicles, including cars, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles.
In 2021, the Company issued approximately 110,000 warranties.
ConformGest's customer base consists of over 3,000 professional car sellers with approximately 500 new dealers per year. ConformGest operates in Italy, Spain and employs around 100 people.
VAM Investments will support and accelerate the Company's growth even at an international level.
The transaction has been supported by a pool of banks including Crédit Agricole Italia, Banca Sella and Banca IFIS.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Growth Club Capital and the founder of Gruppo Arturai in the sale of a majority stake in the Company to BV TECH S.p.A.
The Arturai founder and managing director will retain the remaining stake.
Arturai is a highly specialized multi-cloud security and web performance solution provider.
It is a leading player in global Cloud security, Enterprise Security and Web performance services based on the Akamai platform, a leading content delivery network (CDN) services provider for media and software delivery, and cloud security solutions.
Arturai is present in Italy, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the UK, supplying services on a global scale to primary international clients operating in Europe, America and Asia. Arturai has obtained important international awards over the years for the reliability and high quality of the services offered.
Founded by Mr. Raffaele Boccardo in 2005, the BV TECH Group is one of the main players in the Italian ICT and Cybersecurity market. This acquisition allows the BV TECH Group to achieve 2023 sales of Euro 160 million with an expected EBITDA margin of more than 22%.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Ardian in the acquisition of a majority stake (around 60%) of Assist Digital from Progressio SGR and the management team that will reinvest alongside Ardian, maintaining a stake of approximately 40%.
Assist Digital is a fast growing international provider of end-to-end customer experience services and a leading player in digital services and CRM technology with a network of 20 offices located across Europe including Italy, France, Germany, UK , Spain and the Netherlands.
Assist Digital is a pan-European company with a distinctive positioning that allows it to compete on a global scale by offering a suite of innovative and customer-centric end-to-end technology solutions and services.
In 2022 it achieved a turnover of more than Euro 165 million (+30% in 2021) and expects to reach approximately Euro 200 million, in 2023.
Ardian will support Assist Digital in accelerating the international growth process. The partnership will allow Assist Digital to benefit from a large network of contacts, to grow through acquisitions and to invest in innovation and technology.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to SABO S.p.A. in the acquisition of the TAA derivatives business and the production sites located in Marl, Germany and Liaoyang, China from Germany’s Evonik Industries AG.
SABO is a leading global manufacturer of polymer additives, cosmetic ingredients, and specialty chemicals for industrial applications.
The acquisition, executed also through the newco SABO GmbH based in Marl, provides SABO with full integration over the entire production chain of HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers), strengthening its capabilities and consolidating its global leadership position in this strategic industry sector.
TAA and TAA derivatives are critical components in the manufacture of HALS. These additives protect and stabilize plastics and other substrates against photodegradation and enable their use outdoor. They cover a wide range of applications, such as automotive components, agricultural films, building materials and consumer goods.
The deal will add 250 employees and new cutting-edge technologies, proprietary processes, and integration of production assets in Germany, China and Italy, enabling SABO to consolidate its manufacturing position in the market.
The acquisition will provide SABO with an additional push to pursue its sustainable growth objectives.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to the Japanese group Daikin in the acquisition of the technical service company Landi S.p.A.
Established in 1976, Landi specialises in the engineering and management of large size electrical, mechanical and HVAC systems. In recent years, the company has expanded its activities into building automation.
The acquisition marks a further step in Daikin Europe’s plans to develop its service and solution proposition in the HVAC market. In particular, it aims to channel expertise and technologies into business offerings that provide maintenance and turnkey solutions.
The acquisition will extend Daikin Air Conditioning Italy’s capabilities in systems engineering and project management, in particular for large commercial and industrial projects, allowing the Group to offer total building solutions.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Gruppo Florence S.p.A., a portfolio company of VAM Investments S.p.A., Fondo Italiano d'Investimento SGR S.p.A. e Italmobiliare S.p.A. in the financing of the acquisition of a majority stake in Novarese, Ideal Blue Manifatture and Taccetti S.r.l.
Furthermore, the deal includes the implementation of an ancillary facility meant to support the Group’s future acquisitions strategy.
Founded by the Gismondi family near Macerata in 1946, Novarese produces informal footwear for the most important luxury fashion houses. The company, which today employs around 220 people, is deeply focused on its sustainable growth.
Ideal Blue Manifatture, created by the Moretti family in 1976 in the Marche region, is a modern and ethical textile manufacturer focused on the processing of denim garments for the international luxury industry.
Founded in 1954, Taccetti is a Tuscany-based formal women luxury footwear. It collaborates with domestic and international luxury brands employing around 270 people.
Florence is the first Italian “one-stop-shop” platform of the Italian textile supply chain, led by VAM Investments, Fondo Italiano d'Investimento, Italmobiliare and 40% owned by the Group's entrepreneurial families who have joined the platform.
Founded in October 2020, Florence has aggregated 22 companies that supply high-quality, Made in Italy products to major luxury fashion brands and it reached a total turnover of approximately Euro 500 million and employs around 2,200 people that operates across 12 Italian regions and cooperate with over 50 international brands.
The transaction was supported by BNL, Unicredit, Banco BPM, Crédit Agricole, BPER Banca, CdP, Société Générale and Banca Ifis.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive M&A and financial advisor to Czechoslovak Group (CSG) in the acquisition of a 70% stake in Fiocchi Munizioni in partnership with the Fiocchi family and Charme Capital Partners, that will maintain the remaining 30% stake.
Founded in Lecco in 1876, Fiocchi Munizioni designs, manufactures and sells premium and super-premium small caliber ammunition for shooting sports, hunting and law enforcement, under the iconic Fiocchi, Baschieri & Pellagri and Lyalvale global brands.
It is expected to record consolidated revenues exceeding Euro 380 million in 2022 and employs more than 1,300 people worldwide.
The Prague-based CSG, owned and led by Michal Strnad, is one of the most relevant Czech Republic diversified industrial groups, active in aerospace, defense, automotive, railways and business projects strategic areas.
The deal represents the largest foreign investment in the history of the Czech defense industry.
CSG will support Fiocchi Munizioni’s growth over the next years, with a further international development supported by new investments in all the current factories.
The transaction was supported by Unicredit (also in the role of agent bank), BNL, Banco BPM, BPER Banca, Crédit Agricole and Komerční Banka.
Fineurop Soditic advised Impresoft Group in the acquisition of Hiteco, an Italian leading SAP Gold Partner focused on digitization process.
Active since 1987 with its own ERP, Hiteco is an important player in the IT sector, with operating offices in Italy and abroad, with a network of qualified professionals and a consolidated partnerships. It offers companies and public bodies highly innovative solutions and tools, capable of capitalizing on their information and generating value in each of its sectors.
Impresoft Group, established in 2019 and headquartered in Milan, is focused on the development of enterprise management software. In 2021 it posted consolidated sales of Euro 90 million, with over 3,500 customers in Italy.
The acquisition enables the Group, backed by Clessidra Private Equity, to strengthen the ERP offer in the SAP area for mid-sized companies and public administration and to expand in central Italy where Hiteco is already well positioned.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Zanzar, controlled by 21 Invest, in the acquisition of a majority stake in Palagina from the founding family.
Established by the Francalanci family near Florence in 1981, Palagina is active in the production of mosquito nets and solar blinds, both for indoor and outdoor. It has a wide distribution network and a premium positioning, mainly in Central and Northern Italy.
Palagina employs around 250 people and posted sales of Euro 28.5 million.
This acquisition allows 21 Invest, that invested in Zanzar in November 2021, to consolidate the sector and create an industrial pole with a turnover of about Euro 130 million.
The transaction was supported by Crédit Agricole, BPER Banca and Deutsche Bank.
Fineurop Soditic assisted the global private equity investment firm H.I.G. Capital in the acquisition of a majority stake in Onis Visa S.p.A., in partnership with the founding family.
Established near Treviso in 1960, Onis Visa is a primary European player in the design, assembly and sale of generator sets and motor pumps and is recognized for its cutting-edge technical and engineering skills. It is known for its advanced technical and engineering capabilities.
The Group is present in over 100 countries wide a complete range of generators and motor pumps for numerous target markets, including industrial, construction, healthcare, agriculture, datacenter, telecommunications and large-scale distribution. It posted 2021 sales of Euro 115 million, growing in 2022.
The investment by H.I.G. will allow an expansion of the commercial strategy to further expand the Group presence in international markets, while maintaining solid territorial roots, as well as the acquisition of companies with synergistic businesses.
The deal was supported, in the role of MLA, by Crédit Agricole FriulAdria (also in the role of Agent Bank), Deutsche Bank, MPS and BPER. The Equita Private Debt Fund II provided subordinated financing.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to the shareholders of Agile Lab on the sale of a majority stake (70%) to Poste Italiane S.p.A.
Founded in 2014, Agile Lab is a specialized software factory in Data Engineering that offers data platform enabling services as well as business vertical solutions mixing business specific and deep technology know-how.
It optimizes data intensive business processes, offering innovative solutions to enhance customers’ data and making the managing structure more efficient.
The acquisition of Agile Lab enables Poste Italiane Group to obtain distinctive elements in the modern data industry and to strengthen its ability to build "data-driven" activities for the market.
Fineurop Soditic advised MinervaHub on the structuring of the financing for the acquisition of a majority stake in Jato 1991 from the founder, as well as of the existing indebtedness refinancing.
Founded in 1991, Jato designs embroidery and clothing for major luxury brands for pret-à-porter and Haute Couture, through its own chain of creativity and production.
Jato also produces and owns a historical archive of clothes with over 12 thousand creations, which represents a unicum in the market. With headquarters in Italy (near Bologna) and India, Jato posted sales of around Euro 7 million.
MinervaHub has also acquired Gruppo Meccaniche Luciani.
Established in the Marche district in 1969, it is focused on the design and production of molds, socket punches and technical tools for footwear and leather goods.
Established in March 2022, MinervaHub is a group that includes Italian manufacturing companies focused on creativity, know how, fashion and luxury at the service of the most prestigious brands. The aggregation intends to create a real all-Italian brand dedicated to high-end service.
The Companies that have already joined the MinervaHub Group are Koverlux, Quake, Zuma, Sp Plast Creating, Galvanica Formelli and Zeta Catene.
The financing facilities have been provided by Crédit Agricole Italia, Intesa Sanpaolo, Banco BPM, Banca Ifis, Unicredit and Illimity.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Siav S.p.A. on the IPO process on the Euronext Growth Milan segment of Borsa Italiana.
Siav has started trading on Thursday 4th August.
Founded in 1990 in Rubano (PD), Siav is a leading software house active in the Enterprise Content Management (ECM) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). Since 2021 it has assumed the status of a Benefit Company.
The Company is at the top of an international group with headquarters in Padua and branches in Milan, Genoa, Bologna, Rome, Switzerland and Romania.
Siav has over 4,000 clients in the public and private market and generated a pro-forma consolidated turnover of around Euro 40 million, in 2021.
Fresh funds collected will support organic international growth as well as Siav’s M&A strategy.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to the shareholders of Ennova S.p.A. in the sale of a 78.56% stake to TXT e-solutions S.p.A.
Ennova, born as a startup in the I3P incubator of the Polytechnic of Turin in 2010, is one of the main Italian providers of digital transformation solutions. It is focused on supporting the digitalization of processes and products of large customers and SMEs in key and fast-changing sectors.
Ennova specializes on complete process management, through the development of proprietary platform and solutions for the digitalization of business processes and posted 2021 turnover of Euro 61 million with an adjusted EBITDA of Euro 5.3 million.
The acquisition allows Ennova to accelerate its growth path by exploiting the expertise of TXT, listed on the Milan Stock Exchange and focused on software solutions, consultancy and digital services addressed to multiple industries among which the aerospace, aeronautics, defense, industrial, government and Fintech sectors.
Fineurop Soditic advised Gruppo Florence S.p.A. on the structuring of the financing for the acquisition of a majority stake in Facopel Produzione S.r.l. and Luciano Barbetta S.r.l. from the founding families, as well as of the exhisting indebtedness refinancing.
Founded in 1908 near Pistoia, Facopel manufactures hats for over 40 important Italian and international luxury brands thanks to its 54 employees who mainly deal with the creative and pattern-making part.
Gruppo Barbetta, founded in 1973 in Nardò (Lecce) is specialized in the design and production of jersey products, ranging from highly manufactured dresses to highly technical outerwear.
Florence is the first Italian “one-stop-shop” platform of the Italian textile supply chain, led by VAM Investments, Fondo Italiano d'Investimento, Italmobiliare and the Group's entrepreneurial families.
Founded in October 2020, Florence has aggregated 14 companies that supply high-quality, Made in Italy products to major luxury fashion brands and it reached a total turnover of approximately Euro 300 million.
The Group aims to grow and complete its offering through the acquisition of further Italian companies to consolidate Made in Italy manufacturers into a single platform.
The Companies that have joined the Florence Group are Facopel, Gruppo Barbetta, Confezioni CAM, Confezioni Elledue, Frediani, Parmamoda, Pigolotti, Giuntini, Ciemmeci, Mely's, Manifatture Cesari, Emmegi, Antica Valserchio and Metaphor.
The financing facilities, amounting to a total of Euro 226 million, have been provided by BNL, Unicredit, Intesa Sanpaolo, BPER Banca, Crédit Agricole Italia, Banco BPM and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to DGS S.p.A., a portfolio company of H.I.G. Europe, in the acquisition of Tow 80 S.r.l. from Beta 80 S.p.A.
Tow 80, based in Milan, is the first Italian system integrator exclusively dedicated to ServiceNow platform.
The Company provides consulting, implementation, support and training services on the "Now Platform" to medium and large customers in various sectors, accompanying them towards workflow digitalization as part of a broader digital transformation process.
Tow 80 has over 250 certifications and about 100 active projects in Italy.
DGS is one of the primary operators in Italian business Information Technology, specialising in digital transformation of business processes and in cybersecurity services.
The acquisition represents the fourth add-on completed by DGS since it was acquired by H.I.G. Europe in September 2020, after Lumit, Sarce and SMC.
The investment will allow DGS to enter the fast-growing market of ServiceNow, the cloud platform dedicated to the management of all phases of the workflow digitalization and digital transformation.
It will also enable DGS to strengthen the group’s positioning on north Italian-based private customers and to benefit from the ServiceNow significant cross-selling opportunities with DGS customers.
Fineurop Soditic assisted as financial advisor the Arcadia Small Cap II fund, managed by Arcadia Private Equity SGR in the acquisition of a 60% of Kfl Est S.r.l and Cbs Est S.r.l.
Both companies are active in the Hvacr sector which includes industrial air conditioning and heating.
Established in 1993 and located in Gorizia, Kfl is active in the engineering, manufacturing and distribution of customized heat exchangers primarily addressed to the refrigeration and conditioning markets.
CBS EST S.r.l., headquartered in the province of Udine, is specialized in the production of customised products (e.g. shaped connecting pipes, manifolds and distributors, transforming copper, stainless steel, aluminium and brass) for the air conditioning, refrigeration and heating industry (including data centres and heat pumps).
Arcadia will support the growth path of the companies within a market that offers significant development opportunities.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to the shareholders of Assist Digital, a Progressio SGR portfolio company, in the acquisition of a majority stake in The Valley.
Headquartered in the Netherlands, The Valley is a leading digital marketing company that offers creative design and marketing automation solutions to international brands such as Nike, Dunlop, Daikin International andTommy Hilfiger.
The Valley posted revenues of Euro 10 million and an EBITDA margin of over 20%.
The acquisition allows Assist Digital, company focused on customer experience and CRM solutions, to reinforce its capabilities and to consolidate its position at European level and in particular in the Benelux countries, a strategic area for the Acquirer. The deal is in line with the international expansion strategy launched in 2019 with the aim of creating a leading platform in Europe in end-to-end digital services.
The transaction represents the fifth acquisition of Assist Digital which invested in the German-based Comselect, in 2022.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to the shareholders of Cryptonet Labs S.r.l. in the sale of 75% of the share capital to DIGITAL360 S.p.A., a company listed on the Euronext Growth Milan, for around Euro 10 million.
Cryptonet is focused on the creation of active and passive systems for Cybersecurity, with an offer that includes services, consulting and technological platforms for the monitoring and defense of corporate data and information.
Founded in 2017, Cryptonet is a young firm in a phase of strong growth, which has been collaborating for some time with the acquirer, having a complementary offer to the Cybersecurity services already provided by DIGITAL360 through the 100% controlled company Parter4Innovation (P4I).
This acquisition enables DIGITAL360 to create a service hub focused on cybersecurity, with an expected 2022 total turnover in this sector of Euro 5.5 million and a growth of over 25% compared to 2021.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to DGS S.p.A., a portfolio company of H.I.G. Capital, in the acquisition of SMC Treviso S.r.l., an Italian leading player in system integration and application development services for digital transformation.
Based in Turin, SMC has been operating for over 40 years distinguishing itself for its skills, mainly in the industrial sector. The Company is Platinum Partner of Liferay, the most advanced Open Source platform for the creation of business portals for large organizations.
SMC boasts a strong positioning in northern and central Italy and a rich customer portfolio that ranges from industry to public administration, from banks to insurance companies. SMC is the founder of RIOS (ReteItaliana Open Source), a reference point for Open Source platforms with the support and guarantee of enterprise-level solutions.
The acquisition of SMC represents the third add-on completed by DGS after the entrance of H.I.G. into the share capital, which took place in September 2020. DGS has previously invested in: LumIT, a specialist in cybersecurity and Sarce, a leader in digital transformation.
The investment will allow DGS to expand into the fast growing market of Open Source platforms for creating digital experiences.
The deal was financed by Banca Intesa, BancoBPM, Deutsche Bank, Credit Agricole Italia and Muzinich & Co.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to NB Renaissance, the private equity arm of Neuberger Berman in Italy, on their acquisition of Arbo from the existing shareholders Narval Investimenti (Ersel), Bravo Capital Partners and SIP S.r.l.
Based in Fano, Arbo is an Italian leading distributor of spare parts for boilers, components for hydrothermal systems and A/C systems, with operations in Spain and UK.
Arbo posted 2021 sales of approximately Euro 80 million and employs approximately 270 people. It has a distribution network made up of 44 proprietary stores, e-commerce and call centers, with a multi-channel approach that guarantees customers full flexibility in terms of products order and delivery.
NB Renaissance will support Arbo in the development of logistic and technological know-how. It aims to consolidate Arbo's leadership in the Italian market and accelerate its international growth.
The deal was financed by Credit Agricole Italia, Deutsche Bank, BPER Banca Corporate & Investment Banking, Banca Intesa and BancoBPM. The transaction was also supported by Eurazeo as a mezzanine PIK bond provider.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Space Capital Club, a private capital investment platform promoted by Space Holding S.r.l., in the acquisition of a 40% stake in Bruno Generators Group S.p.A.
Headquartered in the outskirts of Milan, Bruno Generators Group is one of the leading international players in the design, production, distribution and rental of premium range power generators and light towers for medium-high power.
In 2022 the Group expects a turnover of over Euro 120 million (over 60% of which generated abroad) and an EBITDA margin of approximately 25%.
The Group generators are used in various sectors such as: energy, oil and gas, telecommunications and data centers, shipbuilding, infrastructure, defense and civil protection (United Nations, NATO), events organization (e.g. Tokyo Olympics 2020, Hollywood studios, Monte Carlo GP).
The Group, operates 4 plants in Italy (Piacenza, Grottaminarda, Bari and Milan), has a direct commercial presence in the UK, USA and Germany and boasts a consolidated international presence in more than 70 countries with a large and heterogeneous customer base in diversified reference markets.
In September 2021, Bruno Generators purchased FTG Equipment Inc., its distributor in the USA, which will represent the basis for future growth in the American market.
Space Capital Club will support the international development of the Group (with particular attention to the North American and Australian markets) and will drive Bruno Generators to listing on the stock exchange, over the next 3-5 years.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor in the sale of a 100% stake of Poliambulatorio Chirurgico Modenese to Lifenet Heathcare, a group mainly active in the management of hospitals and outpatient centers.
Poliambulatorio Chirurgico Modenese is a health company based in Modena, active since 1995. It is a leading provider of a wide range of specialist skills for diagnostics, day surgery, therapies and treatments for numerous pathologies, as well as specific programs of monitoring and prevention.
In particular, Poliambulatorio Chirurgico Modenese boasts a leadership position in the ophthalmology area and it is a point of reference for Central-Northern Italy for ophthalmology and for a series of other disciplines, thanks to high professional skilled doctors, the state-of-the-art technological equipment and its efficient organization.
Poliambulatorio Chirurgico Modenese collaborates with about 250 doctors who work in two operating structures located in the city of Modena, and generated 2021 turnover exceeding Euro 15 million.
As part of the transaction, Lifenet Healthcare also acquired 100% of Modena Sanità S.r.l., a real estate company owner of the properties in which the Poliambulatorio Chirurgico Modenese operates.
By becoming part of a network of highly specialized healthcare facilities, Poliambulatorio Chirurgico Modenese will benefit from synergies useful for health and care and will be able to grow faster.
Lifenet Healthcare Group already operates in Emilia Romagna through Piccole Figlie Hospital in Parma and Lazzaro Spallanzani Medical Center in Reggio Emilia.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to the international private equity firm BU (Bregal Unternehmerkapital) in the acquisition of a majority stake in Italgel S.r.l. from Italgelatine S.p.A.
Founded in 1968 by the Vezza family, Italgel is a leading manufacturer of gelatin and collagen for a wide range of applications for the food, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.
With a strong international vocation, the Company can count on a diversified network of primary customers and global distributors, consolidated relationships with European suppliers thanks to which it ensures total traceability and top raw materials quality, as well as a high degree of customization of the product.
Over the years, Italgel has grown to become a global player by diversifying its product and customer portfolio and created one of the most automated and efficient factories in the world.
The operation was carried out in collaboration with the founding family.
The transaction is the second deal carried out by BU in Italy, aimed at consolidating Italgel's positioning on the global market through an expansion plan to strengthen its leadership in the food, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors, also through add-ons.
The deal was financed by Banco BPM as sole underwriter.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Trillium Flow Technologies in the acquisition of Termomeccanica Pompe from the NB Renaissance-backed Termomeccanica S.p.A.
Termomeccanica Pompe is a world-leading pump manufacturer providing innovative engineered pumps and global service solutions for Power, Desalination, Water Transmission, and Oil & Gas markets. In addition, Termomeccanica Pompe has robust after-sales service capabilities that offer end-users reliable, efficient, responsive, and all-encompassing rotating equipment assistance.
Sponsored by First Reserve, Trillium Flow Technologies is a UK-based designer, manufacturer, and aftermarket services provider of engineered valves and pumps. Its brand portfolio serves customers in water and wastewater, power generation, oil and gas, and mining.
