AXILLON AEROSPACE - POLYURETHANE acquired by MEARTHANE PRODUCTS CORPORATION

The group has finalized an agreement to acquire the target from One Rock Capital Partners, a maneuver designed to fundamentally expand its manufacturing capabilities in the growing West Coast region. The strategic rationale for this transaction centers on a "network-flexibility" play, merging the target's industry-leading technical operational depth in recycled fiber milling with the group’s established global distribution and containerboard framework. This structural alignment provides the organization with the scientific talent and high-performance hardware (specifically the target's three specialized machines) required to address the increasing demand for lightweight, high-performance recycled packaging.

The Swedish investment holding has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a majority interest in the target, marking its first transaction in the Italian market for the 2026 fiscal year. This operation follows a high-velocity acquisition pipeline aimed at consolidating a portfolio of high-performing "Made in Italy" industrial champions. The strategic rationale for the move centers on the integration of a highly profitable niche specialist into the group’s multidisciplinary industrial business area. By incorporating the target’s patented architectural mesh capabilities, the organization reinforces its ability to generate strong internal cash flow without reliance on external debt. The partnership is designed to leverage the group’s global industrialized operating model to scale the target’s international project reach while preserving its localized technical operational depth and founding management team. This integration facilitates the target's transition from a family-founded specialist to a core component of a global industrial platform, providing the strategic depth required to navigate the high-complexity global architectural market.

One Equity Partners acquired a majority stake in Giovanni Bozzetto from the Canadian diversified holding company Aimia Inc. and Paladin Private Equity. The transaction followed Aimia's brief ownership period (since May 2023), during which the group expanded into Central America via the acquisition of StarChem. OEP plans to leverage its industrial expertise to accelerate Bozzetto's international expansion, particularly in the Americas and Asia, while doubling down on "Green Chemistry" innovations.

Sagard acquired a majority stake in Essences & Parfums from Trajan, which exited the business alongside minority investors Bpifrance, Smalt Capital, and the original founders. The transaction, completed following a swift three-month competitive process managed by an investment bank, saw strong interest from both financial sponsors and industrial players. The current management team, led by President Samuel Desprets, significantly reinvested in the deal. The transaction was financed via a unitranche debt facility provided by Eurazeo. The strategic roadmap under Sagard's ownership focuses on establishing local offices in the Middle East and Asia to strengthen the group's regional proximity and launching an external growth strategy to consolidate the fragrance market.

DSM-Firmenich has agreed to sell a majority interest in its Animal Nutrition and Health (ANH) business to CVC Capital Partners. Under the terms of the agreement, DSM-Firmenich will retain a 20% minority stake to benefit from future upside. The transaction structure involves a combination of cash proceeds (~EUR600 million) and the transfer of debt/liabilities (~EUR500 million) to the new standalone entity. Additionally, the deal includes an earn-out component based on future performance. Post-closing, the business will be operationally split into two separate entities: "Solutions Company" and "Essential Products Company," both headquartered in Switzerland. A long-term supply agreement has been established to ensure the ongoing provision of vitamins between the parent and the divested entities.

Stratus Packaging acquired Freppel Imprimeur to strengthen its geographic coverage in Eastern France (Alsace) and Germany. This integration allows Stratus to pass the milestone of EUR100M in turnover and consolidate its position in the wine, spirits, and luxury markets. The deal brings significant industrial synergies, particularly in conventional and digital printing technologies, and adds a 9th production site to the group's network. Freppel's management and its 60 employees joined the group to support this long-term growth vision.

Wendel signed an agreement for the sale of the entire share capital of Stahl to the German industrial group Henkel. The transaction was intermediated by two leading international investment banks. This operation marks the exit of Wendel after a 20-year investment period, as well as the exit of industrial partners BASF and Clariant. The scope of the sale excludes leather chemical activities, which were previously carved out into a new entity named Muno. For Wendel, this historic exit generates net proceeds of EUR1.2 billion, representing a multiple of 6.6x its total investment and an annualized IRR of over 15%. The transaction allows Stahl to join a global industrial group capable of accelerating its technological deployment in the flexible materials market.

Arkea Capital acquired a 20% stake in Bartolac, marking the first time the family-owned group has opened its capital to an outside investor. The transaction facilitates the financial exit of the founding generation while supporting the second generation (Planeix family). The capital injection is intended to accelerate organic growth (targeting 7-12% annually) and fund strategic acquisitions in Europe and Asia.

Syensqo has finalized the divestment of its Oil & Gas Business Unit to SNF Group. The strategic rationale for the sale is to advance Syensqo’s "pure play specialty" strategy, allowing the company to sharpen its strategic focus and reallocate capital toward its core science-led businesses. For SNF Group, the acquisition represents a significant milestone in its growth strategy, strengthening its competitive position in the global energy market. The integration of Syensqo’s oilfield stimulation chemicals portfolio and its 600 employees provides SNF with enhanced R&D capabilities and access to established customer networks. This transaction ensures the continuity of specialized chemical services for the energy sector while enabling both organizations to optimize their respective portfolios—Syensqo toward diversified high-growth specialties and SNF toward a leadership position in industrial chemical applications.

Holcim has finalized the 100% acquisition of Alkern from the private equity firm Chequers Capital. This transaction marks the final exit for Chequers, which had supported Alkern’s growth since 2016. The strategic rationale for Holcim is the immediate reinforcement of its "Construction Solutions" pillar in the French market, positioning it alongside its existing Lafarge and PRB operations. The deal received clearance from the French Competition Authority in late December 2025. Alkern will maintain its operational autonomy, brand identity, and current management team led by Xavier Janin. The merger is designed to capture €11 million in EBITDA synergies by the third year, primarily through commercial cross-selling and operational optimization with Holcim’s sister companies. Access to Holcim’s global R&D center in Lyon will further accelerate Alkern’s innovation in carbon-capture concrete and water management infrastructure. This acquisition also includes the joint control of specialized entities EVBME and Sofama Vermeulen, broadening Holcim’s reach into niche molding and materials markets.