Context

H.I.G. Capital has acquired a majority stake in Berardi Bullonerie from the Berardi family, who reinvested for a minority shareholding. The strategic rationale for the acquisition is to accelerate Berardi's development through a combination of organic growth and a targeted M&A campaign in the highly fragmented fastening elements market. By leveraging H.I.G.’s international reach and experience in consolidation, the group aims to aggregate other sector operators and enhance its high-value-added service offering. The transaction was supported by senior debt from a banking pool including Crédit Agricole, Deutsche Bank, and Banca Ifis, alongside a subordinated bond subscribed by Equita Private Debt. This partnership marks a key step in transitioning the century-old family business into a scalable corporate platform capable of rapid domestic and international expansion.

Target

Founded in 1919, Berardi Bullonerie is a primary Italian distributor of fastening elements and a pioneer in integrated logistics services. The company’s business model is centered on the just-in-time supply of standard and customized fasteners (C-Parts) to a broad range of industrial customers. Its value proposition is anchored in high service levels and advanced proprietary solutions, specifically its integrated "Kanban" logistics programs which optimize supply chain management for manufacturers. Strategically, the firm operates through a widespread network of 14 warehouses in Italy and commercial offices in Croatia and Morocco. By diversifying into adjacent product segments and high-value-added services, the organization has established itself as a critical technological and logistical partner for excellence-driven industrial enterprises.