The deal will bring the Termomeccanica Pompe, Gabbioneta Pumps, and Begemann brands together under the Trillium umbrella in Italy, providing customers with an extensive range of complementary pump products, related engineering support, and aftermarket services. The joint entity will be best positioned to support its local and international customers in a more comprehensive and effective way.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to the Luxembourg-based investment group HLD in the acquisition, together with Azimut Libera Impresa SGR (ALI), of 80% stake in C.B.G. Acciai from Xenon Private Equity VII fund and the Filippini Fantoni family which reinvested with a minority stake.
C.B.G. Acciai, founded near Varese in 1966, is a leading player in the processing, transformation and trade of steel blades for printing flexible packaging, wood, meat, stone. It has recently entered the waste recycling sector.
C.B.G. Acciai operates 9 highly automated production plants and distributes globally with an export share of approximately 70%.
The Group has developed over the years thanks to a solid organic growth and a build up strategy.
In 2021, it recorded a pro-forma turnover of Euro 50 million with an EBITDA of approximately Euro 15 million.
The deal aims to support C.B.G. Acciai in its growth path at a domestic and international level through the acquisition of further excellent target companies.
ALI and HLD will boost the consolidation process of C.B.G. Acciai in the high precision blades sector and will enhance its growth strategy both internally and through acquisitions in Italy and abroad.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to SEC Newgate in the acquisition of a significant stake in Global Strategy Group (GSG), recently named “Public Affairs Agency of the year”.
Founded in 1995, GSG is a full-service research, public affairs, and communications agency, with strong relationships throughout the media, politics, and policy landscapes.
It employs more than 150 people in its 6 offices across the United States and posted 2021 sales of USD 54 million with a 50% yoy growth.
Joining SEC Newgate’s network of companies, located across continental Europe, the UK, Asia, Australia and Dubai, enables GSG the geographical reach and resources to expand its business outside the US.
Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Milan, SEC provides on a global scale data-driven, integrated services across communications, advocacy and research to corporates and institutions. It employs approximately 700 people across 5 continents, serving a large and diversified customer base, with multiple blue-chip global clients. SEC is ranked among the top 30 public relations firms globally.
The agreement follows SEC Newgate's "Transformational project" with the entry of the pan-European private equity fund Three Hills Capital Partners (THCP) entered as a minority shareholder in recent months.
THCP will support the Group's geographic and business expansion starting from the USA, where GSG will be the flagship agency of the SEC Newgate group.
The deal gives SEC Newgate a significant presence in the U.S. and allows the Group to exploit further international business opportunities in the U.S.A.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Massimo Fubini, Elisa Martelli and P101 current shareholders of Contactlab S.p.A. in the sale of 100% stake in the Company to Growens S.p.A.
Contactlab is a primary player in Italy in cloud marketing services that owns a proprietary digital marketing platform based on Engagement Intelligence and serves approxiatmey 330 enterprise clients in various industries, among which Eataly, Scalo Milano, Christian Dior Couture, Patrizia Pepe, San Pellegrino, Stroili, Peuterey, Dsquared2, AIRC.
The client base, 85% of which is concentrated in Italy, is highly complementary with that of MailUp, which in turn is focused on the SMB (small-medium business) segment.
The Tech Division activity will be combined and coordinated with the MailUp business unit, while the digital services agency (Agency Division), specializing in customer engagement will form a new Group unit.
The latter will aggregate the professional services offer related to the whole Group customer engagement on various proprietary and non-proprietary platforms, as well as serving certain BEE internal activities currently appointed to foreign partners.
The investment allows Growens, a company admitted to trading on Euronext Growth Milan, to consolidate its leadership in the cloud marketing technologies field in Italy.
The acquisition is consistent with the Group’s development and consolidation strategy, in line with external growth drivers to diversify and increase the product offer.
The deal is expected to be completed by May 2022.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Sharon Laboratories Ltd in the acquisition of B&C Cosmetic Ingredients and Research & Innovation Units.
The Israel-based Sharon Laboratories, a leading global innovator and manufacturer of preservative solutions for cosmetics and personal care markets, will acquire the cosmetic ingredients unit of Gorla Minore, Italy-based B&C S.p.A., as well as the company’s research and innovation unit, CR&D.
Founded in 2007, B&C produces a unique line of bio-active ingredients that bring added value to cosmetic brands and consumers, with a strong focus on skin benefits and wellness.
The Company develops natural and sustainable ingredients, offering excipients and green phytoactive substances, such as delivery systems, emulsifiers and emollients. CR&D is a subsidiary of B&C, and it serves as the company’s dedicated research and development arm. It is responsible for the organization’s innovation and technology development.
The closing for the acquisition is subject to the completion of certain conditions and is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2022. Following completion of the acquisition, B&C’s cosmetic unit and its CR&D research subsidiary will be integrated into Sharon Laboratories’ business.
This acquisition, which follows Sharon Laboratories’ announcement of the Res Pharma Industriale acquisition, will allow the Company to expand its cosmetic ingredients portfolio and enhance its focus on green, natural and sustainable technology.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor in Three Hills Capital Partners investment of approximately Euro 50 million in SEC Newgate, a world leader in strategic communication.
The pan-European private equity fund THCP will finance SEC’s take-private from the London AIM and will boost SEC’s next phase of growth. The capital provided by THCS III will be used primarily to continue the rollout of SEC’s active M&A programme, aiming to further strengthen its international positioning in the U.S.A., the Far East and Latin America.
Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Milan, SEC provides on a global scale data-driven, integrated services across communications, advocacy and research to corporates and institutions. It employs over 600 people across 38 offices in 15 countries, serving a large and diversified customer base, with multiple blue-chip global clients. SEC is ranked among the top 30 public relations firms globally.
The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2022.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Sec Newgate, leading global strategic communications group, managed by Mr. Fiorenzo Tagliabue.
Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Milan, SEC provides on a global scale data-driven, integrated services across communications, advocacy and research to corporates and institutions. It employs over 600 people across 38 offices in 15 countries, serving a large and diversified customer base, with multiple blue-chip global clients. SEC is ranked among the top 30 public relations firms globally.
The Company has announced the taking-private from the London AIM, which will take place through a share buy back.
The announcement is part of a broader strategy that includes an agreement with a leading private equity fund that will support its international growth.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to A&M Capital Europe (AMCE), a dedicated European middle-market investment fund associated with Alvarez and Marsal, in the acquisition of a majority stake in Carton Pack from 21 Invest.
Founded in 1970 by the Leone family and headquartered near Bari, Carton Pack is today a leading Italian group in the development, production and marketing of multi-material packaging for the food sector, with particular focus on the fruit and vegetable and ready-to-eat segments.
Carton Pack has developed over the years a relevant international presence and has expanded its product portfolio towards innovative and sustainable materials such as recycled PET, paper, cardboard and paper pulp.
It employs approximately 400 people, manages 3 production sites and 15 distribution centers between Italy and Spain, serving over 1,300 customers in 40 international markets through an innovative and multi-material approach.
The partnership with AMCE will allow Carton Pack to consolidate its leadership in the European market, expanding its product portfolio, international presence and reference markets.
The deal is subject to the usual government approvals.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Project Informatica, an Italian IT company controlled since July 2020 by HIG Europe, the European branch of the UK-based private equity firm HIG Capital.
Project Informatica acquired:
- Total control of Converge, active in the Italian information technology and system integration market and provider of hardware and software mainly to customers belonging to the public sector.
- a controlling stake in Sinthera, a leading system integrator focused on cloud software systems and in assisting organizations and companies in the digital transformation;
- a majority stake in Extraordy, a Milan-based company that supports the Red Hat open source technology and solutions for corporate hybrid cloud management.
Based in Stezzano (Bergamo), Project Informatica has been active for over 30 years as a system integrator and offering ICT infrastructure solutions and IT consulting services to SMEs.
Founded in 1990, it has grown significantly in recent years, becoming today the reference technological partner for private and public companies. The company's offering ranges from hardware and software solutions to related IT services, provided to customers operating in a number of sectors, including banking and finance, industrial production and business services.
The acquisitions are in line with Project Informatica's growth strategy aiming to become a reference player in the IT sector in Italy.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Imprima S.p.A.
Imprima is the holding company of a Group of textile converters focused on printing and finishing fabrics for the main apparel retailers and fashion brands
Created by Wise Equity SGR in 2016, Imprima includes a group of companies with decades of history in the textile culture.
Wise sponsored a consolidation of this industry to make Imprima among the main global commercial partners in the textile sector, also in terms of creativity, innovation and sustainability.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Vision Group in the acquisition of the VistaSì chain in Italy, including the brand and all the 99 stores, and 75 GrandVision stores in the country, from EssilorLuxottica and GrandVision.
This follows the commitments agreed upon with the European Commission on 23 March 2021, as part of the acquisition of GrandVision by EssilorLuxottica.
GrandVision is a global leader in optical retailing, delivering high quality and affordable eye care such as frames, lenses and contact lenses, distributes through leading optical retail banners operating in more than 40 countries across Europe, the Americas, Middle East and Asia.
Vision Group manages over 300 directly operated and franchised stores across Italy through its national VisionOttica banner and it is one of the largest retail network in the Italian optical market and a retail player under the VisionOttica banner.
The acquisition is in line with the Vision Group strategic development. Since 2014, the Group has been supported by Arcadia SGR, which invested to accelerate the Group’s expansion both organically and through acquisitions.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Sharon Laboratories Ltd in the acquisition of specialty ingredients producer Res Pharma Industriale (RPI).
Established in 2004, RPI is a chemical company specialized in research, innovation and the production of personal care ingredients. RPI has a global customer base for green functional ingredients, such as texturizers, emulsifiers, surfactants and solubilizers – as well as smart solutions for specific segments such as wet wipes. These ingredients are used in virtually every segment of the personal care industry, including cosmetics, haircare, skincare, sun care and more.
A green philosophy drives each innovation choice and strategy regarding both product development (Ecocert, Cosmos, Natrue approved products) and a commitment to sustainability (RSPO Member).
Established in 1977 and headquartered in Ashdod (Israel), Sharon Laboratories is a leading global innovator and manufacturer of preservative solutions for cosmetics and personal care markets.
Sharon Laboratories employs more than 100 people worldwide, focusing on scientific research, development and marketing of advanced preservative solutions.
Sharon Laboratories has a global presence and it is a portfolio company of Tene Investment Funds (Tel Aviv), an Israeli private equity growth fund focused on the industrial and technology sectors.
This acquisition allows Sharon Laboratories to expand and diversify its portfolio of cosmetic ingredients and will create a global leader in personal care solutions, especially wet wipes.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive advisor to the shareholders of HWG S.r.l. in the sale of a majority stake of its share capital to Investcorp Technology Partners, a leading European technology investor.
Founded in 2008 and based in Verona, HWG is a leading independent cybersecurity solutions provider with strong expertise in security operations centre (“SOC”) solutions.
From its Security Operations Centres in Italy, Lithuania and Singapore, HWG provides advanced cybersecurity solutions to clients in more than 30 countries globally.
HWG protects the digital infrastructure of several companies across multiple industries, including finance, fashion, automotive, telco and manufacturing.
In the last years, the Company has heavily invested in sales and marketing, increased top line through the acquisition of new customers, opened a commercial subsidiary in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) and established new SOC operations in Vilnius (Lithuania).
Investcorp will support the HWG plans to grow in its core markets and expand into new verticals, both organically and inorganically.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to FairConnect, in the acquisition of a 100% stake in G-Evolution from Groupama Assicurazioni, the Italian subsidiary of the Groupama Group.
FairConnect, controlled by the private equity fund Palamon Capital Partners, is a leading specialised provider of connected insurance services headquartered in Switzerland with significant operations in Italy and France. It offers a wide range of services both for insurance carriers (including Generali, Cattolica, Axa, Intesa Assicura, Covea, MAIF and now Groupama) and connected policyholders in the motor and property segments designed to satisfy insurance carriers and their strategic priorities.
G-Evolution is the captive telematic service provider of Groupama Assicurazioni, specialized in analyzing telematic data through the use of advanced AI algorithms and proprietary platforms. It assists the insurer in managing the claims handling and settlement process, detecting possible frauds thanks to the use of telematic data, and supporting drivers in real-time in case of accident.
The cutting edge technologies of G-Evolution, combined with the consolidated technologies and operations dedicated to insurance carriers, will enable FairConnect to support Groupama Assicurazioni in expanding, simplifying and digitalizing the product offering to increase customer loyalty and the company's technical profitability.
The acquisition of G-Evolution strengthens FairConnect pan-European footprint, increases its ability to deliver innovative services to insurance carriers and secures a valuable long-term partnership with another top insurer in Europe, putting the Company on track to achieving more than one million connected policies.
As part of the transaction, FairConnect has set-up a long-term strategic partnership agreement with Groupama Assicurazioni for the provision of advanced connected insurance solutions leveraging on advanced IoT technologies. The ambition of the partnership aims at extending the collaboration between Groupama Assicurazioni and FairConnect also to other French and European entities of the Groupama Group.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to the Shareholders of Bluclad S.p.A. in the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Progold S.p.A.
Progold is a Vicenza-based company active in the alloys, master alloys and additive manufacturing sectors for the high-end jewellery sector.
Based in Florence, Bluclad is an electroplating company active in the fashion and luxury market.
The integration between the companies will bring commercial and operational synergies via the sharing of the two companies’ institutional knowledge gained over the years.
The deal is intended to lead to the creation of a unique global operator in its reference market capable of supplying the most innovative products in the sector and to create an integrated platform serving leading brands in the luxury and jewellery sectors.
The deal was supported by Gioconda, the Italian branch of LBO France, the majority shareholder of Bluclad through its Small Cap Opportunity fund. LBO France.
The transaction was also supported by BPER Banca Corporate & Investment Banking, BancoBPM, MPS Capital Services and Credit Agricole Italia.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive advisor to EY, a world leader in professional and consulting services, in the acquisition of Key Project S.r.l.
Key Project is a Milan-based consulting boutique specializing in particular in performance management, lean approach and digital transformation services.
The acquisition enables EY to consolidate and strengthen its mid-market positioning in particular in the northern and central Italy and in the Triveneto area, where it currently operates in the Financial Accounting Advisory Services (with over 180 professionals located in the Milan, Brescia, Verona, Treviso, Reggio Emilia and Bologna offices). This acquisition will further expand its positioning, for an even more widespread presence.
This synergy allows EY to increase its presence in Italy and strengthen its skills in business process optimization and digital transformation. Thanks to a more widespread and consolidated team of 15 professionals with a high level of seniority, EY will be able to respond to the customers digital transformation increasing requests, helping to create value for the business.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to the majority shareholders of Cobat in the sale of a 56.45% of its share capital to the Innovatec group, listed on the Euronext Growth Milan market.
Cobat is a reference player in Italy in the collection, storage and recycling of waste such as Batteries and WEEE including photovoltaic modules at the end of their life and worn out tires.
The acquisition integrates and creates complementarity between Cobat's capacity, and the activity of Innovatec subsidiary Green Up which builds and manages plants for treatment and transformation of waste into secondary raw materials.
Furthermore, the Cobat Platform, thanks to a capillary network of recovery points in Italy, can be replicated for each type of product and guarantees an efficient service for the collection, storage and recycling of any type of waste.
The acquisition of Cobat allows Innovatec to become a leader in battery recovery, a rapidly growing market thanks to the demand for electric cars, to significantly increase its customer base and consequently expand its market penetration.
The deal accelerates the ecological transition of Innovatec by strengthening its ability to develop circular economy projects by expanding its market share in end-to-end services.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to 21 Invest Italy in the acquisition of a majority stake in Zanzar S.p.A.
Founded by Mr. Angelo L'Angellotti in 1985, Zanzar is a leading manufacturer of insect screens as well as window accessories like shutters, blinds, awnings and pergolas.
Based in the province of Taranto, Zanzar is the European leader in the development and production of insect screens.
The Company reached a total turnover of approximately Euro 80 million, about 35% of which is generated on international markets with a total workforce of around 400 employees.
Across its 11 production sites, Zanzar has developed an operating model, that ensures customers a high level of service and quality, with extremely fast delivery times.
The continuous investments made over the years and still underway will provide the Company with significant room to grow, both increasing penetration in already served markets and expanding its international footprint.
21 Invest will support the Company’s development on an organic basis, including the integration of the companies acquired in the past years, as well as, through a build-up strategy, with a number of potential targets already identified in order to expand product range and market coverage.
The transaction has been supported by Crédit Agricole, MPS, BNL, BPER Banca and Banca Sella.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Isoclima, portfolio company of Stirling Square Capital Partners, in the acquisition of the North American companies Global Security Glazing and Dlubak Specialty Glass Corporation from SSI Consolidated Holdings.
Global Security Glazing and Dlubak Specialty Glass Corporation have been market leaders for over 60 years, providing a full line of security glass, flat glass, and bent glass laminates to meet all architectural and government specifications.
The two companies operate production facilities in Alabama and Pennsylvania, respectively.
Founded near Padua in 1977, Isoclima is a world leader in high-performance transparent and glass solutions. In collaboration with world leading groups in the automotive, aerospace, maritime and railway sectors, it has developed a series of products that have revolutionized the market, offering innovative and high-tech solutions, such as Omniarmor, Omnilite, Isolite.
The investment allows Isoclima to strengthen its leadership in the sector of transparent solutions for ballistics and to continue its strategy of becoming the North American leader in the market of transparent armored materials.
The transaction has been supported by Barings and Crédit Agricole Friuladria.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Arcadia SGR S.p.A. in the acquisition of a 60% stake in EMC Colosio from the Colosio family that will retain the remaining 40% stake.
Established in the mid ‘80s, EMC Colosio is a European leading manufacturer of lampholders, cables and a wide variety of lighting accessories and components for lighting fixtures.
EMC Colosio has important partnerships with its main customers for the co-design and co-development of new products. The Company has over 1,000 active customers including the major international design lighting brands, as well as the most important street lighting players.
It posted 2020 revenues of Euro 18.5 million, 70% of which generated abroad.
This acquisition represents the fifth investment of Arcadia Small Cap II.
Arcadia will support the EMC Colosio’s development and consolidation projects, also through add-on acquisitions in the sector of components for the lighting and electronics industry.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Linda and Marco Gemmani in the corporate reorganization of SCM Group S.p.A.
SCM Group, world leader in technologies for processing a wide range of materials, including wood, plastic, glass, stone and metal and composite materials, has carried out an articulated corporate reorganization that involved its historical partners.
The deal saw the exit of the companies headed by the shareholders Linda and Marco Gemmani from SCM Group’s share capital.
In the new corporate structure of SCM Group, the leadership is entrusted, through the holding Ageco S.r.l., to the branch of the Gemmani family headed by Giovanni and Anastasia Gemmani, and to the two branches of the Aureli family headed by Alfredo Aureli and Adriano Aureli (Honorary Chairman of SCM Group).
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Gyrus Capital in the acquisition of PwC Italia’s consulting business focused on Public Administration and Public Healthcare systems.
The business acquired provides advisory services to Italian Public Administration and Public Healthcare systems on Transformation, Technology, Digitalization and Project Management. It is a market leader in the public administration and public healthcare consulting sector in Italy and employs 700 people.
The business will be rebranded Intellera Consulting and will continue to be led by the current management team who will participate alongside Gyrus Capital in the buyout.
Gyrus Capital is a European private equity firm focused on transformational investments in the healthcare and sustainability sectors. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, Gyrus Capital leverages its sector focus to source, build and transform businesses in the healthcare and sustainability industries that have long-term, sustainable growth potential.
Gyrus Capital will support the business to play a key role in the digitalization and efficiency of essential public administration and healthcare systems across Italy. It intends to expand the team and product offering in Italy and abroad.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Consilium SGR in the sale of Tucano Urbano S.r.l. to Mandelli S.r.l.
Based in the outskirts of Milan and established in 1999, Tucano Urbano is a leading player in the clothing and accessories sector for motorcycles and scooters in Italy, with an expected 2021 turnover exceeding Euro 15 million.
Its product offer includes weather protection systems, clothing, gloves, rain gear, helmets and other accessories mainly dedicated to urban motorcyclists.
Tucano Urbano serves over 1,000 customers, with a consolidated presence on the Italian market and on the main European markets including France, Spain and UK.
Mandelli is part of a Group founded in 1945 and based in Carate Brianza (MB). The Group is active in the two-wheeler sector and operates in the European market as a manufacturer of bicycles and accessories under the Brera brand as well as clothing and accessories for motorcyclists.
The Group employs around 250 people and expects to post consolidated revenues of over Euro 60 million with an EBITDA margin of around 12%.
Mandelli and Tucano Urbano complement each other in their respective competences. The synergies between the companies will allow the Group to achieve a solid path of growth and further consolidation on the reference markets.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to L-GAM in the acquisition of a stake in the Ancorotti Cosmetics Group from White Bridge Investments and other private shareholders.
The redefinition of the corporate structure will keep unchanged the management team that has successfully led the Group to achieve a turnover of over Euro 100 million in 10 years of activity.
Established by Renato and Enrica Monica Ancorotti in 2009, the Group is a global leader in the development and production of make-up for third parties. Ancorotti serves over 300 international customers, including the major emerging players in the make-up sector, generating more than 85% of its turnover outside of Italy.
The Group employs over 300 people at its factory in Crema, 65% of whom are women.
The entry of L-GAM will allow Ancorotti to take a further step in its growth process with the aim of increasing the international markets penetration and expanding its commercial offer, also through future acquisitions.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Veneta Cucine S.p.A., in the sale of a 30% stake to NB Aurora for around Euro 36 million.
Veneta Cucine is a family-run company founded more than half a century ago. Today it is a leader in the design, production and distribution of kitchens, living rooms and furnishing accessories.
Over the years, the Group has steadily grown from a small local enterprise into a major multinational group with a managerial management model becoming today the largest Italian kitchen furniture platform.
Established in 1967 in the outskirts of Treviso, the Group employs over 500 people that design, produce, manage and distribute top quality kitchens that combine craftsmanship and innovation.
With over 200 flagship stores in Italy and a very extensive distribution network of more than 1,000 qualified retailers in Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America, Veneta Cucine achieved a 2020 turnover of around Euro 220 million.
Also in 2020, in a difficult period due to the pandemic, the Group opened 15 new mono-brand stores globally.
NB Aurora, permanent-capital vehicle listed on the Italian Stock Exchange (MIV segment), is expected to boost Veneta Cucine's growth, to consolidate its market position and further bolster its expansion in new and existing geographies, including the US.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to the Swiss Group Riri in the acquisition of Amom.
Based in the Tuscan high-fashion district, Amom has been manufacturing for over 60 years metal trimmings, fashion jewellery and accessories for the shoes, leather and clothes sector.
The addition of Amom to Riri Group has allowed for a broader offer of new materials: besides zamak, brass, steel and aluminium, its range now includes also silver, bronze, wood, precious and plastic materials.
