VIGNAL GROUP takes majority stake in ABL LIGHTS

The transaction involves the acquisition of a controlling stake in Financière Cofidim by Alpha Private Equity, which is acquiring the interests previously held by Qualium Investissement (60%) and the Monnoyeur Group (40%). The rationale behind the deal is rooted in the significant recovery and stabilization of the group's performance following a challenging post-crisis period. Alpha’s entry is driven by the attractiveness of the group’s multi-channel dimension and its robust digital strategy, particularly within the Feu Vert brand

Equistone Partners Europe has acquired a majority stake in Mecaplast, the Monegasque automotive supplier. The transaction involves the sale of shares by the family of Chairman Thierry Manni and a reduction in the participation of the Fonds Avenir Automobile (FAA), managed by Bpifrance, which had supported the group since 2009. This strategic shift aims to provide Mecaplast with the financial resources necessary to accelerate its international development. The strategic rationale focuses on a dual growth path: organic expansion through new factory openings in Mexico, China, and Slovakia, and a targeted external growth policy to acquire complementary processes and products

Alliance Automotive Group announced the acquisition of Coler GmbH & Co. KG, a German automotive parts distributor, marking the group’s entry into the strategic German aftermarket market. The transaction represents a significant milestone in Alliance Automotive’s European expansion strategy, following its established operations in France and the United Kingdom, with the objective of building a leading pan-European automotive distribution platform. The acquisition provides Alliance Automotive with a strong local presence in Germany through Coler’s established logistics infrastructure and regional distribution network across the western part of the country

This transaction represents a major secondary leveraged buyout, marking the successful exit of the incumbent private equity consortium that had steered the company through a significant turnaround phase, more than tripling profits during its tenure. The incoming global financial sponsor acquires a controlling majority stake, injecting fresh momentum into the enterprise. To optimize its capital structure prior to the sale, the target had successfully utilized high-yield bond markets to refinance historical debt and distribute dividends

The sale of BCA to Haversham Holdings marks a significant transaction in the European used vehicle market. Under CD&R ownership, BCA has undergone significant transformation, diversifying its business and investing in technology and digital platforms. The company's growth initiatives and operating improvements have resulted in an increase in EBITDA of approximately 85% under CD&R's ownership. The transaction is expected to close in early April, with shareholders of BCA receiving £701 million in cash and £104 million in stock

The acquisition of 80% of KACO by the Zhongding group from the Brazilian Sabo group marks the culmination of a purely financial ownership cycle, paving the way for a phase of cross-border industrial consolidation aimed at creating a global leader in technical sealing. Under previous ownership, KACO had consolidated its technological foothold in Germany and structured its vertical integration, but faced balance sheet constraints and a lack of commercial leverage to deploy its cutting-edge technology on a global scale, particularly in Asia and North America

Blackstone, together with the founders of Alliance Automotive Group (AAG), has announced the acquisition of the company from Weinberg Capital Partners. The transaction marks a new phase in the development of one of Europe's leading independent automotive aftermarket distributors, with strong positions in both France and the United Kingdom. The investment is consistent with Blackstone’s strategy of supporting market-leading businesses operating in fragmented industries with significant consolidation opportunities

The acquisition of Vignal Systems by Eurazeo PME is a strategic move to support the company's growth ambitions, particularly in the areas of internationalization and technological transition. By investing in Vignal Systems, Eurazeo PME aims to leverage its expertise in accompanying companies in their development and expansion strategies. The acquisition is expected to provide Vignal Systems with the necessary resources to pursue its growth objectives, including the transition to LED technology and the expansion of its international presence

The acquisition of IES by Eurazeo Croissance represents a strategic move to support the growth and development of a pioneering company in the electric vehicle charging market. With its strong expertise and recognized products, IES is well-positioned to benefit from the increasing demand for electric vehicle charging solutions. Eurazeo Croissance's investment in IES aims to provide the company with the necessary resources to accelerate its transformation into a global leader in the electric vehicle charging market

Investcorp acquired a majority stake in Autodistribution from a pool of mezzanine lenders (Goldman Sachs, Euromezzanine, CDPQ, Banexi) who had taken control of the company following a debt restructuring in the early 2000s. The transaction values the company at EUR600 million