ASSOTECH acquired by UNIGASKET

Sacred Group has finalized a majority BIMBO, valuing the company at less than €30 million. The transaction sees industrial partner Stéphane Tortrat take a 60% stake, integrating his company Fenec into the new entity. Historical backers Bpifrance and BNP Paribas Développement remain in the capital, while former majority owner reduced his stake from 75% to 9%. The strategic rationale is to reduce Sacred’s exposure to the automotive sector by leveraging Fenec’s non-auto client base in aerospace, defense, and medical sectors. The merger creates a consolidated group with €75 million in revenue and a strong international presence (40% outside Europe). The deal was supported by senior bank debt provided by Bpifrance Financement, Crédit Agricole, and Société Générale.

The transaction involves the acquisition of Sopano by FrenchFood Capital, supported by a pool of regional investors including BNP Développement, Caisse d’Epargne Normandie, Unexo, and Banque Populaire Nord. This secondary LBO marks the exit of NCI after a four-year holding period characterized by the group's successful diversification into the food sector. The deal is financed through an equity ticket of EUR 20–30 million and a unitranche debt facility provided by BNP Paribas AM, representing a leverage of approximately 3.0x EBITDA. The strategic rationale is to leverage the acquirer’s deep network in the food industry to accelerate Sopano's growth, with the ambition of doubling its turnover in the coming years. This objective will be pursued through both organic expansion and a proactive "buy-and-build" strategy in France and neighboring countries.

FSN Capital IV and other minority shareholders have signed a definitive agreement to sell 100% of the shares in Fibo to Norcros. The transaction marks the conclusion of a successful 10-year growth journey under FSN Capital IV, which originally acquired Fibo as a carve-out from Byggma ASA in 2015. During this ownership period, Fibo underwent a transformation from a local Norwegian player into a robust international entity with a diversified revenue mix and highly automated manufacturing capabilities. The strategic rationale for Norcros is to gain access to Fibo's market-leading waterproof wall panel technology, which complements its existing bathroom product suite. For Fibo, the acquisition provides access to greater resources and the ability to collaborate with a larger group to further serve global customers. The deal was advised by DNB Carnegie, Haavind, PWC, and Raymond James for the sell-side. Closing is anticipated in the second half of 2025, pending customary regulatory approvals.

Stirling Square Capital Partners has reached an agreement to sell 100% of Verescence to a consortium formed by Movendo Capital and Draycott. This transaction follows a competitive auction process managed by Rothschild & Co, which attracted interest from major international private equity firms (One Rock, Lone Star, ICG) and global industrial players (PGP Glass, Vitro, Heinz). The acquisition represents a strategic shift for Verescence toward long-term family-office ownership, moving away from traditional short-cycle private equity. The deal is structured with a bank debt package representing a leverage level of 3.0x to 3.5x EBITDA and includes an earn-out provision based on the company's future financial performance. The strategic rationale for the Portuguese consortium is to back a global leader in a high-barrier-to-entry industry that is essential to the luxury ecosystem. The new owners have committed to supporting Verescence’s significant CAPEX requirements and its ambitious decarbonization initiatives, ensuring the company remains the partner of choice for luxury brands seeking sustainable packaging solutions in a growing global market.

BWGI, which currently holds 28.8% of Verallia's capital, has filed a voluntary tender offer to acquire control of the company. The offer proposes a price of 30 euros per share (with the 2024 dividend attached). Unlike typical private equity buyouts, BWGI has explicitly stated its intention to maintain Verallia's listing on Euronext Paris, seeking only to cross the regulatory threshold of 50% capital or voting rights. A critical component of this transaction is the management of Verallia's existing debt structure. Due to "Change of Control" clauses in current financing agreements, Verallia has initiated a massive consultation process with its lenders and bondholders to obtain waivers or amendments. To ensure financial stability, the company has secured a comprehensive "backstop" and "bridge" financing package of up to €1.6 billion from a banking syndicate to refinance existing credits or reimburse bondholders who might exercise their "Put Option." The offer is subject to the reasoned opinion of Verallia’s Board of Directors and the approval of the AMF.

The private equity firm Astorg wins the auction to acquire the Solabia Group from TA Associates. This secondary LBO values the French biotech specialist at over EUR1.1 billion. The management team, led by CEO Jean-Baptiste Dellon, reinvests alongside Astorg. This new partnership aims to accelerate Solabia's international growth, particularly in the United States, and to continue its buy-and-build strategy to broaden its portfolio of natural ingredients for the beauty and health sectors.

Huhtamaki has acquired Zellwin Farms Company for an Enterprise Value of USD 18 million. The deal provides Huhtamaki with immediate additional capacity in the molded fiber segment to serve the North American market. This acquisition aligns with the legislative shift in the US away from foam/plastic towards renewable packaging. The transaction is expected to be EPS accretive from Year 1.

Groupe GRIS acquired 100% of Laser Alsace Production from its founder. This operation allows the group to integrate a new cutting technology—laser—which complements its historical expertise in press-cutting.

UPM Raflatac acquired 100% of Metamark for a total consideration of �146 million. This acquisition accelerates UPM's transformation into a "complete product provider" for the adhesive industry. By integrating Metamark, UPM gains a respected portfolio of graphic films that complements its existing labeling business. The deal thesis relies on leveraging UPM's massive global sales and distribution network to export Metamark's products—currently strong in Europe—to new markets in the Americas and Asia.

Macfarlane Group UK Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Macfarlane Group PLC, has acquired 100% of The Pitreavie Group Limited. This strategic acquisition is designed to significantly enhance Macfarlane’s manufacturing presence in Scotland and provide internal supply capabilities for its distribution businesses in the North of England. The transaction includes a structured earn-out mechanism based on profit growth targets over the next two years, ensuring the continued commitment of Pitreavie’s senior management team, who will remain with the business post-completion. The merger creates substantial synergy opportunities by leveraging Pitreavie’s specialized corrugate manufacturing capacity and temperature-controlled expertise alongside Macfarlane’s extensive national distribution network. The acquisition is being funded through Macfarlane’s existing bank facilities, demonstrating the Group's ability to execute earnings-enhancing deals while maintaining a strong balance sheet. This move further consolidates Macfarlane’s position as the leading consolidator in the UK protective packaging market.