The merger of Riri and Amom has resulted in the creation of a specialised cluster for high-end accessories.
The acquisition enables Riri to the consolidate its position in the luxury accessory sector, which represents a significant add-on to develop new skills and production with an extended offer now including bijoux.
Riri Group, a leader in the production of top quality and luxury zippers and buttons will combine four brands: Riri (zippers); Cobrax (rivets and buttons); Cobrax Metal Hub (metal components); Amom (accessories and bijoux).
The acquisition is in line with Riri’s strategy to create a single centre of excellence involved in designing, developing and manufacturing high fashion accessories.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to the entrepreneur Giuliano Gnutti in the purchase of 50% of Gnutti Cirillo S.p.A. from his brother Giordano and becoming the sole owner of 100% of the Group.
Founded in Lumezzane (BS) by the Gnutti family in 1951, the Group is the Italian leader in hot forging and machining of brass and other non-ferrous alloys, with applications in the industry and plumbing sectors.
The Group mainly composed by Gnutti Cirillo S.p.A. and Tiemme Raccorderie S.p.A. is active internationally also through subsidiaries in the U.S.A. and in several European countries.
The Gnutti Group employs 660 people and recorded a consolidated turnover of approximately Euro 200 million with an EBITDA of over Euro 30 million.
The leveraged buy out was supported by a pool of banks led by Intesa Sanpaolo, as Agent Bank, that together with: Banco BPM, BPER Banca, MPS Capital Services, Cassa Centrale Banca and BCC di Brescia provided acquisition and refinancing facilities.
Anima Alternative supported the acquisition, providing a long-term subordinated loan.
The deal consolidates the corporate governance of the Gnutti Group under the guidance of Giuliano and his son Alberto. It enables the Group to pursue its growing strategy and to further strengthen its presence on international markets.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to XPP Seven Group in the acquisition of SP Plast Creating S.r.l. from the founding shareholders.
Established in 1995, SP Plast is a leading player in the plastic injections molding industry producing plastic items for a wide variety of sectors such as fashion, footwear, equestrian and electronic.
The Company, headquartered in the Marche region, collaborates with various university centers in the engineering and research of innovative materials.
SP Plast has a workforce of over 90 employees, and it generated around Euro 14 million of sales, in 2020.
XPP Seven Group, created by Xenon private equity with its fund Xenon VII, is the first platform of Italian companies specialized in the design, production and marketing of sophisticated components dedicated to the fashion and luxury sector.
Together with Zuma Group, Quake and Koverlux, SP Plast will strengthen the platform towards the integration of the value chain and the differentiation of products portfolio in order to serve all around luxury brands.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Bormioli Pharma in the acquisition of the operational going concern from Cricef Contagocce S.r.l.
Cricef, headquartered near Pavia, is a leading manufacturer of glass pipettes and accessories for packaging pharmaceutical and cosmetics products.
Bormioli Pharma, a portfolio company of the investment firm Triton Partners, produces over 7 billion items of pharmaceutical packaging every year, reaching 100 countries worldwide.
The investment in Cricef is part of Bormioli Pharma’s supply chain strategy and enables the Company to integrate a strategic supplier.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to F2A, company controlled by Ardian investment firm, in the refinancing of its existing indebtedness and in the raising of new sources.
Headquartered in Milan, F2A provides outsourced services in the personnel administration and accounting areas to Italian and multinational blue chip customers.
The group was born in 2006 from the merger between Fis (providing accounting and administration services in outsourcing, founded in 1962) and Antex (also founded in 1962 and active in the provision of human resources services).
F2A employs 780 people and generated 2020 sales of around € 62 million.
The refinancing involved Banco BPM, Crédit Agricole, Muzinich and Banca Ifis.
Part of the new sources will be dedicated to business growth, including acquisitions.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to the shareholders of Mymenu in the sale of a majority stake to the Italian restaurant group Pellegrini.
Mymenu is an Italian food delivery operator focused on high-end restaurants, with a consolidated presence in several Italian cities.
Established in 2013, Mymenu was a pioneer in the food delivery sector.
It reached break-even in March 2020 and it expects to generate between Euro 4 to 6 million revenue in 2021.
Post deal, Mymenu will retain its operational independence maintaining its own brand.
This acquisition comes in a constantly evolving context, both in terms of consumption trends and work models, such as smart-working.
It will allow Pellegrini to enter new markets, to reach new clients and to widen the range of services offered to companies, employees and families, taking care of their well-being even outside the traditional workplace.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Casa della Piada CRM, portfolio company of Aksìa Capital SGR, in the acquisition of a majority stake in Alba Tramezzini S.r.l. from the Albano family that will maintain a 30% stake.
Headquartered in Apulia, Alba Tramezzini is a leading player in the production and commercialization of packaged tramezzini, sandwiches and snacks mainly addressed to Ho.re.ca., Vending, Mass Market and, residually, private labels. The product portfolio includes fresh, frozen and ambient products.
With the acquisition of Alba Tramezzini, Casa della Piada CRM consolidates its positioning in the fresh market by expanding its product portfolio and distribution channels, mainly on the Ho.re.ca. and Vending food market.
Aksìa Group intends to increase the market visibility of the two companies and will work on improving industrial processes to meet the growing needs of customers.
The transaction was financed by Banca Ifis S.p.A. also as agent bank and Muzinich & Co. SGR.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Private Equity Fund Progressio Investimenti III in the acquisition of a 30% stake in Assist Digital S.p.A., while the current shareholders and management will keep a majority stake.
With over 500 consultants, designers and engineers across 15 offices, competence centers and contact centers in Europe, the Company is a digital Customer Relationship Management (CRM) service provider focused on CRM transformation and digital interactions, blending human and Artificial Intelligence to match consumer and brand needs.
Assist Digital was founded as an advisory company and it has progressively transformed into a next generation CRM specialist: an innovative blended offering of business process outsourcing services and digital services.
It posted a turnover of around Euro 100 million.
Progressio will support the Company’s continuous efforts in consolidating its leadership position through the expansion of its international reach and the enduring partnerships with top clients across multiple industries.
The strategic plan will also envisage external growth opportunities.
The transaction represents the seventh investment of private equity fund Progressio Investimenti III, closed in July 2019 reaching a hard cap of Euro 250 million, which has already deployed over 60% of its total commitment.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to VAM Investments and Fondo Italiano d’Investimento SGR in the acquisition of a majority stake in Giuntini S.p.A., Ciemmeci Fashion S.r.l. and Mely’s Maglieria S.r.l., for the creation of the holding company Florence S.p.A., the first luxury clothing production center in Italy.
The target companies are all based in Tuscany and they are active in the manufacture of luxury clothing, outwear, leather garments and knitwear for Italian and international top brands.
Florence will own 100% of the three companies and will be controlled, for about 65% by the consortium led by VAM Investments and Fondo Italiano d'Investimento. Italmobiliare is among the investors in the consortium.
Florence, with around 700 employees, is expected to reach sales of over Euro 150 million.
Florence’s industrial project aims to develop a platform leader also at an international level in the supply of high-quality products for the most important brands of fashion.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Fiocchi S.p.A., in raising financing sources to support its strategic initiatives.
Established in 1876, Fiocchi is one of the leading companies worldwide in the production and sale of small-caliber ammunitions in plastic and metal.
Banco BPM, Intesa Sanpaolo, Crédit Agricole, BNL and BPER provided term loan and ancillary facilities.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Aksìa Group SGR S.p.A. in the acquisition of a majority stake in Nappi 1911 from the founding family that maintains an important minority stake.
Headquartered near Naples, Nappi 1911 is a leading manufacturer of ingredients and semi-finished products for artisanal gelato and ice cream, pastry and general sweets industry. It also produces amarena-cherries, candied and dried fruit.
The Company distributes its products in more than 70 countries and recorded 2019 turnover of over Euro 40 million.
The new investor will contribute to the creation of opportunities for further growth through management strengthening and enhanced marketing strategies focused both on domestic and export markets.
Nappi 1911 is the fourth acquisition of Aksìa Capital V, the third in 2020 and follows Primo Group, Valpizza and VOMM Impianti & Processi. Aksìa Capital V was launched in July 2019.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Settima Meccanica, in a refinancing deal to support the investment in a new production plant.
Crédit Agricole and BNL provided term loan and ancillary facilities.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Keyhaven Capital Partners, the specialist secondaries private equity firm dedicated to European lower mid-market companies, in the sale of TCX to Dainese, a global leader in protective equipment and technical gear for motorcycling and dynamic sports.
TCX is the European leader in special purpose boots, shoes and safety/performance footwear for motorcycle riders sold under its own brand and through its white label offering to partner brands.
Established in 1982, the company is headquartered in Montebelluna (TV), with production in Romania, Cambodia and Indonesia.
Under Keyhaven’s ownership, the company appointed a highly experienced CEO who overhauled business processes and sales strategy. Keyhaven also oversaw the rationalisation of the existing product portfolio and development of a new product line with an established international helmets brand.
To support the business’s ESG profile, the company optimised its sourcing and manufacturing processes to reduce transportation of goods and scrap rates, as well as improved corporate governance and monitoring controls.
The deal will allow TCX to further grow internationally, as part of the Dainese brand.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to the private equity firm VAM Investments in the acquisition of an 80% stake in Demenego, while the remaining 20% stake will be retained by the founding family.
Demenego is a leading Italian eyewear operator established near Belluno in 1960.
It is a specialised retailer of eyewear products, glasses and sunglasses, ophthalmic and contact lenses as well as eyewear accessories.
In 2019, it posted revenues of around Euro 23 million and EBITDA of Euro 6 million.
Demenego employs approximately 120 people and operates through a network of 16 stores located in North Eastern Italy and an online store and it has a customer base of around 350,000 people.
The deal will allow Demenego to further grow consolidating the current store network and creating new stores in other Italian regions.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor in the sale of a controlling stake of DGS S.p.A. to H.I.G. Europe, the European affiliate of the leading global private equity investment firm H.I.G. Capital.
DGS is a leading firm in the Italian information technology industry. With revenues above Euro 115 million and 890 employees, DGS has, since its foundation in 1997, supported blue-chip customers in the design, integration and maintenance of complex IT systems with a specialization in digital transformation and cybersecurity services.
The Company provides digital solutions (system integration on main ERP, CRM, PLM/SCM platform software and proprietary custom applications), the full spectrum of cybersecurity services (advisory, data protection, network protection, monitoring & control services) and IT management consultancy.
Leveraging on its partnerships with leading global IT vendors and a specialized technical staff with 1,500 IT certifications, DGS offers customized solutions to a number of high-profile customers active in a diversified range of industries including public sector, energy, industrial manufacturing, financial services and telecommunications.
Thanks to its extensive experience in the IT industry, H.I.G. intends to support DGS in the next phase of development, with the aim of capitalizing on both organic and inorganic growth opportunities.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to White Bridge Investments II in the acquisition of a majority stake in Alpha Test from Aksìa Capital IV, that acquired a controlling stake in the Company in 2017.
Established in Milan in 1987, Alpha Test has become one of the largest Italian publishing groups specializing in books and courses for preparation at university admission test.
Alpha Test offers a wide range of services, with a catalogue that includes more than 600 titles, 100 new editions per year and over 50,000 hours of lessons offered in 41 Italian cities.
The deal aims to boost Alpha Test development strategy and to support the creation of a platform to aggregate and consolidate the education sector, highly fragmented both in Italy and in Europe.
Banco BPM and Banca Popolare di Sondrio supported the transaction acting as Mandated Lead Arrangers.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Wise Equity SGR in the acquisition of a controlling stake in Fi.mo.tec S.p.A. from IGI Private Equity and the Company’s Management.
Headquartered near Milan, Fi.mo.tec is the European leader in components and systems applied in telecommunications infrastructure and it is focused on fastening systems for the telecom and broadcasting sectors.
The Company manages manufacturing plants in Italy, France and India and sales and logistics offices in Germany and the U.S.A.
It generated sales of around Euro 33 million with an export of over 80%.
Wise Equity will consolidate Fi.mo.tec's presence in the Italian market and will boost its expansion in new geographies.
Banco BPM, Crédit Agricole Italia and Intesa Sanpaolo supported the transaction acting as Mandated Lead Arrangers.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to the Shareholders of Pasticceria Bindi in the sale of the Company to funds advised by BC Partners.
Founded in Milan in 1934, Pasticceria Bindi is a leading producer of frozen patisserie products, offering a wide variety of desserts and other bakery products, including patisserie and ice cream mono-portion desserts, cakes and ice-creams.
Pasticceria Bindi has a workforce of over 600 employees and provides its broad range of high-quality products to over 25,000 customers (mainly represented by restaurants, hotels and bars) in Italy and over 40 other international markets.
For the year 2019 it generated revenues of more than Euro 140 million.
BC Partners will support ambitious growth plans for the Company, which include expanding the product offering, developing new patisserie products, growing international sales, and seeking to further consolidate the patisserie market through strategic acquisitions in Italy and abroad.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to the Shareholders of Nike Group in the sale to Accenture.
Listed on the NYSE, Accenture has a market cap of USD 123 billion and a workforce of around 509,000 employees.
NIKE Group is an Italian firm that provides regulatory technology (RegTech) services and solutions to financial services firms.
Thanks to its data-driven approach and state-of the-art compliance platform NIKE Group help clients monitor new regulatory requirements and assist with compliance. This is particularly important as financial services’ compliance departments continue to navigate an ever-expanding and complex set of regulations.
NIKE Group employs around 80 people and posted 2019 sales of over Euro 6 million.
The acquisition enhances Accenture’s RegTech and compliance capabilities for clients in Italy and across Europe.
The deal is part of an overall growth strategy to expand critical skills and capabilities in strategic, high-growth areas of the market, which has recently included the acquisitions of financial services data consultancy Mudano and financial services consulting firm Parker Fitzgerald.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to the US private equity firm Platinum Equity in the acquisition of Farnese Vini from NB Renaissance Partners, the family of the co-founder Mr. Sciotti and other minority shareholders.
Mr. Sciotti reinvested alongside Platinum Equity and remains as Executive Chairman to lead the Company to its next stage of development.
Founded in Ortona (Abruzzo) in 1994 by a group of wine entrepreneurs led by Valentino Sciotti and Filippo Baccalaro, Farnese is a leading Italian boutique winery, producing and distributing high-quality wines from six Southern and Central Italian regions to more than 80 countries worldwide through importers and distributors.
The Company generates 97% of revenues outside of Italy. Its main markets are Germany, Switzerland, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium and Japan. Farnese sells both to the on-trade (restaurants, wine bars, hotels) and the off-trade (retail chains) channels.
Farnese posted 2019 revenues of over Euro 76 million, 97% of which generated by export and an EBITDA margin of around 23%.
UniCredit Group has provided finance to support this acquisition.
The deal, which represents Platinum Equity’s second investment in Italy, allows the business to further grow organically and through prospective acquisitions.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to the pan-European Private Equity fund Argos Wityu in the acquisition of Sicura S.p.A. in a deal valued at Euro 54.5 million.
Argos Wityu created a Newco controlling Sicura, while the management of the Company and Rekeep S.p.A. both acquired minority interests of 4.5% and 6.0% respectively in Newco, maintaining a business partnership with the Sicura Group.
Sicura is the leader on a domestic scale in the offering of integrated services, products and solutions for fire safety, workplace safety and health, machine safety and control.
With headquarters in Vicenza, 7 operating offices and nearly 300 employees, Sicura is composed of 4 specialized and integrated companies providing a comprehensive set of flexible and complete solutions to businesses.
Argos Wityu will support Sicura in its strategic strong organic and inorganic growth project.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Arcadia SGR in the acquisition, alongside co-investors, of a 60% stake in Grafiche Favillini from the founding family.
The Favillini brothers will hold the remaining 40% stake, maintaining their operational involvement in the Company.
Established in Livorno in 1886, Grafiche Favillini is a leading manufacturer of packaging for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.
In 2019, Grafiche Favillini posted turnover of Euro 13.4 million and an EBITDA margin of over 25%.
The partnership between Arcadia and Favillini is based on a common vision focused on the grow the Company on the Italian market. Thanks to both internal growth and a buy-and-build strategy, Grafiche Favillini, aims to create a leading pole active in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical packaging.
The deal represents the third investment of the private equity firm Arcadia, via its Arcadia Small Cap II fund.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Mandarin Capital Partners (MCP) in the acquisition of a majority stake in Daroma S.p.A.
Daroma founder Mr. Giulio Santin will reinvest in the company and will remain in managerial control.
Established in 2014 and headquartered in Rome, Daroma is active in the coffee roasting business and its brand portfolio includes renowned Italian coffee brands such as Palombini, Mexico, Giovannini, Nori, Camilloni and Van Doren.
In the last 3 years, the Group has developed the Ho.Re.Ca. and large Distribution channels and reported 2018 sales of Euro 26 million.
The commercial integration of Daroma with Neronobile, an hot beverage capsules company already in MCP’s portfolio confirms the fund strategy to create a platform well integrated across the entire coffee chain.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to EOLO, leading operator in Italy in the ultra-broadband Fixed Wireless Access for business and residential segments, in obtaining a financing of a total amount of over Euro 155 million.
A pool of banks consisting of UniCredit, Natixis, MPS Capital Services, Banco BPM, Credit Agricole Italia and Intesa Sanpaolo, has provided the senior secured facilities.
Thanks to the combination of long-distance fiber links and short-range microwave radio links, EOLO is the first domestic provider operating in the most remote rural areas, mainly in north and central Italy.
The transaction aims to further accelerate EOLO’s growth, in the small municipalities of the Southern part of Italy, extending the coverage of the EOLO FWA 100 Mega service, and in the areas suffering the most from the speed divide. Currently, EOLO has over 430,000 customers with an active subscription (+30% compared to the previous year) among families and businesses, residing in 6.051 municipalities, serving over a million citizens with its connectivity service.
The deal is part of the growth and consolidation strategy started at the end of 2017 with the entry of the Searchlight Capital Partners fund, which can already count on the implementation of a three-year investment plan.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to LIST S.p.A., a developer of software solutions for the financial industry, in the acquisition of a majority stake in IT Software S.p.A.
Established in 1993, IT Software is a fintech company providing solutions for global financial institutions. IT Software, with its subsidiaries The Technancial Company, and Exocet is recognized as leading global provider in the fintech and, more specifically, the regtech space.
The Group designs and develop cutting-edge solutions for real-time risk management and surveillance, market data distribution, and trading under the brand names of EasyTrade® and JANUS™, these solutions are adopted by front-office, middle-office, risk and compliance functions of Sell Side and Buy Side institutions operating on the global markets.
IT Software is headquartered in Milan, and has development, support and sales teams in Milan, London, Hong Kong, Chicago and Singapore.
Today the IT Software group has clients in over 10 countries among Tier 1 global banks, brokers, investment banks, private banks, online banks and exchanges.
This acquisition will enable LIST to enhance its international presence and capabilities, which will play an important role in the international expansion of the Group.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Xenon Private Equity in the acquisition of the Tuscan Group consisting of A&A Pelli Pregiate S.r.l., its subsidiaries Zuma, Casadacqua and Just Gators Inc., and Quake Ricami S.r.l., based in Veneto.
A&A Group is focused on the trading and tanning/finishing of alligator, python, water snake, ayers skins leveraging on two of the main independent Italian tanneries (Zuma and Casadacqua) and a breeding of alligators in Louisiana (Just Gators).
Quake Ricami is a leading player in automatic embroidery for leather goods, apparel and footwear, serving a wide range of sectors, from high fashion to ready to wear, sport and furniture.
Following the deal, Xenon has acquired a majority stake in Koverlux from B4 Investimenti SGR and the founders. Based near Bergamo, Koverlux finishes objects made of a broad variety of materials (e.g. metal, plastics, leather) using different technologies, including engraving, laser marking and cutting, enamelling, milling, and digital printing.
The new Group, formed by the target companies, will be the starting point to build up a platform, active in the design, production and marketing of sophisticated components dedicated to fashion and luxury brands.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Xenon Private Equity VII, in the acquisition of the Group C.B.G. Acciai and its subsidiaries among which Lame Italia, Dignivis, Ecograph e Drom’Scies from the Filippini family.
Headquartered near Varese and created in 1966, C.B.G. Acciai is a leading group engaged in the manufacture and sale of high precision tools made of hardened and tempered Swedish steel for applications in various industries (e.g. printing, wood, stone and meat and fish processing).
It is specialized in the production of a wide range of band saws.
The Group operates worldwide with production sites in Italy, Romania, France, Switzerland and China and an extended network of specialized distributors and agents serving more than 2,000 customers worldwide.
The deal allows C.B.G. Acciai to accelerate its growth and its geographical reach into international markets.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Xenon Private Equity and the Shareholders of De Wave Group in the sale to Platinum Equity.
The Group’s Management team will reinvest alongside Platinum Equity.
Headquartered in Genoa, De Wave is a marine contractor specialized in cruise ship interiors, providing both new build and refit services to ship builders and cruise operators.
De Wave operates production facilities and commercial offices in Italy, Poland, Singapore and the United States, with vertically integrated production lines that offer full control throughout the product development process.
De Wave specializes in all aspects of ship interiors, including cabins, bathroom units, galley catering systems and public areas. The Group also provides extensive upgrade, maintenance and spare parts capabilities, offering solutions for the full lifecycle of its customer's vessels.
De Wave’s position today is the result of a build-up operation started in 2015 by Xenon Private Equity that led in four years to the creation of a leader in its market.
Platinum Equity will support the Group to achieve the next stage of growth and expansion.
Platinum Equity's acquisition of De Wave is its first investment in Italy.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Primo Group in identifying a new financial partner to continue along the growth path undertaken so far.
Established in Turin in 2010, Primo Group is an Italian chain of dental clinics offering a complete solution of high quality dental treatments. It directly operates through dental clinics around Italy.
Primo is recognized for its high quality standards, clear high-end positioning among the Italian dental chains, high street locations and operational efficiency based on the internal laboratory and technology integration.
The Group, strongly oriented towards technology, is developing an artificial intelligence and predictive software in order to analyse customer clinical records and plan related care plans.
In 2018, Primo Group generated revenues of around Euro 20 million.
The new investor Aksìa Group SGR will work alongside the founding members that will remain involved in the management of Primo Group and will drive its future growth.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Emmeti, controlled by Xenon Private Equity VI SICAR, in the acquisition of Zecchetti S.r.l. from the founding families.
Established near Reggio Emilia in 1960, Zecchetti is a leading provider of turn-key automation systems for empty bottle conveying/palletizing, to both glassworks and plastic bottle producers as well as warehousing installations.With around 110 employees, Zecchetti posted 2018 sales of about Euro 70 million.
The Company proposes itself as comprehensive supplier for the product packaging/storage consultant for the achievement of tailor-made solutions, 100% made in Italy.The USA subsidiary together with geographical partners in China, Asia-Pacific Zone and Latin America supports Zecchetti export activity and guarantees a global assistance.
This acquisition allows the EMS Group, which consists of four entities: Emmeti, Sipac, Mectra and Logik, to become the undisputed leader in its reference market.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to the private equity firm Alpha Private Equity in the acquisition of A.M.F. S.p.A. from Italglobal Partners, Simax S.r.l. (Faerber family vehicle) and HB 2.0, that will reinvest in the Company along with Alpha Private Equity.
A.M.F., established by the Faerber family near Vicenza in 1996, produces metal and non-metal accessories for garment, shoes and leather goods that adorn the products of the most famous international brands such as Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss and Moncler.
Over the past few years, A.M.F. has acquired Figros (die casting of zinc-alloy and hot-pressing of metals) and Made Black (varnishing, PVD coating and digital printing on accessories).
A.M.F. generated 2018 sales of Euro 53 million, with an EBITDA margin of over 20%.
Alpha Private Equity aims to further strengthen A.M.F.’s leading position to take advantage of market opportunities and to play an important role in the market consolidation process.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to the private equity firm Progressio SGR in the acquisition of a majority stake in Damiano S.p.A.
Established in Terranova (Messina, Sicily) in 1964, Damiano is engaged in the production and sale of organic almonds, other organic dried fruit and derived products such as nut butters and spreads addressed to industry-processing companies, retail-specialised shops and large scale retail trade.
Damiano employs around 80 people and posted 2018 sales of approximately Euro 45 million, generating over 80% of its revenues abroad.
The Company growth strategy aims at consolidating its position in international strategic markets such as USA and France where Damiano already has production and logistic facilities.
It will also strengthen its historic partnerships and develop new collaborations with important food players.
Progresso will also support Damiano’s build up strategy in order to widen its product offering.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to H.I.G. Capital in the acquisition of a controlling stake in Metalprint S.r.l. from the founding families.
Established near Brescia in 1974, Metalprint manufactures a wide range of high performance brass and aluminium components with industrial applications in several sectors.
In 2017, Metalprint acquired Jebco, a Canada based company engaged in aluminium precision components.
In 2018, Metalprint posted approximately Euro 80 million in revenues, of which 85% generated by export.
H.I.G. will support Metalprint in its growth strategy focused on the international expansion.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to the private equity firm Alpha Private Equity in the acquisition of a majority stake in Laminam from private shareholders in a management buyout transaction.
The deal includes the following companies: Laminam S.p.A., Laminam Rus, Laminam USA Inc., Laminam China, Laminam Service.
Based in Fiorano Modenese and founded in 2001, Laminam is a specialist in large-sized ceramic slabs used in architecture, in interior and exterior cladding, and in the high-end furniture and design sector.
Laminam posted 2018 revenue of approximately Euro 110 million with an EBITDA of around Euro 26 million.
The acquisition will accelerate Laminam’s growth through its product innovation and expand its reach in new markets.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to the Shareholders of Volponi S.p.A. in the sale of the Company to Jakala.
The industrial project sees the Volponi family entering into the capital structure of the Jakala Group.
Founded by Mr. Lucio Volponi in 1984, Volponi creates, develops and manages promotional campaigns focusing on awards procurement and logistics, mainly in the large distribution of food.
Headquartered near Macerata, Volponi employs around 70 people and has turnover of approximately Euro 30 million.
Jakala, is the first Italian MarTech company and among the top 5 players in Europe, offering its clients strategic, analytics, digital and technological support.
The acquisition allows Jakala to consolidate its leadership position in Italy in the engagement, loyalty and CRM business, focusing on the large-scale food distribution sector where Volponi is already successfully operating.
The Jakala Group’s 2019 turnover is expected to exceed Euro 250 million.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Easy Welfare in the sale to the listed France-based company Edenred, global leader in payment solutions for the working world.
Easy Welfare is the number one operator of employee engagement platforms in Italy, with more than 600,000 users.
Easy Welfare has been active since 2006 and generated 2018 revenue of Euro 11 million.
The deal will enable Edenred Italy, leading player in the Italian employee benefits market, notably thanks to its Ticket Restaurant program, to step up the development of its Welfare offering in the fast-growing employee engagement platforms segment.
In particular, the Group will be able to leverage its Flexible Benefits digital platform, which combines ease of use for both companies and employees, and a large choice of available services.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Ambienta SGR S.p.A., in the acquisition of a majority stake in Phoenix International S.p.A, from the company’s management and the France-based private equity firm Chequers Capital.
Founded near Brescia in 1972, Phoenix is a European leader in the design, manufacturing and sale of aluminum extrusion dies for the construction, transportation and industrial markets.
With 8 production facilities in Europe, the U.S.A. and Middle East and over 700 employees, Phoenix posted 2018 sales of Euro 90 million.
This acquisition allows Ambienta, Europe's largest sustainability-focused investment firm, to enter the aluminum business.
It will support Phoenix to consolidate its international leadership and to pursue and international growth strategy.
Post-acquisition, Chequers Capital will retain a minority stake in the Company.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to 2 Ride Holding (owner of the brands SHARK, Bering, Bagster and Segura), French market leader in motorcycle and outdoor gear and portfolio company of the investment company Eurazeo PME and the private equity firm Naxicap Partners, in the acquisition of Nolan Group.
Founded near Bergamo in 1972, Nolan group is a leading made-in-Italy producer of helmets and one of the largest player in the helmets business in Europe, with over 400,000 helmets manufactured per year, and a team of 360 people working in a single location.
It has a fully-integrated production process, from the receiving of the raw materials to the final assembly of the product and it distributes its products under the brands Nolan, Grex, X-lite and N-Com.
The newly combined group will be one of the world leader in protective equipment for motorcycle and outdoor markets. It will reach Euro 150 million of revenues with over 1,000 employees in 80 countries around the world.
The deal, subject to antitrust regulation, is due to be completed by May 2019.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to the founders of Viralize S.r.l. in the sale of 100% stake of the Company to VETRYA for around Euro 11 million.
Established in 2013 and based in Florence, Viralize is a leading player in digital video advertising based on artificial intelligence.The Viralize platform connects direct online publishers, creators of video content and advertisers. Supports Publisher and Creator in the distribution and monetization of video and display content. Brand and Media Agencies have access to quality video inventory, on an international basis and on different audiences.
Market leader in advertising, among the first worldwide companies (the first in Italy) to have introduced the video content auto play on the mobile, Viralize has a network of more than 5,000 direct publishers subscribed to the platform, a library of over 500,000 videos (qualified according to IAB categories) in 18 languages and more than 3,000 advertising campaigns directly for the major Italian and international brands and media agencies.
In 2018 Viralize recorded revenues in excess of Euro 14.5 million (preliminary data subject to audit), a sharp increase compared to Euro 6.7 million in 2017 with an EBITDA of over Euro 2.6 million.
This acquisition enables Vetrya Group, leading Italian group in the development of digital services, cloud computing platforms, application solutions and broadband services, strengthens its range of digital services and the internationalization process.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to the private equity firm Equinox in the acquisition of a majority stake in Quid Informatica.
The acquisition was conducted via a NewCo, Sailing Italia, which is 55% owned by Equinox and 45% by QBS, Quid's holding company.
Established in 1987, Quid Informatica develops software and offers ICT services to support the digital transformation of financial institutions, banks, insurance companies and corporations.
The company is headquartered in Florence with offices in Milan, Padua, Brescia, Udine and Manerbio. It employs 330 people and generated 2018 revenues of Euro 34 million.
This acquisition represents the second investment made by Equinox III fund.
The deal enables Quid Informatica to further strengthen its market position and expand its product offering.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Xenon Private Equity in the acquisition of Panapesca.
The deal includes the acquisition of 100% stake in the holding company as well as Thai Spring Fish Co, Prodimar, Mega Surgelati and a minority stake in Tirrenica.
Panapesca, headquartered near Pistoia and founded in 1965, is one of the Italian leader in stock acquisition, processing and sale of frozen fish and seafood products.
The Group controls and directly manages large part of the value chain, starting from direct purchasing worldwide, processing in its own production plants and distributing to retailers and end users.
The Group operates 3 production centres located in Italy, Thailand and Morocco and distributes its products through retail channel, wholesale, food service and Crios stores.
Panapesca employs approximately 600 people and generated 2018 turnover of around Euro 160 million.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Mandarin Capital Partners, Atlante Private Equity, the founding families and other minority shareholders in the sale of a majority stake in Hydro Holding to NB Renaissance Partners (NBRP), Neuberger Berman’s private equity business in Italy.
Hydro Holding is the result of the strategic combination of leading Italian producers of fittings for the oleodynamic industry: Tieffe (one of the largest European producers of carbon steel fittings), FB Hydraulic (leader in the production of hose fittings and in the assembling of flexible hoses and rigid pipes), MCS Hydraulics (specialized in the production of stainless steel fittings) and Raccorfer (a cold forming technology specialist).
With four production plants in Italy and one in the Czech Republic, the Group offers a full range of fittings for flexible hoses, adaptors, assembled hoses and rigid pipes for high-pressure hydraulic systems with main application in agriculture, construction, mining, material handling and transportation. It serves a global customer base including assemblers and distributors, which dominate the aftermarket channel, as well as OEMs.
Hydro Holding employs approximately 310 people and it is expected to post 2018 sales of Euro 60 million (80% of which generated abroad) with an EBITDA margin of approximately 25%.
Hydro Holding, already well positioned in the hydraulic components market, will benefit from NBRP’s expertise, financial
resources and global network to take advantage of significant growth opportunities to explore in this new phase of development.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Tecnopool, controlled by Xenon Private Equity, in the acquisition of Logiudice Forni S.r.l. and Mimac Italia S.r.l. from private investors that reinvested in Tecnopool.
The deal creates a Group made up of entrepreneurs from the Veneto region, active in the manufacturing machinery for the baking industry with a workforce of 500 people and 8 plants in 4 countries.
The new Group, which also includes Gostol-Gopan and Mecateck Group, will generate combined sales of around Euro 100 million.
Logiudice Forni, founded near Verona, is active in the manufacturing of ovens and professional mixers for bakeries and pastry shops while Mimac Italia, headquartered near Vicenza, is specialized in the production of dropping machines for the confectionery industry.
Tecnopool is a leading company active in the designing, manufacturing and installing of highly customized machinery lines for food industry products treatment and processing. It posted 2017 sales of Euro 64 million, 85% of which generated abroad.
The acquisition allows Tecnopool to consolidate its presence on the international markets and enables the new Group to benefit from synergies and to provide efficient, comprehensive and tailored solutions to its customers.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Xenon Private Equity in the acquisition of a majority stake in Emmeti S.p.A., Mectra S.p.A., Sipac S.p.A. and Logik S.r.l. from private shareholders, in a management buyout transaction that foresees the creation of the new Group EMS.
Combining the four companies mentioned above, EMS Group will become world market leader in the palletization and depalletization field, as well as in the design, production and installation of packaging machines for glass and metal containers.
With a consolidated turnover of around Euro 130 million and a workforce of 290 employees, EMS will be able to offer a wide range of products and integrated services mainly in the automation of packing lines for food & beverage and glass industries.
EMS Group has already planned further investments and new acquisitions both in Italy and abroad.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor in the transaction in which the Benfante Group, leading pole for the enhancement of urban waste collection and special recoverable waste and Cartiera di Bosco Marengo, manufacturer of coreboard, interlayer separator and grey board for edge protectors from recycled paper, joined in the ReLife Group.
The transaction, involving 11 entrepreneurs, is backed by Xenon Private Equity.
ReLife Group, with 13 plants in Italy, 360 employees and 2017 pro-forma revenues of Euro 140 million, will be the domestic leading player in the waste to energy business thanks to its wide integrated network in the circular economy.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to De Wave Group, portfolio Company of Xenon Private Equity, in the acquisition of Spencer Contract.
Established in 1996 and headquartered in Genoa, Spencer Contract is one of the market leaders in the interior designing for cruise ships and creates the interiors of mega-yachts and private ships.
Spencer Contract offers a wide range of services, assisting the client throughout the entire project, from detailed space drawings to turnkey installation, along with maintenance.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Lutech Group, portfolio company of the middle market private equity firm One Equity Partners, in the acquisition of a 100% stake in Tecla.it from private shareholders.
Founded in the early 90’s Tecla.it operates 6 offices in Italy and one in New York and serves international leading companies with a strong international presence, mainly in the fashion, retail and B2B industries. As a digital system integrator, Tecla.it offers Engagement marketing, Omni channel commerce, Mobile transformation and Social enterprise services.
Lutech is among the top IT services and solutions provider in Italy, offering a complete and range of innovative services addressed to both private and public sector.
The acquisition of Tecla.it marks a further investment of Lutech completed in the latest years, and allows the group to enhance its focusing and to strengthen its position in strategically important markets.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Chequers Capital in the acquisition of Riri from Gilde Buy Out Partners, in a management buy out transaction.
Headquartered in Mendrisio (Switzerland) and established in 1923, Riri is a leading manufacturer of zippers and buttons for the high-end luxury fashion and accessories industries.
The Company, with its main brands: Riri (metal and plastic molded zippers), Meras (nylon and non-polished metal zippers) and Cobrax (buttons), combines Swiss made quality with Italian design and stands for highest quality, continuous innovation, customization and solid, long-lasting customer relationships.
In the last years, Riri has successfully enhanced its positioning as a leading partner for highly demanding clients in the luxury apparel and leather goods industries, focusing on vertical integration and innovation.
The new ownership will sponsor Riri in its growth strategy both organically and through acquisitions.
Riri will benefit from the support of the Chequers Capital expertise, resources and network.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Ardian, a world-leading private investment house, in the sale of Italmatch Chemicals to Bain Capital Private Equity, a leading global private investment firm.
Founded in 1997, Italmatch Chemicals, is a leading innovative chemical group, specialized in performance additives for water treatment, oil & gas, lubricants and plastics, and boasts a wide product range able to fulfil the requirements of the most demanding applications, including personal care.
The Group generates over Euro 400 million in revenues, employs 780 workers and operates through 7 manufacturing plants in Europe (Italy, Spain, Germany and UK), 5 in Asia Pacific (China, Japan and India), 5 in North America (USA) and sales/distribution subsidiaries in Brazil, Belgium, China, Japan, India, Poland, Singapore and the USA.
Leveraging its experience in the chemicals sector and its global presence, Bain Capital looks forward to supporting the Italmatch Chemicals’ management team to continue growing the Group, both organically and through a plan of strategic acquisitions.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to the Innovazione e Sviluppo Fund, managed by Fondo Italiano d’Investimento SGR in the acquisition of a majority stake in Marval.
The Vendors are the private equity firm Mandarin Capital Partners and the founding family, which will maintain a significant minority stake in the Company.
Founded by the Marchiando family in the 1950s, Marval is a leading player in the precision machining of top quality components for medium, heavy-duty and light vehicles.
The 85% of the components made by Marval are used in heavy duty powertrain (such as cylinder heads, cilynder blocks, gear boxes), while the remaining part of the production includes carbon-ceramic brake discs and suspension parts for chassis and other components of automotive engine.
Marval posted a turnover of over Euro 75 million and employs 477 people. It operates four production plants, based in Turin, China (through the subsidiary Xi Mai) and UK (bought in 2018).
The Marval acquisition marks the first investment by Fondo Italiano d’Investimento through its vehicle Innovazione e Sviluppo.
The new investor will support a new phase of growth for Marval mainly through a build up strategy aiming to consolidate its international position in the machining powertrain and complementary business and to compete globally.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to F2A FIS-Antex, company controlled by Ardian investment firm, in the refinancing of its existing indebtedness and in the raising of new sources.
Founded in Milan in 2006, F2A FIS-Antex is a leading independent provider of integrated human resources and finance and administration services.
The Company has approximately 700 employees in its 9 offices located throughout Italy. It has over 1,800 active clients and posted 2017 sales of Euro 57 million.
The refinancing involved Banco BPM, Crédit Agricole Cariparma, Unicredit and Banca IFIS.
Part of the new sources will be dedicated to business growth, including acquisitions.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to the healthcare group ICS Maugeri in the refinancing of its existing indebtedness and in the raising of new sources for a total amount of Euro 180 million.
The Company was founded in October 2016, carrying forward the operating activity of Fondazione Maugeri.
The private equity firm Trilantic Capital Partners currently owns a 33.7% stake in ICS Maugeri, while the remaining 66.3% stake is held by Fondazione Salvatore Maugeri.
The Company, based in Pavia, established itself as the market leader in the multidisciplinary rehabilitation segment thanks to its 18 centres of excellence for medical research, patient care and technology innovation.
Maugeri generates revenues of around Euro 300 million with over 2,250 beds, employing approximately 3,500 people.
The refinancing, which involved Banco BPM, UBI Banca, ING and Banca Popolare di Sondrio, includes IASO, the real estate fund managed by Namira SGR and controlled by ICS Maugeri (84.1%) and Trilantic Capital Partners (15.9%).
Part of the new sources will be dedicated to business growth, including acquisitions.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to NTC, controlled by the Italian private equity firm Wise SGR, in the acquisition of a product portfolio in ophthalmology from Novartis, multinational pharmaceutical leader headquartered in Switzerland. The acquisition has been financed with a mix of equity and debt.
NTC is a pharmaceutical company headquartered in Milan, with distributors and partners in more than 100 countries worldwide, engaged in research, development, registration and commercialization of drugs, medical devices and food supplements in ophthalmology, but also in other therapeutic areas like pediatrics and gastro-metabolism. NTC offers to its partners, currently more than 200 companies, innovative pharmaceutical products with high quality standards.
The products acquired by NTC from Novartis include Colircusi Gentadexa (aminoglycoside), Colircusi Gentamicin and Oftalmolosa Cusi Gentamicina (aminoglycoside), Oftalmolosa Cusi Erythromycin (macrolide), Oftalmolosa Cusi Aureomycin (tetracycline), and Oftacilox (fluoroquinolone).
The deal allows NTC to further strengthen its range of products in the ophthalmic area, in particular in Spain (but also in Italy, Portugal and Poland), where the Company aims to launch its own network of medical sales representatives, as it already successfully happened in Italy in 2017, and to directly promote further products which are currently in development.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial adviser to the International School of Europe Group and St. Louis School, both owned by the international schools group Inspired, in the raise of financing aimed to support growth plan.
Founded by the Formiga family in 1958, ISE is a leading group of schools in Italy that provides an outstanding education to over 2,000 local and expatriate students from 3 to 18 years of age in Milan, Modena, Monza and Siena.
Established in 1996, St. Louis School is an IB World School and IGCSE University of Cambridge International Examinations centre, based in Milan which offers education for approximately 1,000 Italian and International students between 2 and 18 years old.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to the Shareholders of Incas S.p.A. in the sale of 100% stake to the German-based Group SSI Schäfer AG, leading provider of logistics systems.
Established in Biella in 1981, Incas is the Italian leading player in the supply chain automation. It offers to its domestic and international customers industrial automation solutions for logistics and production monitoring, integrated system & software solutions.
Since its inception, Incas has constantly grown both its top line and EBITDA, reaching in 2017 revenues of approximately Euro 40 million with an EBITDA margin of over 9%.
The deal fosters the creation of a leading player in the Supply Chain Automation in Italy.
Post acquisition, Incas will become SSI Schäfer's operational arm in Italy, integrating the existing Italian SSI Schäfer subsidiary.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Optima, a leading manufacturer of ingredients for artisanal ice cream active worldwide with the MEC3 brand and cake decorations with the Modecor brands controlled by Charterhouse Capital Partners, in the acquisition of Giuso Guido.
Founded near Alessandria in 1919, Giuso Guido is focused on the manufacture and sale of high quality ingredients and semi-finished products for bakeries and artisanal ice cream producers. It can count over 600 items on catalogue sold in 35 countries worldwide.
The deal allows Optima to widen its product range and to achieve synergies with both MEC3 ice cream ingredients as well as the pastry decoration of Modecor, acquired in January 2018.
Through this acquisition, Optima will consolidate its global presence as high quality “made in Italy” manufacturer boosting its sales, reaching Euro 190 million.
This acquisition represents the second add-ons completed by Optima under control of the UK-based private equity firm Charterhouse Capital Partners which invested in it, in November 2016.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Xenon Private Equity in the acquisition of a majority stake in Tecnopool from the Lago family that will retain a minority interest in the Company.
Established in Padua in 1980, Tecnopool is a leading company active in the designing, manufacturing and installing of highly customized machinery lines for food industry products treatment and processing.
The Group has installed more than 4,000 equipment since its foundation (mainly abroad) and it is active in seven business lines: deep-freezing, cooling, pasteurizing, proofing, product handling, baking and frying of a wide range of food products (e.g. bread, pasta, meat and pastry).
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Parma Healthcare.
The Company acquired a 100% stake in Hospital Piccole Figlie (HPF) from Teorema Holding, Istituto Piccole Figlie dei SS. Cuori di Gesù e Maria and the Parma Diocese.
Headquartered in Parma, HPF is a private institute accredited by the Italian National Health System with 100 beds, founded by the Piccole Figlie dei SS. Cuori di Gesù e Maria Congregation in 1946.
HPF offers general medical services, orthopaedics and internal medicine, general surgery, day surgery and day hospital.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to the shareholders and managers of Step in the sale of a stake to a pool of family offices and private investors, through the newco Jupiter.
Founded in 1854, Step is a leading e-procurement and digital transformation services company in Italy with a strong focus on the Banking industry. It provides supply chain management and value added services to manage complex processes of supply, logistics (shipment, installations, maintenance and disposal), cost management and dematerialization.
Step distributes its products and services in ca. 28,000 retail points (branches, agencies, promoters, shops, dealers) on a daily basis with over 600,000 shipments a year. Step, which holds 80% of the banking sector's e-procurement market, reached a turnover of Euro 60 million in 2017.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to the private equity firm Apax Partners in the acquisition of a majority stake in Business Integration Partners (Bip) from the private equity firm Argos Soditic.
The Bip’s top management and other Partners will continue to hold an important share and manage the Group.
Founded in 2003, Bip delivers management consulting, business integration and IT/digital transformation services supporting international companies in the research and adoption of disruptive technological innovation. The company is present in more 11 countries with over 1,800 professionals.
The deal, Apax’s first in the services and consultancy sector in Italy, represents the key to further acceleration of Bip’s growth and development. The objective is to establish Bip as an undisputed global player in the market by pursuing both organic and external growth, and accelerating its international development and industry diversification.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to the shareholders of Forest in the sale of a 65% stake to the private equity firm Progressio SGR.
Forest has been valued at around Euro 65 million.
The Vendors are Marina Salamon, who acquired a 51% stake in Forest in November 2014, via her wholly owned company Alchimia S.p.A. and the CEO Nicolas Bargi who will partner with Progressio retaining the remaining stake in the Company.
Established in 2011, Forest is the first brand of 100% animal free puffer jackets, and a leading producer of animal-free clothing under the Save the Duck brand.
Forest is currently present in 29 countries, mostly in Europe, with Germany in the lead, followed by Benelux and Scandinavia, thanks to a selected network of wholesale stores. It reached an export rate of above 50%.
Forest generated 2017 sales of Euro 31,5 million, with an EBITDA margin of 23% and is expected to double revenues in the next three years.
Progressio will support the development of a monobrand network; in the mid-term it will open stores starting from Milan and followed by the main international fashion destinations such as New York, London and Tokyo.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Optima, a leading manufacturer of ingredients for artisanal ice cream active worldwide with the MEC3 brand and controlled by Charterhouse Capital Partners since November 2016, in the acquisition of Modecor Italiana.
Established near Varese in 1960, Modecor is a European leader in cake decorations and operates in 70 countries worldwide.
The Group has a workforce of 150 employees and counts around 2,000 pastry decoration items on catalogue and posted 2016 revenues of over Euro 50 million.
The transaction will strengthen two champions of “made in Italy” products, highly complementary and synergistic players, creating new growth opportunities on international scale.
Both companies will remain independent and separated, each focusing on its specific sector: MEC3 on icecreams ingredients and Modecor on pastry.
The deal allows Modecor to widen its distribution network and reach uncharted areas taking advantage of MEC3’s international wholesale and distribution network and its consolidated global presence.
The acquisition also implies the sharing of both strategic production and training know-how within their respective business sectors.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to the France-based private equity firm Astorg, in the acquisition of a majority stake in Surfaces Technological Abrasives from the private equity firm Xenon Private Equity.
Surfaces Technological Abrasives is a world leading manufacturer of abrasive products for the treatment of lapping of the ceramics.
Surfaces generated 2016 sales of approximately Euro 60 million.
The Company has recently acquired ADI, a leading provider ceramics-working equipment, headquartered near Vicenza.
The transaction represents the second investment of Astorg in Italy. The firm aims at creating a worldwide industrial provider in the abrasives technology business able to supply solutions addressed to a wide number of industries.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial adviser to White Bridge Investments (WBI) in the acquisition of Nutrilinea from the founding shareholders.
Founded near Varese in 2002, Nutrilinea is an Italian leading company in the contract manufacturing and packaging of food supplements and medical devices for the health and pharmaceutical industry, representing a strategic supplier to some international food and pharmaceutical companies.
Nutrilinea registered solid financial performances: referring to the first half of 2017, it reported 66% sales increase compared to the same period of 2016 and is still keeping this positive trend also in the second half of 2017.
WBI will enhance the Company’s growth and international development by providing Nutrilinea with financial resources to invest in both technological and product innovation.
The founding partners of M-Cube, assisted by Fineurop Soditic as exclusive financial advisor, sold a stake in the Company to HLD Europe. At the same time, Fineurop Soditic assisted M-Cube in a capital increase subscribed by HLD Europe.
Founded in 2001, M‐Cube has emerged in Italy as the leading player in design and development of digital multimedia solutions (radio and video), supporting the in‐store marketing of large retailers. From the creation to the management of deployed solutions, M‐Cube offers its customers a wide selection of unique personalised experiences tailored to each target and each location.
M‐Cube, with a team of over 60 people, counts among its clients major international groups of household goods distribution and fashion, for whom digital multimedia in‐store solutions have been installed in more than 80 countries.
HLD Europe, independent investment holding based in Luxembourg, will support the Company’s international growth thanks to its wide network and know‐how, allowing M‐Cube to consolidate its position in Europe.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to NB Renaissance Partners, the Neuberger Berman’s arm dedicated to private equity investments in Italy, in the acquisition of a majority stake in Comelz from the Zorzolo family that will retain a minority interest in the Company.
Established in the renowned footwear district of Vigevano 75 years ago, Comelz is focused on the production of cutting machines for the footwear and leather goods industry.
It has a wide international network of distributors and subsidiaries and operates two production plants with a workforce of approximately 160 people.
Comelz generates most of its turnover abroad. It has increased its sales from around Euro 23 million in 2012 to approximately Euro 50 million expected as the end of 2017.
The new investor will support Comelz in a new phase of growth across international markets.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial adviser to Intercos Group, leading producer of third-party cosmetics and portfolio company of L Catterton, in the acquisition of Cosmint Group from the Masu family.
Founded in 1993 and headquartered near Como, Cosmint is an Italian leading contract manufacturer of cosmetic products, serving the most prestigious international cosmetic brands.
Cosmint generated 2016 sales of Euro 140 million.
The deal will create one of the largest B2B beauty groups worldwide, counting 15 factories and 11 research centers across Europe, Asia and America, employing around 5,000 people globally and with an expected 2017 turnover of approximately Euro 700 million.
Fineurop Soditic assisted Chequers Capital in the acquisition of a controlling stake in Giovanni Bozzetto Group, alongside its management team headed by Roberto Curreri, from Synergo SGR.
Headquartered near Bergamo, Giovanni Bozzetto Group is a specialty chemicals company that started its activity in 1919 as a textile chemicals company, producing and distributing chemical agents used throughout textile production processes in order to enhance their efficiency. Starting from the 1980s, the Group expanded into other markets such as building materials, detergents and agriculture chemicals, both organically and through acquisitions.
Bozzetto has a strong international presence serving customers in 80 countries with sales generated in 2016 for Euro 118 million.
Bozzetto operates 5 production plants located in Italy, Spain, Poland, Turkey and Indonesia, as well as a partnership in China.
Chequers Capital will support Bozzetto in the implementation of its strategic plan and in pursuing external growth.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Alpha Private Equity Funds in the acquisition of Europart Holding GmbH from the current private equity investors Triton Funds and Paragon Partners.
Europart, headquartered in Hagen (Germany) and with more than 1,500 employees, is a leading European retailer for utility and special purpose vehicle spare parts and accessories as well as workshop requirements for vehicle garages and transport companies.
Europart operates an international network with more than 300 sales outlets represented in 28 countries.
Alpha is an independent Pan-European Private Equity firm, specialized in mid-market buyouts with Euro 2 billion under management, mainly focused on crossborder transactions in Italy, France, Germany, Benelux, Switzerland.
Thanks to its strong industry experience as well as financial capability, the new investor Alpha will allow Europart to further accelerate its development.
Fineurop Soditic acted as debt adviser to Stirling Square Capital Partners, a leading pan-European mid-market private equity firm, in the acquisition of Isoclima Group through a management buyout co-led by Isoclima’s co-founder Alberto Bertolini and industry veteran Bill O'Gara.
Established in Este in 1977, Isoclima is the global solutions leader in transparent armour and high-performance glass products. The Group employs over 700 staff in operations across Italy, Croatia and Mexico and its products are mainly addressed to the civilian and military armoured vehicles, specialty vehicles, marine, architecture, aerospace and rail end-markets.
Stirling Square will support Isoclima's international development strategies focused on product development and delivery into new sectors and geographies.
The transaction represents the seventh platform investment in Stirling Square’s third Fund.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial adviser to the private equity firm Wise SGR in the sale of Boglioli to the Spanish specialist industrial investment fund Phi Industrial Acquisitions.
Wise initially invested in Boglioli in 2007, acquiring a majority stake, while it acquired the remaining 20.33% stake from the founding family later in March 2013.
Founded by the Boglioli family in the outskirts of Brescia in 1974, the Company is a well-known luxury menswear tailoring fashion house.
The Company recorded 2016 sales of around Euro 23 million.
Following the entry of new investor and financial capital, Boglioli is ready to continue its recovery path and to further growth internationally.
Fineurop Soditic acted as debt adviser to Progressio Investimenti II Fund in the acquisition of a 70% stake in Garda Plast from the Tonoli family, with the Tonoli brothers retaining a 30% stake in the business.
Established in 1996, Garda Plast is the Italian leader and one of the main European players in the production of preforms in P.E.T. for mineral water, soft drinks and detergents.
The growth strategy enacted by Progressio, building on past performance, aims at strengthening and consolidating Garda Plast position on current markets and expanding into adjacent segments.
Fineurop Soditic originated the transaction in which the French Group Autodis (Autodistribution), backed by the private equity firm Bain Capital, acquired a majority stake in OVAM, Ricauto and Top Car.
The three leading Italian wholesaler distributors operate in the North and Center of the country.
Founded near Milan in 1963, OVAM achieved 2016 turnover of over Euro 80 million and employs around 150 professionals.
Established respectively in 1973 and 1989, Ricauto and Top Car are based in Padua and together represent the major player with GIADI, the Autodistribution’s partner purchasing group in Italy through the affiliated subsidiary AD Italy. In 2016, Ricauto and Top Car generated a combined turnover of more than Euro 40 million and employing 47 professionals.
The newly formed Italian structure would generate revenues in excess of Euro 120 million and will become one of the domestic leaders in Italy, also by attracting new independent distributors.
Fineurop Soditic assisted the private equity fund Aksìa Capital IV in the acquisition of a 70% stake in Alpha Test from its founding shareholders and the private equity fund Alcedo III (45%).
Alpha Test is a leading player in the field of professional education, specialized in books and courses for preparation at university admission test and the Italian market leader in University admission test preparation.
Founded in Milan 1987, Alpha Test has a catalogue that includes more than 600 titles, 100 new editions per year, 5 million copies sold and 40,000 hours of lessons offered in 35 Italian cities to over 80,000 students.
Aksìa aims to support the management in the further development of the business, expanding the range of products on offer and entering adjacent market segments, either directly or through acquisitions.
Fineurop Soditic originated the transaction in which the US-based Fleetcor Technologies, Inc. acquired a minority stake in QUI! Group and acted as exclusive advisor to the Sellers.
Fleetcor, listed on the NYSE, is a leading global provider of fuel cards and workforce payment products to businesses. Fleetcor serves commercial accounts in over 53 countries (North America, Latin America, Europe, and Australia/New Zealand) and has more than 800 partners and a high volume customer base.
Founded in 1992 and with headquarters in Genoa, QUI! Group provides food cards and meal vouchers to both private and public employers. It is an Italian market leader with thousands of clients and a network of 100,000 grocery and restaurant establishments.
The Company employs over 1,300 people and its 2016 sales exceed Euro 600 million.
QUI! Group started its international expansion in 2015, entering the Brasilian market.
The partnership with Fleetcor will enable QUI! Group to strengthen its position in the Italian SME market, to widen its products portfolio and to accelerate its international growth.
Fineurop Soditic assisted Wise SGR S.p.A. in the acquisition of Tapì S.p.A. from the founders and Gradiente I fund.
Tapì, headquartered near Padua, is a global leader in the design and production of synthetic T Tops mainly used for premium and super premium spirit bottles. Tapì’s products bring together a high kwon-how content and design, as it is typical of Italian excellence. The company also serves food and wine producers selling high innovation and design closures.
The company operates plants in Italy and Mexico having Europe, the US and Central America as main geographic markets.
Tapì reached revenues of approximately Euro 40 million, over 85% of which coming from international markets.
The acquisition represents the third investments of Wisequity IV fund.
Wise will strengthen Tapì competitive positioning by bringing both financial and human resources, supporting the Group in its global expansion.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial adviser to the private equity firm White Bridge Investments in the acquisition of a minority stake in Ancorotti Cosmetics.
Founded in 2008, Ancorotti Cosmetics is a leading contract manufacturer in the cosmetic sector specialized in the production of mascara and back injected powders for the main international brands.
In 2016, it generated sales of Euro 72 million (+66% on 2015) confirming its profitable growth trend.
White Bridge will boost Ancorotti’s international expansion, supporting the Company and accelerating its further development.
Fineurop Soditic provided financial advice to IDeA Capital Funds regarding the purchase of a minority stake in Acque Minerali S.r.l., Italy-based mineral water and soft drink company, owner of the Lurisia brand.
In particular, the Italian private equity fund IDeA Taste of Italy focused on agri-food sector investments and managed by IDeA Capital Funds SGR (DeA Capital Group), completed the investment of a 33% stake in Acque Minerali, whose current owners include the Invernizzi family and the food group Eataly that invested in the Company in 2004.
Lurisia is a well known brand offering high quality products and innovative packaging design. Distributed in the USA since 1992, the Lurisia brand currently exports its products globally.
IDeA Taste of Italy will enhance the international growth of Lurisia, doubling its production volumes and positioning the brand at a premium segment in the catering distribution; moreover it will strengthen the Lurisia leadership in the quality soft drinks business in Italy and abroad in partnership with Eataly’s new marketplaces openings.
Fineurop Soditic assisted Surfaces Technological Abrasives, leading Italian provider of ceramics-working equipment controlled by the P.E. fund Xenon Private Equity VI, in the acquisition of ADI.
Established in 1980 and based near Vicenza, ADI is a leading player in diamond tools addressed to a wide number of industries.
The transaction will create a new leading group in the abrasives technology business with total sales of around Euro 55 million.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Charterhouse Capital Partners LLP in the acquisition of 100% of Optima S.r.l. from The Riverside Company. Charterhouse prevailed in a competitive auction process over leading strategic and international private equity investors.
Established in 1984 and headquartered in Rimini, Optima is a leading manufacturer of ingredients for artisanal ice cream. It operates under the Mec3 brand and has an estimated global market share of approx. 12%. Optima offers a complete portfolio of top quality products among which pastes, bases and powders, gelato kit and syrups. In 2015, Optima reported sales of around €105 million and an EBITDA of €25 million. The Company is active in over 140 countries and can boast a particularly strong position in Germany and Brazil.
The Riverside Company acquired Optima in a LBO transaction from the Emendatori family in February 2014.
Charterhouse will provide Optima with additional means to accelerate its growth plans supporting the Company‘s strengthening and expansion into new markets at international level.
The closing is expected by the end of 2016.
Charterhouse Capital Partners, headquartered in London is a leading private equity investor in Europe. Established at the beginnings of the 80’s, Charterhouse has completed since its inception over 140 transactions worth an aggregate in excess of €50 billion in value. Charterhouse currently manages over €5.7 billion and has recently completed the fundraising of its X Fund of Euro 2.3 billion.
Its small portfolio of investments allows Charterhouse to work closely in supporting management to maximize value for its investors. The acquisition of Optima-Mec3 is Charterhouse’s third investment in Italy in 3 years and follows the acquisitions of DOC Generici (realised in May 2016) and Nuova Castelli in 2014.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Covisian, controlled by the private equity fund Aksìa Capital IV, in the acquisition of 100% stake in CSS S.p.A.
Founded in 1993, CSS is one of the major Italian player in the credit collection business and litigation management business. It employs 260 people and registered a turnover of Euro 10 million with an EBITDA margin of 16%. The Company has a portfolio of high profile clients among which UniCredit, TIM, Findomestic, Agos, Compass, Credem and Unipol.
Covisian, with a turnover of Euro 120 million, was born from the initiative of Aksìa Group SGR S.p.A. at the beginning of 2016, with the acquisition and integration of Visiant Contact and Contacta.
Through this investment Covisian strengthens its position in the credit collection business. The know-how of CSS, integrated with the expertise of Covisian, enables a complete offering for credit management.
The transaction is part of Covisian strategy that aims at growing both in Italy and abroad, through add-on acquisitions.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial adviser to the UK based private equity fund HgCapital in the acquisition of Mobyt, an Italian provider of Application-to-Person SMS services to enterprises.
HgCapital has acquired approximately 82% of Mobyt for Euro 26.1 million from the previous shareholders who will partially reinvest in the Company.
HgCapital will launch a mandatory offer at Euro 2.5 per share to purchase the remaining shares.
Headquartered in Ferrara, Mobyt, is an Italian leader in mobile marketing and mobile services that provides companies with solutions for sending and receiving of SMS messaging services for information and advertising through a proprietary platform, connected directly to the main mobile operators Italian and French by dedicated lines. The Group also offers services of web advertising and sending professional email.
Mobyt operates worldwide through offices in Italy and abroad and generated 2015 sales of over Euro 25 million, with an EBITDA margin of approx. 14%.
HgCapital will support Mobyt grow internationally.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial adviser to the private equity firm Aksìa Group, owner of the Covisian Group.
Covisian is the 3rd player in the Italian contact center industry, with a turnover of Euro 115 million.
The Group is also active in customer care, business process outsourcing and value-added services such as Big Data analysis, inbound and outbound marketing, back office and client social media monitoring.
In December 2015, Aksìa Group acquired a controlling stake in Contacta S.p.A. and Visiant Contact S.r.l., through Aksìa Capital IV, creating Covisian, a Group in which the 2 target companies are working together to develop a new and innovative project.
Covisian will use the MLT facility provided by Cariparma, BPM and GE Capital for internal needs and growth opportunities.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial adviser to the International schools group Inspired Europe in the acquisition of the International School of Europe Group (ISE) from private equity house HIG Capital and the founding family.
Founded by the Formiga family in 1958, ISE is a leading group of schools in Italy that provides an outstanding education to over 1,800 local and expatriate students from 3 to 18 years of age in Milan, Modena, Monza and Siena.
Inspired is a leading operator of premium schools in Europe, Australia, Africa and South America and is backed by the education investment firm Educas.
The addition of ISE will expand the Inspired's global network to a total of 23 schools, providing an outstanding education to over 15,000 students.
ISE will join the Inspired community of schools that will create multiple opportunities for growth for ISE’s teachers and students providing a world class international education. As part of Inspired’s family of international schools, students and staff at ISE will benefit from the support of world-leading educational experts and access to state of the art learning platforms.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial adviser to H.I.G. Europe, the European arm of global private equity firm H.I.G. Capital, in the acquisition of a controlling interest in Texbond.
The founder and Chairman of the Company as well as the CEO have invested in the transaction alongside H.I.G., providing management continuity as well as technical and strategic expertise to support the growth plans.
Founded in Rovereto in 1988, Texbond specialises in nonwovens for specialty applications in the hygienic, medical, construction, automotive, household and agricultural industries.
With its continuous investment in R&D and a constant focus on process efficiency and innovation, Texbond is currently one of the leading European producers of artificial fibres with a leading position in the development and manufacture of specialty products.
The Company employs around 65 people and generated 2015 sales of approx. Euro 40 million.
H.I.G. will support the development plan of Texbond through a buy and build strategy at a global level, mainly in Europe and the U.S.A.
Fineurop Soditic assisted as exclusive advisor Italiaonline S.p.A. in the sale of the business unit 1254 to Contacta S.p.A., owned by the Covisian Group, the 3rd player in the Contact Center and BPO in Italy.
Fineurop Soditic was selected in the context of the process issued by the Antitrust Authority post merger between SEAT Pagine Gialle and Italiaonline.
Created in 2005, 1254 is a directory assistance that provides Italian and international phone numbers and addresses of both individuals and companies, listed on national subscribers lists or sourced from publicly available information. The service is offered either via telephone or internet, on a 24/7 base.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to the candies manufacturer Fida S.p.A. in the acquisition of 6 Italian confectionery brands including Rossana candies from Nestlè.
The deal implies the relocation of the production of Rossana and the other brands (including Fondenti, Glacia, Fruttallegre, Lemoncella e Spicchi) to Fida’s site located near Asti where they will join existing Fida brands including Bonelle, Sanagola, Charms, Gocce, Tenerezze, Gnammy and Le Irresistibili.
In 2015, the candy business of Nestlè recorded revenues for approximately Euro 20 million.
The deal will create technological, production and sales synergies for Fida, the sweets manufacturer established in 1973 and controlled by the Balconi family.
The acquisition is in line with Fida’s strategy to widen its product portfolio and it will enable the Company to strengthen its market position in Italy’s family candy market, where it currently controls around 3.5%, and abroad.
Fineurop Soditic assisted the Italian private equity firm specialized in environmental investments Ambienta in the acquisition of a further 40% stake in Ravelli Group from the Ravelli family, reaching total control of the Company.
Ravelli Group is an Italian pellet stove specialist with a comprehensive product portfolio. It operates an in-house manufacturing in Italy and boasts strong brand awareness in Italy and Europe, where it sells its products via a strong network of agents and distributors.
Ravelli employs approximately 150 people and generated 2014 sales of Euro 51 million, with an EBITDA margin of over 14%.
Ambienta purchased 60% of Ravelli in May 2010. It will further help Ravelli to accelerate and expand its business in Italy and abroad through growth in the countries where it already operates and penetration in new markets, even outside Europe.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Gruppo Ligabue and the majority shareholder in the sale of a minority stake previously owned by the private equity group Alcedo to Fondo Italiano di Investimento for Euro 14 million.
Earlier in 2010, Alcedo acquired a minority stake in Ligabue through the Fund Alcedo III.
Established in Venice in 1919, Ligabue supplies top quality catering and hotel services using edge technologies for every kind of ship, offshore drilling platform or large construction site.
Ligabue registered 2015 turnover of Euro 270 million, 80% of which generated abroad. It employs over 6,000 people in 14 countries: Brazil, Nigeria, Angola, Congo, Mozambique, Algeria, Italy, Switzerland, Netherland, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Russia and Peru.
The new partner will assist Ligabue in further expanding internationally and entering new business areas.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to the private equity firm Aksìa Group in the acquisition of 100% stake of Lameplast COC Group.
The Group is the European leading provider of single-dose packaging and contract manufacturing, mainly used in the ophthalmic and healthcare segments.
Lameplast Group operates in Italy via Lameplast S.p.A. and COC Farmaceutici S.r.l. and in North America via a commercial branch in the United States. Founded in 1956 in Carpi (Modena), Lameplast produces single and multi-dose strips and other specialty plastic packaging with injection technology in a sterile environment. COC has plants in Carpi and near Bologna and operates as contract manufacturer for research, production and filling of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, both in single-dose and commercialized plastic containers.
In 2014, Lameplast COC Group reported sales of Euro 43 million with an EBITDA margin of around 17%.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial adviser to the global private equity firm Permira in the acquisition of Arcaplanet from Motion Equity Partners.
Established in 1955, Arcaplanet is a leading pet stores retailer that operates a chain of approx.150 stores which sell over 10,000 SKUs, ranging from pet food to accessories and to healthcare products.
The Group has also developed its portfolio of four different owned brands: Start, Expecial, Next and HiFish.
In 2014, Arcaplanet Group launched its online retail activity.
In 2015, the Group generated revenues of Euro 137 million (+22% vs previous year).
The deal is expected to close by the end of June 2016.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial adviser to Wise SGR S.p.A. and private investors (Di Iorio and Emdin families) in the acquisition of 100% stake in Controls Group from the Abacus fund and a group of long-term shareholders.
Controls Group, based in the outskirts of Milan, is a world leader in equipment for construction materials testing with a presence in more than 100 countries.
The Group generated a turnover of over Euro 40 million and employs approximately 135 people, 50% of whom abroad at Controls’ own subsidiaries in France, Great Britain, Spain, Poland, Iraq, Mexico and the U.S.A., as well as at the headquarters of IPC Global, an Australian company in which it holds a stake.
The project involves the development of the Group, together with current management, through investments aimed at both internal growth, with expansion into underserved markets – in particular the U.S.A. - as well as through acquisitions of complementary and synergistic companies.
This acquisiton is a significant step in the nearly 50-year history of Controls. Wise SGR’s entry in the Controls group creates optimal conditions for more rapid development, as well as the conditions for further growth of the management team to complete the planned generational changeover.
Fineurop Soditic acted as sole financial adviser to Alcedo SGR in the acquisition, through the Alcedo IV fund, of a majority stake (55%) in EXA Group.
The founding managers will retain the remaining 45% stake in the Company.
Founded in 2005, EXA Group is a leading general contractor providing architecture, engineering and project management solutions mainly dedicated to the creation of retail shops in the Fashion & Luxury business. EXA Group is one of the main players in Europe and America, having built well-established relationships with the main famous luxury brands such as Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and Tiffany.
Headquartered in Arezzo (Tuscany), EXA Group operates on international scale managing a wholly owned New York-based company and branches in Moscow and Central America, in 2015 generated consolidated revenues in the region of Euro 55 million.
Alcedo will support EXA Group in its expansion strategy through the creation of new subsidiaries, international add-on acquisitions and the entry in adjacent business segments, exporting its operating model in other markets.
Furthermore EXA Group plans to strengthen its management team in order to support such growth strategy.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial adviser to Ardian in the acquisition of F2A from Argos Soditic and the F2A management team which will invest a minority stake alongside Ardian.
F2A is a leading Italian player in the HR and administration services. It provides outsourced services in the personnel administration and accounting areas to Italian and multinational blue chip customers.
The F2A Group was created in 2006 through the integration of FIS (established in 1962 as a supplier of accounting and administration outsourced activities) and Antex (also founded in 1962, and active in the delivery of HR services).
The product offering includes HR services such as time and attendance records, processing and control of payroll, support in tax filing, HR management, expenses reporting and definition of HR budgeting.
F2A Group generated 2015 sales of Euro 50 million, it has approximately 1,500 customers and employs around 650 professionals in its 8 offices in Italy.
Ardian will support F2A in its expansion strategy by strengthening the current sales coverage in Italy to find new potential customers, and by helping the Group to explore build-up opportunities to consolidate the market, which is currently extremely fragmented.
Fineurop Soditic assisted the private equity firm Aksìa Group SGR S.p.A., which acquired through Aksìa Capital IV a controlling stake in Contacta S.p.A. and Visiant Contact S.r.l.
The transaction implies the acquisition of 100% of Visiant and Contacta through a holding company in which Aksìa Group will own a 55% stake, while the remaining will be held by Contacta’s and Visiant Contact’s previous shareholders.
The acquisition of both Visiant Contact and Contacta will enable Aksìa Group to create a new Group in which the 2 target companies will work together to develop a new and innovative project. It will be the 3rd player in the Italian contact center industry, with a combined turnover of Euro 115 million.
Founded in 2000, Visiant is among the top 5 Italian companies specialized in contact center services, customer care, business process outsourcing and value-added services such as Big Data analysis. It has 11 branches in Italy and Albania and high profile clients among which Fastweb, Google and Sky.
Headquartered in Turin, Contacta is a leading player in the Italian contact center and business process outsourcing service, inbound and outbound marketing, back office and client social media monitoring. It can count among its clients Che Banca!, ENEL, Agos Ducato and Lavazza.
Fineurop Soditic assisted Xenon Private Equity in the acquisition of De Wave S.r.l. from the Dellepiane family, in a management buy-out transaction in which the management invested a minority stake in the Company.
De Wave, created as a spin off of the Demont Group, is a leading refitting company in Italy and Europe. It has been active in the shipping business since 1993 with headquarters in Genoa and operations in Italy (Monfalcone and Battaglia Terme) and Lipno (Polonia).
De Wave offers new ship outfittings, refitting service, cabin systems and turnkey refitting solutions to both mega-yachts, cruise and military ships and generated 2014 sales of over Euro 46 million.
Xenon will support De Wave in its expansion through both internal growth and add on acquisitions.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Fratelli Fila S.p.A. in the acquisition of the Valstar brands.
Founded in 1911 in Milan, Valstar is an Italian manufacturer of high-end made in Italy jackets.
Fratelli Fila, established in 1906 as a wool mill is a privately held Italian fashion house which operates in the casualwear business.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial adviser to Facile.it
Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Milan, Facile.it is Italy’s leading destination for consumers to compare prices for motor insurance, energy, telecoms and personal finance.
With a turnover of approximately Euro 35 million and thanks to strong relationships with all Italian online insurers and a huge customer base, Facile.it is the largest domestic (online and offline) motor insurance broker.
Capitalizing on its leading market position in car insurance and strong brand awareness, Facile.it has launched new product verticals in ADSL, gas & power, financial products and cellular.
Facile.it operates a multi-channel business model with sales channels including i) Web: completion of an online form after the review of available offers directly on the website; ii) Contact center: structured in two facilities located in Milan and Tirana (Albania) and iii) Field sale force: B2B/B2C sales realized through a network of independent agents.
The Group currently employees approximately 470 people between Italy and Albania.
In September 2014 Oakley Capital Private Equity, a fund with a strong experience in Technology, Media, Online transactional businesses across Europe, acquired a controlling stake in the Group alongside the original Founders and Management.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to the private equity firm Apax Partners in the acquisition of Azelis Group from funds managed by 3i.
Azelis Group is a leading global distributor of specialty chemicals and related services.
3i and funds managed by 3i acquired a majority stake in Azelis in 2007. Since then the Company has transformed from a decentralised European business into an integrated group, operating under the Azelis brand, serving customers and principals in the coatings, chemicals, rubber and plastic additives, food and health, animal nutrition, pharma and personal care industries.
During this period, Azelis has grown both organically and through acquisitions, significantly expanding its geographic footprint in the UK, Benelux, and Central and Eastern Europe. It has also successfully entered the Asian chemical distribution market, opening several offices in China, Japan and South-East Asia. Substantial operational improvements were also implemented across the organisation.
Azelis achieves a worldwide turnover of 1 billion Euro and employs around 1100 staff in 34 countries, including in Europe, China, Australia, Canada, India, Japan and Malaysia. In Germany, Azelis is represented at locations in Krefeld, Moers and Sankt Augustin, where it is particularly active in the pharma, personal care and food ingredient industries along with the distribution of chemicals.
Apax Partners, together with the existing management team, intends to continue Azelis' strategic focus on growing the business through ongoing development of its specialist product portfolio and continuing to extend its global reach, both organically and through acquisitions.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Ceva Logistics, one of the world’s leading non-asset based supply chain management companies, in the sale of Spedizioni internazionali Trasporti Terrestri Aerei e Marittimi (SITTAM) to La Petrolifera Italo Rumena, a subsidiary of Gruppo PIR.
The transaction has been supported by Sittam’s management.
Based in Cornaredo (Milan), Sittam is active in international groupage, recognised as a market leader in Italy, due to the quality, flexibility and reliability of its groupage services (consolidating small shipments into larger loads) in international land transport.
The Company has 9 branches in Italy and covers Europe through regular services and a network of agents in many countries, among others Germany, Austria, France, Spain, Turkey and Eastern Europe.
Sittam was part of TNT when this latter was sold to Apollo Global Management in 2006 and was later renamed CEVA Logistics; the Company continued to operate under its own brand, under the umbrella of CEVA’s market-leading logistics business in Italy, collaborating on mutual business opportunities.
Owned by the Ottolenghi family, La Petrolifera Italo Rumena operates as bonded warehouse, in Porto Corsini, Ravenna, storage and handling activities of chemicals, petrochemicals, oil and liquids products. This acquisition allows PIR to enter the logistics land transport business.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to the Shareholders of DentalPro (DP Group S.r.l.) in the sale of a majority stake of the Company to the US-based private equity firm Summit Partners.
Existing DentalPro shareholder, VAM Investments reinvested in the transaction, as did CEO and founder Michel Cohen.
Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Milan, DentalPro owns and operates 30 full-service clinics across Italy, most of which located primarily in shopping malls. Each clinic provides a full range of high-quality dental services, from general dentistry to more sophisticated implants, prosthesis and orthodontics. DentalPro partners with local dentists and provides them with comprehensive practice management support as well as training, which allows the practitioners to focus on providing high-quality care. Today, more than 200 dentists are part of the DentalPro network.
DentalPro will continue its rapid expansion in the Italian dental care sector, with the backing of Summit Partners which has had significant experience in the healthcare sector over the past 31 years.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Dada S.p.A., a leading player in the online presence digital services listed on the Milan Stock Exchange, in the sale of Moqu Adv S.r.l. to Italiaonline S.p.A..
Italiaonline acquired from Dada 100% of the share capital of Moqu, which includes a wholly owned subsidiary in Ireland, Moqu Adv Ireland Ltd, for a cash consideration plus a variable part of the price ("earn-out"), based on the results of the Moqu Group in 2015.
In 2014, Moqu, active in the performance advertising business, achieved revenues of approximately Euro 8.5 million and an EBITDA margin of around 7%. It currently employs about 20 people, based in Florence and Dublin.
The transaction is part of the announced strategy of the Dada Group to focus on the core business of digital services for SMEs, and it aims at further strengthening Dada’s role as a top European player in the business of domain name registration, hosting, servers and advanced communication tools, as well as in the online brand protection and enhancement.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to the shareholders of IBF S.p.A. in the sale of a controlling stake to TUBACEX, the world’s second largest manufacturer of seamless stainless steel tubes.
IBF, founded in 1979, is a leading manufacturer of high alloy stainless steel tubes and special fittings. It is a reputed global supplier of customized tube solutions for the leading companies in oil and gas extraction (sub-sea, top-side and on-shore), power generation (conventional and nuclear), as well as for the petrochemical industry and LNG.
IBF has 7 production facilities located in northern Italy as well as a joint venture in the Chinese company, JSI Ltd, set up with two local firms. JSI manufactures thick walled piping components and fittings in China for the Chinese nuclear market.
IBF employs around 300 people and has revenues of ca. Euro 135 million. 50% of its 2013 turnover was made in Asia, 30% in Europe and approximately 20% in North America.
Pursuant to this acquisition IBF will benefit from TUBACEX international network and will integrate the product range of the Spanish manufacturer with its own offering, strengthening its competitive position by being able to offer both tubes and fittings.
The Group will become a leading global tubular solutions provider and will enter, with a leading position, into the pipe accessories market (fittings, elbows, tees, caps, etc.).
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial adviser to Comdata in the acquisition of a 100% stake in Atento Česká republika a.s. from the NYSE listed Company Atento.
Atento is the largest provider of customer relationship management and business process outsourcing services in Latin America and Spain, and among the top 3 providers globally.
The target company owns Atento's operations in the Czech Republic.
The acquisition allows Comdata Group to strengthen its activities such as back office customer management, contact center, document management and customer payments in the Eastern Europe.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Rhiag Group, European leading player in the automotive aftermarket business and owned by Apax Partners, in the acquisition of a 100% stake in Era from Alcedo SGR and the founding partners.
Founded in Moncalieri (Turin), Era is a leading distributor of electrical and electronic parts in the after-market car sector, with a catalogue of around 11,000 products distributed in over 90 countries in the world.
Era registered 2013 sales of Euro 40 million (60% of which generated by export), with an EBITDA margin of 16% and it is expected to reach 2014 sales of Euro 42 million.
The acquisition will allow Era to strengthen its competitive position both in the domestic and international markets.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial adviser to the Swiss private equity operator Capvis Equity Partners AG, in the acquisition of Faster S.p.A. from Argan Capital, in a secondary buy out transaction. The Company’s management will invest in Faster alongside Capvis.
Established near Milan in 1952, Faster is a leading manufacturer of quick-release hydraulic couplings and multi-couplings for medium- to high-pressure applications such as agricultural, construction equipment and oil&gas.
Faster has around 400 employees and Faster has a strong presence in USA and in emerging markets (mainly China, India and Brazil) and generated 2013 sales of Euro 85 million, with an EBITDA margin of 13.4%.
With the support of Capvis, Faster will further expand its international footprint and will extend its product range.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Biolchim S.p.A., portfolio company of Wisequity III, in the acquisition of Cifo S.p.A.
Biolchim is a portfolio company of the Italian mid market private equity fund Wisequity III.
In January 2013, Wise acquired Biolchim from financial investors Imi Fondi Chiusi, Assietta Private Equity and Arca Impresa Gestioni.
Established in Bologna in 1965, Cifo is a speciality fertilizer producer active in both the home&garden and professional agriculture markets.
In 2013 Cifo registered sales of Euro 28 million and distributes its products in over 50 countries worldwide.
The deal will create an Italian pole of specialty fertilizers with combined turnover of Euro 75 million. The Group will invest in product development and expansion into new markets.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to the private equity firm Ardian in the acquisition, together with the Management team, of 100% stake in Italmatch Chemicals from Mandarin Capital Partners and other investors.
Established in 1997 and headquartered in Genoa, the company is a leading innovative Chemical Group, specialized in performance additives for the lubricant, plastics, water & oil markets.
Italmatch Chemicals runs 5 production sites in Europe (Italy, Germany, UK and Spain) and production facilities in joint-ventures in Asia (China and Japan).
In 2014 Italmatch has posted exceptional level of growth over the last five years, with sales forecast of around Euro 250 million (90% of which generated abroad) more than double compared to 2012, with an EBITDA in excess of Euro 30 million.
The deal represents the fourth investment executed in Italy by Ardian’s mid cap buyout team.
Ardian will work in partnership with the Management team in order to identify and pursue further international development opportunities.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to the private equity fund Ergon Capital Partners III in the acquisition of approximately 66% stake in Ipe S.r.l. from Alto Partners and the company’s management in a secondary buy out transaction.
The Sellers will reinvest in the company.
Headquartered near Bologna, Ipe is a leading Italian luxury firm, owner of the brand Visionnaire.
The Company distributes its luxury furniture items worldwide in over 50 countries through 13 flaship stores and show rooms in strategic markets such as Italy, China, Singapore, Russia, Turkey and in the Middle East. Visionnaire’s solutions are sold through a wide network composed of more than 600 mono and multi brand stores as well as over 1,000 architectural firms and interior design showrooms.
Ipe generated 2013 sales of Euro 35 million, increased by 16% on 2012, with an EBITDA margin of over 20%.
Export represents 80% of revenue.
The transaction will allow Ipe to improve its presence in countries such as France, UK, USA and Benelux region, where the main shareholder benefits from important relationships.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial adviser to the private equity firm Alto Partners S.G.R. S.p.A., in the sale of a 100% stake in Caminetti Montegrappa S.p.A. to the French group Invicta, controlled by Qualium Investissement.
Established in the outskirts of Vicenza in 1976, Caminetti Montegrappa is among the European leading manufacturers and distributors of fireplaces and stoves, mainly under the brands “Caminetti Montegrappa” and “CMG”.
The Company has a total workforce of approximately 100 people and reached a 2013 sales of over Euro 32 million, 40% of which coming from exports.
The integration with Invicta Group will allow Caminetti Montegrappa to improve its growth potential in the domestic and foreign markets.
General S.r.l., headquartered in Querceta di Seravezza (Lucca), tookover part of Dayli Group’s assets (former Schlecker). Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive advisor to General S.r.l., leading player in the distribution of household and personal care products in Italy, under the Ipersoap brand.
Dayli, based in Pucking (Austria), is a retail chain focused on personal care and household products. Dayli has 300 outlets and a workforce of around 1,000 people in Italy.
In September 2013, as a consequence of a long period of financial crisis, Daily was put into liquidation and filed a request for the “Concordato Preventivo” procedure with the Udine Court.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to E.G.O. Blanc und Fisher & Co. GmbH in the acquisition of Defendi Group.
Established in the province of Ancona in 1954, Defendi produces and exports worldwide technical components for gas run cooking equipment such as burners, injectors, injector holders, special nuts, igniters and thermocouples. Defendi operates 2 high technological production plants in Italy and Brazil, it has a workforce of 270 people and recorded 2012 sales of Euro 60 million.
E.G.O. is an international high-tech company and one of the leading global manufacturers of domestic appliance technology, components and products. The Group has subsidiaries in 16 countries and recorded 2012 sales of Euro 526 million.
The two groups are highly complementary in terms of both international presence and growth strategy; Defendi’s products will contribute to complete E.G.O.’s wide range of products.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to the global private equity firm Apax Partners in the acquisition of Rhiag-Inter Auto Parts Italia S.p.A. from the European private equity firm Alpha.
Rhiag is the leading distributor of branded automotive spare parts in the independent Italian aftermarket and one of the largest players across Eastern Europe where it operates through a network of subsidiaries. Rhiag buys and distributes a wide range of products (including mechanical parts and electrical parts) to local wholesalers and garages.
Rhiag also offers value added services and specialised training modules to its clients and garages in order to increase their loyalty.
In 2012 Rhiag reported sales of approximately Euro 700 million, 49% of which generated in Italy, while Switzerland and Eastern Europe (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Ukraine and Poland) represented the remaining 51%.
The agreement will further enable Rhiag to consolidate its position as one of the largest players in the independent automotive aftermarket across Italy, Switzerland and Eastern Europe.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive M&A adviser to Wittur Holding GmbH, the Germany based solutions provider for components, modules and systems for the lift industry, in relation to the sale of its subsidiary Wittur Hydraulic Drives S.r.l. to the Management.
The Wittur Group operates 10 production plants, serving its customers through a wide sales network which operates in more than 20 countries worldwide. Wittur’s products portfolio includes, among others, doors, safety devices, overspeed governors, cars, slings, counterweight frames and lift machines designed for new installation as well as for modernisation projects.
Wittur Hydraulic Drives S.r.l., headquartered in the outskirts of Bergamo, manufactures and distributes technological hydraulic equipment, mainly addressed to the lift industry.
This transaction is in line with Wittur Group strategic guidelines to leverage on its key capabilities focusing on the core business.
Fineurop Soditic acted as M&A and debt adviser to Comdata, a leading Italian player in customer operations BPO (Business Process Outsourcing), for the acquisition of a 100% stake in the Turkish company Callus Bilgi ve Iletişim Hizmetleri A. Ş.
Headquartered in Istanbul, Callus provides contact center, help desk, back office and credit management services.
Callus employs over 1,000 people in the two operational sites of Istanbul and Samsun, with a revenue generation for 2012 in the region of Euro 20 million.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to private equity fund Progressio SGR in the sale of the entire stake in Rondine Group to Seramiksan.
Established in the ceramic’s district of Reggio Emilia in 1961, Rondine is a leading industrial Group active in the production of porcelain stoneware tiles for floors, walls and skirtings, with over 100 collections and 4 main brands: RHS, Fontana Bismantova, Sadon and Maioliche dell’Umbria.
In 2012 Rondine reported sales of around Euro 55 million and currently employs 286 people.
Seramiksan, headquartered in Turkey, is a leading player in the porcelain stoneware tiles business.
Seramiksan will support Rondine’s expansion into international markets.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial adviser to the Sellers in the sale of Plastiape to Italian private equity fund PM & Partners.
The company's management team along with the founding families reinvested in the company as part of the secondary buy-out.
Established near Lecco in 1970, Plastiape is leading Italian player in manufacturing of medical devices and packaging solutions for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors.
The firm has facilities in Italy and Poland. It registered 2012 revenues in the region of Euro 50 million, 70% of which generated by export, and employs 283 people.
Aksia Group acquired a majority stake in Plastiape in 2008.
PM & Partners will support Plastiape’s growth as well as further international expansion.
Fineurop Soditic advised private equity fund Argos Soditic in the acquisition of a controlling stake in Via delle Perle.
Founded in 1984 in Carpi (near Modena), the Company is a leading women’s fashion retailer which distributes 4 total look product lines: Vdp Collection, Vdp Gym Couture, Vdp Club and Vdp beach.
In 2011 Via delle Perle posted sales of Euro 36 million and employs around 30 people.
Argos Soditic will run this transaction in the name of continuity; the founding family still owns a minority stake in Via delle Perle.
This acquisition represents Argos Soditic’s first investment in the fashion retail business.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Generale Conserve S.p.A. in the acquisition of brand and business of Manzotin from Bolton Alimentari S.p.A..
Headquartered in Genoa and with plants in Sardinia, Generale Conserve manufactures and distributes canned fish products under different brands among which the main brand Asdomar, leading player in the tuna high quality canned products.
Manzotin is engaged in the production and distribution of canned meat in jelly and is expected to generate 2013 sales of Euro 19 million.
This acquisition will allow Generale Conserve to consolidate and diversifying its activities in the canned products market. The Company will expand its portfolio and will use its know how to create synergies among its businesses.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Invima to take over the engineering and machinery divisions of IPA International's industrial business.
The sale has been formally executed after the approval of Concordato Preventivo procedure.
IPA is a company specialized in heavy clay plant engineering, that operates through 2 main divisions: Engineering Division (San Damiano - Asti), Machinery Division (Cadoneghe - Padua).
The Company is mainly active in development countries such as Northern Africa and Eastern Europe and it generated 2012 sales of approximately Euro 13.7 million.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive M&A adviser to private equity fund Stirling Square Capital Partners and the Company’s Management in the acquisition of a 100% stake of Cartonplast Group from Synergo SGR and of the remaining 50% stake in Cartonplast’s Madrid-based Iberian subsidiary not already owned by the Group.
Cartonplast is the European market leader for the processing and servicing of plastic layer pads (PLPs) used in the food and beverage industry for transporting glass containers.
Headquartered in Dietzenbach, Germany, Cartonplast employs over 400 people in 9 countries, with 14 service centres across Europe and generated over Euro 50 million sales in 2011. The company delivers PLPs to 133 glass manufacturers in 19 countries, delivering to about 4,000 fillers.
Stirling Square will offer an international perspective for the future development of Cartonplast’s business, both across Europe and in important new, growth markets such as Asia and Latin America.
Fineurop Soditic advised private equity fund Wise SGR in the acquisition, in co-investment with the Company’s management team, of a 100% stake in Biolchim S.p.A. from private equity funds Imi Fondi Chiusi, Assietta Private Equity and Arca.
Founded in 1972, Biolchim S.p.A. is a leading Italian company in the production and distribution of special fertilizers and it is considered among the most dynamic players on the international markets.
In 2011, the company posted sales of Euro 38 million, 50% of which generated by export, with an EBITDA of over Euro 4 million.
Wise, together with the Company’s management, will support Biolchim’s strategy which is focused on a domestic and international expansion, through internal growth as well as add on acquisitions.
Fineurop Soditic assisted private equity funds Arca Impresa Gestioni and MPVenture inthe sale of total control of Cadey to a Strategic Investor.
Cadey is a leading brand in the personal care business. It owns Staminaline (cell constructor body creams), Bilba (haircare), Bilboa (sun tan lotions), Cambia Pelle, Depilsoap and SenoAlto brands.
The Company generated 2011 sales of Euro 30 million.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Tesa S.p.A. and CGT - Compagnia Italiana Trattori S.p.A. in the sale of a 100% stake of Generale Energia S.p.A. “Genergia” to Heat & Power S.r.l., company focused on high efficiency energy production.
Since 1934, CGT has been the Caterpillar licensee in Italy. Thanks to 25 subsidiaries and a workforce of around 1000 people, CGT is an Italian leading player in the sale of generator sets, UPS systems and engines and the pertaining after-market activities.
Genergia, located in the outskirts of Milan, is an Energy Service Company active in the production and supply of integrated energy services, able to reach energy saving and efficiency.
The Company generated 2011 sales of approximately Euro 10 million with an EBITDA of around Euro 2 million.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to private equity funds Arca Impresa Gestioni and Imi Fondi Chiusi SGR in the sale of Blumen S.p.A. to IGI SGR S.p.A. and other investors in a secondary buy out transaction valued at around Euro 35 million (EV). IMI Fondi Chiusi and the Company’s Management reinvested in the Company.
Blumen, founded in Piacenza in 1980, is among the European leading players in the development, marketing and distribution of vegetable, flower and lawn seeds and garden products to retailers. The Company’s products are mainly addressed to hobby gardeners and to semi-professional customers.
Blumen employs around 70 people, and it is expected to generate 2012 sales of Euro 30 million with an EBITDA of around Euro 5 million.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Castagna-Univel S.p.A. to take over the industrial business of Filca S.p.A. (Fabbrica Italiana Lavorazione Carta ed Affini) and Fineurop Soditic acted as its exclusive financial advisor.
The acquirer has agreed to first rent Filca’s business, which was put into receivership in 2010, with a commitment to buy the Company later, in order to enable the safeguard of all the employees of the Company.
Since 1947 Castagna Univel has been producing materials to pack fresh food (such as salted meat, cheese and fish), deep frozen food and pre-cooked aliments.
Its activity is mainly focused on printing and coupling flexible materials.
The Company has a workforce of around 60 people and generated 2011 sales of approximately Euro 22 million.
Founded in the province of Vercelli in 1962, FILCA is specialised in the design, processing, printing, laminating and sale of flexible packaging for food (such as snacks and chips, confectionary and ice cream). The Company generated 2011 sales of Euro 13 million.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Intercos in the sale of its cosmetic specialty store chain Madina to Gruppo Percassi.
Founded in Milan in 1994, Madina distributes innovative makeup products branded Madina Milano and Madina R(evol)ution through a distribution network of 6 monobrand stores in Northern Italy.
Through this acquisition, Gruppo Percassi, owner of the cosmetic brand Kiko, will further strengthen its position in Italy in the makeup specialty stores sector.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Charme II, private equity fund managed by Montezemolo & Partners SGR S.p.A., in the acquisition of a 100% stake in Bellco S.r.l. from Argos Soditic (58%), MPVenture SGR (32%) and the Management (10%) for around Euro 100 million.
The transaction has been carried out through a secondary buy out transaction in which Bellco management re-invested in the Company.
Established in 1972 near Bologna, the company is among the top worldwide leaders in the haemodialysis medical equipment business. It is a European leading manufacturer and distributors of dialyzers, fluids, machines and hematic lines for the treatment of renal pathologies.
Bellco generated 2011 sales of approximately Euro 110 million and an EBITDA of around 17 million.
Bellco has 4 direct subsidiaries abroad (Canada, France, Spain and Belgique) and around 54% of its turnover is generated by export.
The new investor will sustain Bellco in its international growth as well as market consolidation through new highly-technological and innovative products, fully complying with product and market strategies that have featured the last three years of success.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Dada S.p.A., company listed on the Milan SE, in the disposal of its subsidiary Dada.net S.p.A. to Buongiorno S.p.A., a leading provider in mobile content listed on the Milan Stock Exchange.
The settlement price for the acquisition of Dada.net S.p.A. is equivalent to Euro 28.5 million, in addition to the consolidated net financial position of Dada.net at the specified closing date, from which will be excluded the net financial position of Giglio Group.
Dada.net is a pioneer in the digital entertainment sector and ranks as one of the world market leaders in the mobile Value Added Services (“VAS”). The unique nature of the Company’s services is the convergence of a wide number of applications and a rich library of content, from entertainment to social networking, music platform and online gaming, accessible via PC and mobile. The Company has more than 5.8 million paying customers worldwide.
In 2010, the overall revenue of Dada.net was Euro 76 million with an EBITDA of around Euro 10 million.
The acquisition of Dada.net is fully in line with the strategic objectives of Buongiorno, aimed at growing the business through both market share in “traditional” B2C and B2B services, and through new service development, particularly in the smartphone and App Store sectors.
The transaction is also in line with Dada's announced strategy to rationalize its asset portfolio.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Duplomatic Oleodinamica, controlled by AXA Private Equity, in the acquisition of hydraulic components division of Continental Machines Inc.
The acquisition was effected through Duplomatic’s wholly owned US subsidiary Continental Hydraulics Incorporated.
Founded in 1929 in Minneapolis, Continental Machines Inc. began producing hydraulic components (mainly valves, as well as vane and piston pumps) in 1949, initially making these products for its internal machine tool production but subsequently (1962) for sale to third parties. The hydraulic components division, which recorded a turnover of USD 18.4 million in 2010, markets its products across the US through an established network of distributors.
The acquisition was financed through a capital increase at Duplomatic Oleodinamica, subscribed by the majority shareholder AXA Private Equity, which entered the Company’s capital in 2008, by 3 of the Italian managers, 2 of whom are already shareholders in Duplomatic, and 2 top former managers of Continental.
As a result of this acquisition, Duplomatic, based near Milan and manufacturer of hydraulic valves primarily for industrial applications, has entered the US market – the biggest in the world in the field of hydraulics – through a very well-known brand in the sector and a firmly established network of distributors. The integration strategy between the two companies aims to expand the hydraulic components division’s catalogue, by adding Duplomatic products, and to launch joint sales initiatives aimed at maximising the potential synergies arising from the combination.
AXA Private Equity will support Duplomatic in implementing this major acquisition in the US, which is consistent with the Private Equity’s strategy focused on speeding up the development and internationalisation of its investee companies.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to CNPEF (Cape Natexis Private Equity Fund) in the sale of a minority stake in Ares Line S.r.l. to Zeta S.r.l. for around Euro 5 million.
Ares Line, established in 1987, is specialized in the production of top quality office and waiting seating and seating for communication areas and auditoriums with high design content, thanks to the cooperation with prestigious designers.
The Group, headquartered near Vicenza, has a total workforce of approximately 80 employees.
The Group recorded in 2010 a total turnover higher than Euro 14 million with an Ebitda margin of approximately 16%.
During the last years, the Company has strengthened its position through an important strategy that involves distribution and production differentiation. The Company created a production and distribution units in strategic geographical areas such as Latin America.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Globe Events Management (GEM), a portfolio company of private equity fund Orlando Italy Management S.A., in the acquisition of PLS Educational.
PLS Educational is an event management company focused on the medical and scientific conferences, founded in Florence by the Cammi family.
The Company registered 2010 sales of approximately Euro 10 million, with an Ebitda margin of 13%.
GEM, is the Italian leader in event management business. Established in 2009 through the merge of Fonema Group, Grandi Eventi and Centro Congressi Internazionale, and the investment of Orlando Italy, GEM has offices in Rome, Milan and Turin.
Post acquisition GEM will gain PLS historical headquarter in Florence and an additional office in Milan. GEM will employ over 140 people and will generate annual revenues of Euro 80 million.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to UK based private equity fund Change Capital Partners in the acquisition of the majority stake of Vesevo S.p.A. in a SBO-MBO transaction from the founders/managers and from Italian private equity fund Quadrivio.
The Company, which manages Rossopomodoro, Anema e Cozze and Rossosapore, restaurant and take away chains, has been valued at around Euro 53.5 million.
The Company’s founders/management will remain with a consistent minority stake, while Quadrivio will reinvest a small stake in Vesevo.
Vesevo currently has more than100 restaurants, mainly in Italy and it manages restaurants in London and in U.S.A..
The Company is expected to fastly penetrate, both for Rossopomodoro and Rossosapore brands, the international foodservice market with the operative support of Change Capital which can bring long lasting experience and high competences in the retail industry.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to private investors in the took over of engineering and machinery divisions of IPA International's industrial business.
IPA is a company specialized in heavy clay plant engineering, that operates through 2 main divisions: Engineering Division (San Damiano - Asti), Machinery Division (Cadoneghe - Padua).
The Company is mainly active in development countries such as Northern Africa and Eastern Europe and it generated 2009 sales of approximately Euro 22 million.
Fineurop Soditic assisted Artsana Group, owner of the brand Pic Solution, in the acquisition of a controlling stake in Pharmagammes, French exclusive distributor of Pic’s products in France.
Pic is the Italian leading player in the self care medical devices sector.
The transaction, in line with Artsana Group’s developing strategy, will further contribute to consolidate the Group’s position in European strategic markets.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial adviser to Investindustrial in the sale of a 100% stake of Italmatch Chemicals to Mandarin Capital Partners, the Chinese-Italian private equity fund, the Company’s Management and the Malacalza family which recently invested also in Camfin and GPI.
The LMBO transaction has been valued at around Euro 100 million.
Italmatch is a world leading player in the phosphorus derivatives and speciality chemicals. The Company has a workforce of 320 people and it is expected to generate 2010 sales of Euro 90 million.
In the next few years Italmatch, thanks to the support of its new shareholders, has the aim to strongly develop its activity in the Asian market as well as in the US.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Aksia Group SGR and Wise SGR in the acquisition of a 60% stake in EidosMedia through a LMBO transaction, while the Company’s Management will hold the remaining 40% stake.
Founded in 1999, EidosMedia is a leading provider of cross media publishing solutions, serving the most prestigious newspapers and publishing groups throughout the world such as RCS Media-Group, Il Sole 24 Ore, Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and Le Figaro.
The Company has a workforce of around 100 people and generated sales in excess of Euro 27 million.
The financial investors will drive and further enhance EidosMedia’s growth, especially in the international markets.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial adviser to CIFA S.p.A (Compagnia Italiana Forme Acciaio) world leading manufacturer of concrete machinery, obtaining a Euro 280 million financing.
Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Development Co. Ltd, main shareholder of CIFA, is a world leading player in the construction equipment manufacturing.
The Company is based in Changsha (Cina) and listed on Shenzen Stock Exchange.
CIFA has received Euro 280 million in medium term financing from Bank of China Milan and Bank of Communication Frankfurt.
The loan will allow Cifa to refinance its debt and give impetus to international development.
Castagna-Univel S.p.A. took over the industrial business of Filca S.p.A. (Fabbrica Italiana Lavorazione Carta ed Affini) and Fineurop Soditic acted as its exclusive financial advisor.
Since 1947 Castagna Univel produces materials to pack fresh food (such as salted meat, cheese and fish), deep frozen food and pre-cooked aliments.
Its activity is mainly focused on printing and coupling flexible materials.
The Company has a workforce of around 60 people and generated 2009 sales of approximately Euro 20 million.
Founded in the province of Vercelli in 1962, FILCA is specialised in the design, processing, printing, laminating and sale of flexible packaging for food (such as snacks and chips, confectionary and ice cream). The Company generated 2009 sales of Euro 23 million.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Catelli Holding in the disposal of a 100% stake of Gram Equipment A/S, a Danish based global leading supplier of advanced ice cream machines, to Scandinavian private equity fund Procuritas Capital Investors IV (PCI IV) focused on mid-sized companies in the Nordic Region.
Established in 1901, Gram Equipment is a leading supplier of ice cream equipment globally. The company is headquartered in Vojens, southern Denmark, together with the main factory, development section and the main sales organization. The company also has operations in the US and Italy, with additional sales offices spread over the globe. Gram Equipment has a fully comprehensive range of solutions for their customers, from individual machines to complete production facilities. Gram Equipment’s turnover is approximately Euro 30 million and it employs about 150 people.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Fellifin Holding and investment fund Microcap Italian Holding in the rent and further acquisition of the industrial business of Europack Cables Industries.
The Company, based near Ravenna, registered sales of Euro 15 million and it is European leading player in the production and distribution of coaxial and satellite high quality cables.
The buyers have agreed to first rent Europack’s business, which was put into receivership at the beginning of the month, with a commitment to buy it at a later stage. The acquirers have enabled the safeguard of all the employees of the Company in Italy and in China.
The deal is subject to the approval of the Court, which is expected before year-end.
Fineurop Soditic assisted Idroexpert S.p.A. in the rent and further acquisition of Bozzola S.p.A.’s business from the Padua Court through arrangement with creditors.
Bozzola, established in Padua in 1910, is specialised in the production and distribution of hydrosanitary products and gardening tools. The Company generated 2008 sales of approximately Euro 100 million.
Idroexpert based in Cervia (Ravenna), is a leading player in the logistic and distribution of hydrosanitary products with around 220 wharehouses in Italy.
Idroexpert agreed to rent the Bozzola business, including the majority of its retail shops, in September 2008, after Bozzola was put into liquidation in July 2008 as a consequence of a long period of financial crisis.
Fineurop Soditic successfully concluded its advise of senior debt renegotiation and covenants resetting to Bianchi Vending Group. On this purpose, shareholders converted the shareholder loan amounting to Euro 37 million to equity and made a capital injection for Euro 13 million, giving to the Company a sustainable long-term capital structure. BVG, based near Bergamo, is the second largest European manufacturer and distributor of vending machines with a market share of around 12% in Europe. BVG posted 2008 consolidated sales of Euro 86 million and it has a workforce of about 550 people. The Company is owned by FA Capital SpA, an investment holding company majority owned by secondary funds managed by Goldman Sachs. FA Capital acquired BVG last December in a secondary buy out transaction from ABN AMRO Capital.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to the Artsana Group in the sale of the business and brand Korff to the Istituto Ganassini Ricerche Biochimiche. Korff is active in the beauty care and cosmetics business and distributes its products both in the domestic and foreign markets. The product range is mainly divided into three main categories: treatment, make-up and solar care products. Korff was acquired back in 1996 by the Artsana Group.
This transaction will enable the Artsana Group to concentrate on its core activities.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to noodls in the sale of a minority stake to Innogest Capital through a capital increase.
noodls is a global press release aggregator created to deliver a web 2.0 framework for secure and reliable communication between organizations, the Media and their stakeholders.
With its unique coverage of over 20.000 leading organizations from 133 countries noodls is a leading player in its fields and the only full-coverage, real-time, global press release newswire available in the market today. The Company has also a professional networking platform designed to meet the specific needs of the media and public relations industry.
Noodls' goal is to gain a leading position in the press release and company announcements distribution network becoming the default connector between organizations and their
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Euticals’ shareholders in the sale of a majority stake of the Company to Mandarin Capital Partners, the largest Chinese-Italian private equity fund, in a leveraged management buy out transaction, for a total consideration of around Euro 70 million.
Euticals, based in Lodi, is a leading chemical pharmaceutical company involved in the development and production of intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients with different production technologies.
Euticals reported annual revenues of Euro 50 million, with an Ebitda of Euro 10 million.
Mandarin Capital will support Euticals’ strategy aiming to double the Company’s turnover in the next 3-4 years also through add on acquisitions of Chinese companies active in the chemical- pharmaceutical business.
Fineurop Soditic assisted private equity fund Wise SGR in the sale of Selesta Ingegneria.
AVM Private Equity I acquired a 76% stake in Selesta Ingegneria in a secondary buy out transaction from Wise Equity in a deal valued at around Euro 45 million of Enterprise Value.
Under the terms of the agreement BNL (BNP Paribas Group) acquired a 10% stake in Selesta Ingegneria and the Company’s management increased its stake up to approximately 14%.
Selesta Ingegneria is considered the Italian leader in the development, production, distribution and installation of integrated systems, hardware and software for mainly Access Control and Time & Attendance.
The Company, with an historical Ebitda profitability between 25-30%, is expected to register 2008 sales of about Euro 28 million.
Through this acquisition AVM Private Equity I aims at developing Selesta Ingegneria through both add-on acquisitions in Italy and abroad and new technological projects.
Fineurop Soditic assisted private equity fund Sinergia con Imprenditori in the acquisition of a 75% stake in Cartonplast Trading Gmbh.
Cartonplast Trading is Karton’s German subsidiary, active in supplying and cleaning reusable layer pads made of plastic, addressed to the glass industry.
This transaction is part of Karton S.p.A.’s strategic plan focused on improving productive performances and also includes the acquisition of a 49% stake in the Newco Cartonplast Italia S.p.A., carried out by Sinergia con Imprenditori.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Argos Soditic in the sale of a majority stake in GPP Industrie Grafiche S.p.A. to 21 Investimenti. This secondary buy out has been valued at around Euro 40 million.
GPP, headquartered in the outskirts of Milan, is one of the main cardboard packaging companies in Italy with an increasing market presence in Europe.
The Group produces packaging, displays, graphic advertisement, posters and visual communication.
GPP currently employs around 220 people and it is expected to post 2008 sales of Euro 50 million in 2007, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of around 14-15%.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to private equity fund Magenta S.G.R. in the sale of CIFA S.p.A. for around Euro 500 million.
The acquisition was made by Chinese construction equipment manufacturer Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Development Co. Ltd (60% stake), in partnership with Chinese private-equity firm Hony Capital, US-based investment bank Goldman Sachs and private equity fund Mandarin Capital Partners which will hold 18.04% stake, 12.92% and 9.04% respectively. Zoomlion paid Euro 163 million for a 60% stake.
Founded in 1928, CIFA (Compagnia Italiana Forme Acciaio) is the world's third largest concrete machinery manufacturer.
The Company expects to post 2008 sales of Euro 360 million, with an Ebitda of 19%.
This transaction represents the biggest acquisition of an Italian target, carried out by a Chinese company.
The deal will help Zoomlion, listed on Shenzhen Stock Exchange, to strengthen its appearance in the international market and expand its business in Europe and North America through CIFA’s existing network in these markets.
Fineurop Soditic assisted private equity fund Alto Partners and the company’s minority shareholders in the sale of Metalcastello S.p.A. to Indian leading automotive manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd and the Indian fund ICICI Venture.
Metalcastello, based near Bologna, was originally founded in 1952 and is among the top gear manufacturers in Europe, focused primarily on the Off-Highway segment. The company’s product portfolio includes complex gears & shafts for use in vehicle transmissions and drivelines.
Metalcastello employs 250 people and has revenues of around Euro 60 million, with an Ebitda margin of 25%.
This acquisition enables Mahindra to expand geographically in the selected business and to acquire a top-client platform in the earthmoving, agriculture and defence business.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Alto Capital II, private equity fund managed by Alto Partners S.G.R., in the acquisition of a majority stake in Monviso S.p.A. from private equity fund 3i.
Founded in Turin in 1936, Monviso is the leader in Italy in the segment of diet-healthy bread substitutes (such as rusks, breadsticks, crackers and biscuits) through the brand ‘Panmonviso’.
In 2007 Monviso generated sales of about Euro 30 million with an EBITDA margin in excess of 20%. The Company currently employs around 110 people.
Through this acquisition Alto Capital aims at enhancing Monviso’s growth strategy both in Italy and abroad also by means of add-on acquisitions.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial adviser to Artsana, the Italian private group, in the acquisition of US-based The Boppy Company.
The Boppy Company, established in 1990 by Ms. Susan Brown is a private manufacturer of feeding and support pillows for babies.
Artsana was founded in 1946 by Mr. Pietro Catelli, it reported a 2007 turnover of Euro 1.426 billion with 8,000 employees and 19 subsidiaries across the world. The acquisition is meant to boost Artsana's presence in the US.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial adviser to Industria & Finanza SGR S.p.A. and Recos S.A. in the sale of a 100% stake of Gamma Croma S.p.A.. The Acquirers have been Cape Natixis Due (private equity fund managed by Cape Natexis SGR) and Progressio Sgr S.p.A. (Progressio Investimenti).
Founded in 1984 by Mr. Renato Ancorotti, Gamma Croma S.p.A. is one of the leading formulators and contract manufacturers of colour cosmetics worldwide.
The Company is based in Vaiano Cremasco (Cremona) in the make up district consisting of about 90 companies.
Gamma Croma is expected to be merged with Clavis, company acquired by Cape in 2006. Through this transaction Gamma Croma will strengthen its position of second leading player in the Italian make up market.
Gamma Croma’s sales have grown at a CAGR of 7.4% during the last 3 years, reaching sales Euro 45.5 million in 2007.
Fineurop Soditic assisted the shareholders of Xtel in the sale of a majority stake in the Company to private equity fund Cape Natixis.
The transaction took place through a leveraged management buy out, which saw the two founders reinvest with a 30% stake.
Xtel, headquartered in Bologna, is an Italian leading company involved in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) activity, which consists in managing relationships among manufacturers and their customers, including collecting, storing and analyzing customer information. The Company, which employs around 50 people, is specialised in creating CRM software systems for mass retailers and it can count among its clients leading companies such as Coca Cola, Unilever, Plasmon-Heinz and Parmalat.
Founded in 1991, Xtel registered 2007 sales of Euro 7 million (+20% on 2006 sales) with an Ebitda margin of over 40%.
Xtel will be provided with new financing to help it grow, also through add on acquisitions in Italy and abroad with complementary software products.
Fineurop Soditic assisted the shareholders of Nuovamacut Automazione S.p.A. in the sale of a majority stake in the Company to TeamSystem, the Italian software solutions provider.
Nuovamacut, founded in 1955 in Reggio Emilia, commericializes CAD and CAM software for medium-sized manufacturing companies.
The Group’s sales have grown at a CAGR of 28% during the last 3 years reaching sales Euro 23 millions in 2006.
The transaction’s purpose consists in strengthening commercial synergies between Nuovamacut’s Group and Teamsystem in the manufacturing area.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial adviser to Arca Impresa Gestioni SGR, Meliorbanca S.p.A., Sequor Industries N.V. and other investors in the sale of a 100% stake in Cemp S.p.A. to the Indian industrial group ABG Engineering & Constructions along with private equity fund Tano Capital.
The Company has been valued at around Euro 27 million.
This acquisition is structured as a leveraged management buyout and it is among the first Indian private equity backed transactions in Italy.
Cemp, headquartered near Milan, is a leading player in the production of flameproof electric motors used in various areas including petrochemicals, refineries and oil and gas pipelines.
Cemp is expected to generate 2007 sales of Euro 23 mn.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial adviser to Sparco Group in structuring a MLT financing of Euro 20 million, underwritten by Banca Nazionale del Lavoro and Interbanca, in order to make acquisitions in the US. Presidio acted as Mezzanine Provider.
Headquartered near Turin, Sparco is a leading apparel and car accessories company. The Company employs 250 people and posted a 2006 turnover of over Euro 50 million.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to the Codognotto family and other private investors in the acquisition of full control of Comdata.
Headquartered in Turin, Comdata is a leading provider of Customer Management Services addressed to privately and state-owned companies.
Comdata is focused on Customer Relationship Management and on Process and Document Management.
In 2006 the Company registered sales of Euro 133 million with an Ebitda of Euro 15 million.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial adviser to Alpha Private Equity Fund 5 (APEF 5) in the purchase of the 100% of Rhiag Group from CVC Capital Partners, in a buy out transaction.
Rhiag Group, founded in 1962, is the leading independent distributor of automotive spare parts to the Italian aftermarket.
The Group, headquartered in Milan, has subsidiaries in Italy, Switzerland and Eastern Europe and employs approximately 1,400 people. In 2006 Rhiag showed a turnover of approximately Euro 430 million with exports sales of around 30%.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial adviser to the private equity fund Absolute Ventures S.C.A. in the sale of the majority stake of Arketipo to Aletti Private Equity SGR, in a SBO transaction.
Arketipo, founded in the outskirts of Florence in 1982, is a leading company active in the design, production and distribution of top quality sofa.
Arketipo is a very well known brand synonymous of quality and Italian design.
The Company is expected to generate 2007 turnover of 15 million with an Ebitda higher than 20%.
Aletti aims at consolidating Arketipo’s position in Italy and developing its presence worldwide.
Fineurop Soditic acted as M&A adviser to Akzo Nobel Group in the transaction in which Balchem Corporation (Nasdaq listed Company), through its European subsidiary Balchem B.V., acquired Akzo Nobel’s choline chloride and methylamines businesses located in Marano Ticino, Italy.
Akzo Nobel is a global leader in the chemical industry, and its Marano Ticino operation is active in the production and sales & marketing of Choline products, Methylamines and Metam Sodium. Choline products are primarily used as a feed additive for poultry and pig feedstuffs.
The total revenues of the business for 2006 are Euro 25 million with an Ebitda margin of 6.5%. Revenues are primarily realized in Europe.
The Business, currently run by a team of 86 employees, includes dedicated management team, manufacturing, research & development, sales & marketing, general & administrative services.
Fineurop Soditic acted as M&A adviser to Industrial Resources Investments which sold the majority stake of Maccorp Italiana S.p.A. to Emerald Advisory Service & Equity Investments S.A., private equity fund advised by PM&Partners.
Maccorp Italiana was founded in Milan in 1990 and it opened its first bureau de change in Venice in January 1991. In addition to the foreign exchange, the Group provides lots of complementary services, such as money transfer, V.A.T. refund, hotel booking, tourist information, sale of telephone cards and on-line recharge of mobile phones.
Maccorp’s network is constituted by 85 branches in places with a high flow of tourists and travellers such as airports, rail stations and historical centres.
The Group has recently acquired Grandi Biglietterie S.r.l. active in the ticketing business (mainly trains, flights and boats) with “Agenzie 365” brand.
In 2006 the Group posted a consolidated turnover of Euro 25.5 million with an Ebitda margin of 35%.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor in a management buy out transaction backed by Aksìa Capital which has acquired a majority stake in Robuschi S.p.A., through Aksìa Capital III. The Robuschi family will also retain a stake in the business.
The total equity commitment is valued at around Euro 30 million. Senior credit facilities were provided by Interbanca and BNL.
Robuschi is based in Parma and was founded by Giovanni Robuschi in 1941. It is a leading producer of rotary lobe blowers, centrifugal pumps and vacuum pumps.
With more than 55% of production destined for export, the company operates a 32,000 square metre factory and has six sales offices abroad in addition to a network of international distributors.
It generated turnover of more than Euro 50 mln in 2006 and Ebitda of around Euro 11 mln.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to RCS MediaGroup in the acquisition of a 51% stake in Digicast S.p.A. from Digifin S.p.A. (controlled by Iniziativa Piemonte).
The consideration of the investment acquired is Euro 16.3 million (apart from adjustments calculated taking into account the balance sheet and financial position at December 31, 2006) and includes “call” and “put” options which will increase RCS’s investment to 100% of the share capital.
Digicast is the owner of the theme channels, which are principally distributed through the Sky platform: “Jimmy”, “Caccia e Pesca”, “Sailing Channel” and “Planet”. In 2005, Digicast recorded consolidated revenues of approximately Euro 27 million, an Ebitda of about 19%.
This acquisition will enable RCS MediaGroup to diversify its business beyond the struggling newspaper business.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Change Capital Partners and Sinergia con Imprenditori in the acquisition of a 100% stake (50% each) in Unopiù Europa S.p.A. from Opera Management SA for approximately Euro 115 million (EV).
Change Capital Partners, created in January 2003, is a pan-European private equity firm focusing on mid-market deals in branded goods, retail and consumer services.
Sinergia con Imprenditori, an Italian closed-end fund with a Euro 300 million total commitment managed by Synergo Sgr S.p.A., is specialised in investing along side with Italian entrepreneurs in mid-sized companies.
Unopiù, founded in 1978 by two Italian entrepreneurs as a manufacturer and retailer of wooden structures for pergolas and gazebos, is currently a leading outdoor furniture player in Europe.
With annual sales of Euro 73 million and an Ebitda margin in excess of 15%, Unopiù holds an aggregate 17% share of the branded garden furniture market in Italy, France, Germany and Spain and is the sector leader in both Italy and France.
Fineurop Soditic assisted RCS MediaGroup in the transaction in which the Group, through RCS Libri S.p.A., increased its stake in Skirà S.p.A. with a further 24% stake at Euro 4.2 million.
Skirà, headquartered in Milan, is an Italian leading publisher focused on design, execution and commercialisation of graphic (especially artbooks and catalogues for exhibitions) and editorial materials.
The Company generated 2005 sales of Euro 16 million with an Ebitda of approximately 7% and an Ebit of 6%.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial adviser to private equity house Stirling Square Capital Partners in the acquisition of a majority stake in Metroweb S.p.A. from Italy-based utility AEM in a MBI transaction. AEM will retain a 23.5% stake in the business.
Metroweb owns a 3,200 km fibre optics network through the city of Milan, the Valtellina area and the backbones to some Northern Italian cities (e.g. Bologna, Bergamo, Verona, Vicenza, Genoa and Turin).
The Company rents its network to telecom operators that offer services to retail clients and corporations.
In 2005 Metroweb generated a turnover of Euro 44 million with an Ebitda of more than 60%.
This transaction represents Stirling Square’s first investment in Italy.
Morellato S.p.A. completed the acquisition of a 100% stake in Sector Group S.p.A. from private equity fund Opera Management S.A.
Sector Group, founded in 1973, is a leading player in the production and distribution of watches under the brands “Sector” and “Philip Watch”. The Group also manufactures watches under licensed trademarks belonging to fashion companies such as Roberto Cavalli, Just Cavalli, Pirelli Pzero, Moschino and Valentino. In 2005 Sector generated sales of Euro 64.6 million and it is expected to reach a turnover of Euro 78 million in 2006.
Morellato, established in 1930, is a leading manufacturer of watch straps and it has an exclusive partnership with most prestigious watch manufacturers. The Company also produces quality fashion jewels and leather accessories and generated 2005 sales of Euro 92.6 million with an Ebitda of Euro 24.2 million.
Through this acquisition Morellato aims at obtaining important synergies and reaching strategic upsides.
At closing Sector Group was financed by Banca di Roma, Banca Antonveneta, Interbanca, SanPaolo IMI and MPS and the terms and conditions of financing were negotiated with Morellato as condition precedent for completing the deal.
Financial advisor to Morellato: Germano Palumbo (Partner and Head of M&A) and Niccolò Querci (Associate) of Fineurop Soditic S.p.A..
Legal advisor to Morellato: Lawyers Mario Ortu and Luigi Verga of Freshfield Bruckhaus Deringer.
Legal consultant to Opera: Lawyers Giorgio Meo and Nicola Marotta of Studio Meo (Rome).
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Magenta SGR in the acquisition of Cifa S.p.A., through a MBO transaction. Magenta, new Italian private equity fund, purchased a 70% controlling stake in Cifa, while the remaining share capital is owned by the current shareholders and the Company’s management.
Cifa, founded in 1928, is a world leading player in the design, production and distribution of equipment for the mixing, transportation and placement of ready-mix concrete including mixing plants, formworks, truck mixers and concrete pumps.
In 2005 Cifa registered sales of approx. Euro 200 mln with an Ebitda of 13%.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial adviser to DMail Group S.p.A. in structuring 3 MLT Facilities for a total amount of Euro 20 million. Banca Intesa, Unicredit Banca d’Impresa and Banca Popolare Italiana acted respectively as arrangers and underwriters of the 3 financing.
DMail, listed on the Star segment of the Italian Stock Exchange, works in local media and media commerce. The Group is active on both domestic and international markets in multi-product and multi-channel direct and tele-sales of a wide range of goods, retail electronics and small appliances through B2C and B2B channels.
Headquartered in Milan, the Group registered 2005 sales of Euro 49.5 million with an Ebitda of Euro 4.9 million (10%).
Fineurop Soditic assisted Credem Venture Capital, fund managed by Credem Private Equity SGR S.p.A., in the acquisition of a majority stake in Fida Group in a Leveraged Management Buy In transaction.
Fida Group, founded near Asti in 70’s, is active in the production of hard boiled candies, geleès and toffees, distributed under the brands “LeBonelle”, “Tenerezza”, “Gocce di Pino”, “Gocce di Liquirizia” and “Mogò”.
The Company generated 2005 sales of approx. Euro 10 million with an Ebitda of 18%.
Fineurop Soditic assisted Raco in the transaction in which MPS Venture I acquired a 30% share quota in the Group through a reserved capital increase of Euro 6 million and supported by acquisition financing to acquire the 100% control of Friulpress-Samp.
Further to this acquisition the fund Absolute, the current Raco majority shareholder, will hold a 51% share, MPS Venture a 30% share and the management the remaining 18% share.
Raco, based near Udine, is a leading producer of automotive components which generated 2005 sales of Euro 50 million.
Friulpress-Samp produces die-casted and machined components made of aluminium and zamak.
The acquisition of Friulpress-Samp is in line with Raco strategies; Raco aims to achieve important synergies in many industrial sectors (automotive, household and electric appliances industries) and to reach consolidated revenue of Euro 80 million in the next year.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Argos Soditic in the acquisition of a spin off of Gruppo GPP Industrie Grafiche S.p.A, through a BIMBO transaction.
GPP, based in Trucazzano (Milan), is one of the main cardboard packaging companies in Italy, with over 220 employees and a market presence in Europe.
The Company registered 2005 sales of Euro 45,4 mln and an EBITDA of Euro 6.4 mln (14%).
Fineurop Soditic assisted Ergon Capital Partners, Vestar Capital Partners, Athena Private Equity and the Company’s senior management in the acquisition of Seves Group through a management buy out transaction. The group of shareholders which has sold the Company includes Intek, Interbanca, Fidia SGR and Athena Private Equity.
The transaction value is Euro 375 million.
Seves Group, is the world’s leading manufacturer of glass and composite insulators for power transmission and distribution systems, and of glass blocks for architectural and interior design applications.
In 2005 the Group registered sales of Euro 235 million.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Novation (Aksia Group) in the acquisition of a majority stake in Oxtar Group.
Oxtar, headquartered in Montebelluna (Treviso), is a leading manufacturer of motorcycle boots and safety footwear which registered 2005 sales of approximately Euro 24 million.
Through this acquisition Novation aims at becoming a leading player in the manufacturing and distribution of top quality products for the sport and work-wear industry.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive advisor to Panariagroup in the acquisition of the brand and the main assets of Florida Tile Industries Inc. for US$ 22.5 million from Milestone, the private equity fund that owned the control of Florida Tile.
Florida Tile is a US company specialised in manufacturing and distributing floor and wall ceramic tiles in the US market, with a well-known brand and a wide distribution network.
Following to this acquisition Panariagroup will have the possibility to control immediately an important logistic and distributing chain in the market with the highest expected growth rates.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive advisor to Investitori Associati in the sale of 100% of Arena Group to a private equity fund managed by BS Investimenti SGR. This acquisition has been carried out through a leveraged management buy out transaction.
Arena, established in 1973, as a spin-off of Adidas, is a world-wide leading company in the sports-waterwear business and has a significant market share in the leisure segment. In 2005 the Group generated net revenues of Euro 80 million.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial adviser to Cogne Acciai Speciali Group in structuring a MLT financing of Euro 15 million, fully underwritten by Unicredit Banca d’Impresa and Banca Nazionale del Lavoro.
Cogne Acciai Speciali, headquartered in Aosta, is one of the worldwide leading players in the manufacturing of stainless steel long products. The Group, founded in 1911, is expected to register 2005 sales of approximately Euro 527 million (+17% YoY) with an Ebitda of Euro 40 million.
Fineurop Soditic acted as M&A advisor in the transaction in which Alto Capital II, fund managed by Alto Partners SGR, acquired a majority stake in Gruppo Arcte.
Gruppo Arcte, founded in 1957 in Bologna, is a leading manufacturer and distributor of underwear and beachwear under the brands “Argento Vivo”, “Baci Rubati”, “Julipet” and “Allen Cox”.
Arcte is expected to register 2005 sales of approximately Euro 50 million.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive advisor to ECP IV, fund advised by L.B.O. Italia, in the sale of 100% of Blumen S.r.l. to private equity funds managed by Arca Impresa Gestioni SGR. This acquisition has been carried out through a leveraged management buy out transaction.
Blumen, headquartered near Piacenza, is the Italian leader in the marketing and distribution of vegetable, flower and lawn seeds and garden products to retailers. The Company’s products are mainly addressed to hobby gardeners and to semi-professional customers.
Blumen has an headcount of 50 people and is expected to generate 2005 sales of Euro 17 million.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to L Capital and structured the financing in the acquisition of a 75% stake in Emu Group, through a MBO transaction.
Emu, headquartered in the outskirts of Perugia, is active in the production and distribution of high quality metal and wood garden furniture and registered 2004 sales of Euro 35 million. Export accounts for approximately 60% of the total turnover.
Through this acquisition L Capital will support Emu’s developing strategy in international markets.
Fineurop Soditic assisted Industrie De Nora in the acquisition of 100% stake of Eltech Systems Corporation.
Eltech, headquartered in Ohio, is a technology driven company, providing solutions for electrochemical industries through innovative anodes, cathodes, catalyst coatings and related equipment.
This acquisition allows the De Nora Group to become the leading player in the world in the production of anodes.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to SEA – Società Europea Autocaravan in the acquisition of a majority stake in Autosleepers.
Autosleepers, headquartered in UK, is a leading manufacturer and distributor of motorhomes which registered a 2004 turnover of GBP 74 million.
Through this acquisition SEA Group aims at becoming the largest manufacturer and the largest retailer of motorhomes in the UK and continental Europe within five years.
Fineurop Soditic acted as M&A advisor to Investitori Associati in the acquisition of a majority stake in Bluvacanze through a MBO transaction.
Bluvacanze is a travel agency network which is active in the sale of tour operators’ holiday packages. The Company directly manages a chain of approximately 320 agencies and registered 2004 sales of approximately Euro 250 million.
Investitori Associati will support the company’s growth in the Italian and international markets.
Fineurop Soditic assisted BS Private Equity and MCC Sofipa SGR in the acquisition of a majority stake in IP Cleaning S.p.A. from Interpump Group in a MBI deal which is worth Euro 220 million (Enterprise Value).
IP Cleaning is a leading player on the international cleaning equipment market. The Company produces and distributes machines and equipment for the domestic, professional and industrial cleaning business.
IP Cleaning reported 2004 sales of Euro 293 million with an Ebitda of 10% and an Ebit of 8%.
BS Private Equity and MCC Sofipa will support the creation of shareholders’ value of IP Cleaning by providing financial and managerial resources dedicated to support both organic and external growth.
Fineurop Soditic advised Sequor Industries S.A. in the sale of Galileo TP Process Equipment S.r.l. to Absolute Ventures S.c.A., through an MBO transaction.
Galileo TP, headquartered in Scandicci (Florence), is the Italian leading manufacturer of machines for charging refrigerant fluids and of rotary vacuum pumps addressed to refrigeration and air-conditioning markets.
The Company has approximately 30 employees and reported 2004 sales of Euro 11 million with an Ebitda of 25%.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Bridgepoint in the acquisition of a majority stake in SEA Società Europea Autocaravan S.p.A. through an MBO transaction.
SEA, founded in 2000 through the merger of Elnagh, Mobilvetta Design and McLouis, is one of the largest European companies active in the design, production, sale and rental of motor caravans.
SEA, with production plants in Italy and Spain, generated 2004 sales of Euro 300 million.
Fineurop Soditic advised Key Safety Systems Inc. in the sale of the brand “Momo” and all Momo Aftermarket activities to Absolute Ventures S.c.a. for approximately Euro 22 million (Enterprise Value) in a MBO deal.
Key Safety Systems, part of The Carlyle Management Group since 2003, is a leading supplier of automotive safety components.
Momo, established in Milan in 1964, is recognised as a global leader in the production and distribution of a wide range of high-end OEM and aftermarket parts and accessories. The Company generated 2004 sales of Euro 25 million with export sales representing approximately 85%.
Through this acquisition Absolute Ventures, fund advised by AVM Italia and AVM France, will support the Company’s development which include further international expansion in East Europe, Far East and South America.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial adviser to Cogne Acciai Speciali Group in structuring a Euro 15 million corporate loan. Unicredit Banca d’Impresa and Banca Nazionale del Lavoro acted as joint arrangers and underwriters of the financing.
Cogne Acciai Speciali, founded in 1911, is one of the worldwide leading manufacturers of stainless steel long products. The Group, headquartered in Aosta, registered 2004 sales of approximately Euro 450 million with an Ebitda of Euro 47 million.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial adviser to The Carlyle Group and the other sellers in the sale of 100% of Tecnoforge S.p.A. to Valvitalia in the context of an auction.
Valvitalia is a leading manufacturer of valves and other energy equipments.
Tecnoforge, headquartered in Castelsangiovanni (Piacenza) is a leading manufacturer of steel flanges and fittings for the process industries, particularly for the oil, gas and chemical industries. The Company registered 2004 sales of approximately Euro 60 million.
Fineurop Soditic acted as exclusive financial adviser arranging the transaction in which Interbanca S.p.A., through the fund Interbanca Investimenti Sud, subscribed a reserved capital increase in Pantex International.
Pantex International, a company participated by Argos Soditic and Aletti Merchant, is headquartered in Sulmona (L’Aquila) and it is active in the development of thermobonding technology associated with the lamination of nonwoven textiles.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor for Aksia Group and structured the financing in the acquisition of a 80% controlling stake of Bauer Italia from Nike Inc..
Bauer Italia, headquartered in the outskirts of Treviso, is a leading manufacturer of sport equipment and it is specialised in hockey, ski and snowboard. The Company generated 2004 sales of Euro 41 million and has a workforce of 200 people.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Selesta S.p.A. in the sale of Selesta Ingegneria to the private equity fund Wisequity, through a management buy out transaction.
Selesta Ingegneria, Italian leader in the access control systems, generated a turnover of Euro 16 million and can count among its clients the most important industrial, financial and services groups.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to IF Investimenti and other private investors in the acquisition of De Fonseca S.p.A. performed by Star Social Responsible Fund, managed by Efibanca Palladio Finanziaria SGR.
IF Investimenti is the private equity fund managed by Industria & Finanza SGR.
De Fonseca, based in Turin, is one of Italian leading players active in the production of health and sport shoes. The Company registered 2003 sales of Euro 41 million.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to the sellers in the purchase of a 60% stake in Elmag performed by Scm Group of Rimini, leader in the production of woodworking machinery.
Elmag, headquartered in Monza, is active in technological solutions and surface treatment machinery and systems and registered 2003 sales of Euro 15 million.
Thanks to this acquisition Scm will be able to offer a comprehensive range of products including highly technological surface treatment machinery and systems. Scm Group is expected to generate a consolidated turnover of approximately Euro 470 million.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial adviser in the acquisition by Aletti Merchant of approximately a 21% stake in Ponte S.p.A. (ACC new holding) from Abn Amro which holds the remaining share capital.
ACC (Appliances Components Companies), headquartered in Pordenone, is specialised in the production of electrical motors for "wet appliances" and compressors for household and commercial refrigerators.
Following this transaction ACC's shareholders will be: Ponte S.p.A. (53% stake), Efibanca, Palladio Finanziaria, Dresdner and the Company's management.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor in the acquisition of a minority stake in ACC S.p.A. (Appliances Components Companies) performed by Star Social Responsible Fund and Palladio Finanziaria from ABN Amro. ACC, based in Pordenone, manufactures electrical motors for "wet appliances" (washing machines, dishwashers and dryers) and compressors for household and commercial refrigerators.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor for Barclays Private Equity S.p.A. and structured the financing in the acquisition of a stake in Bluvacanze. Bluvacanze is a distribution network focused on the sale of Tour Operators' holidays packages which directly manages a chain of approximately 300 agencies.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor for SG European Private Equity Partners LP and structured the financing in the acquisition of a majority stake in Lince Group.
Lince Group, founded in Milan in 1920, is the Italian leader in providing corporate information services to a large number of clients and operates through its offices located in Milan, Bologna, Florence, Padova, Pescara, Rome and Turin.
This transaction aims at providing financial resources in order to consolidate Lince leading position in the domestic market and to grow through acquisitions in European markets.
Fineurop Soditic generated on behalf of LCapital (private equity fund sponsored by LVMH Group) and acted as financial adviser in the transaction in which LCapital acquired a minority stake in Antichi Pellettieri S.p.A. from Mariella Burani Fashion Group. Antichi Pellettieri, founded in 2001, comprises Mariella Burani's seven subsidiaries which manufacture and distribute leather goods and accessories. This transaction is expected to generate production and distribution synergies between LVMH and MBFG.
Fineurop Soditic acted as advisor for Trussardi Group in the acquisition of the industrial business of Zetati S.r.l..
Zetati, headquartered in Florence, is active in the production of high quality leather goods.
Through this acquisition Trussardi Group aims at strengthening its leather division and reallocate its leather goods production in the Florence leather district.
Fineurop Soditic acted as financial advisor to Castel S.p.A. for a minority stake acquisition performed by Interbanca Investimenti. Interbanca will allow Castel, leader italian company in the cooling components business, to speed up European development process with the aim to double the turnover within five years.
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