BESIKTA BILPROVNING acquired by APPLUS+ GROUP

Applus+ has acquired 100% of the share capital of QPS Evaluation Services Inc. from its founding partners. The three senior managers of QPS, including the President, have committed to remaining with the business for several years to ensure a smooth integration. The strategic rationale for the acquisition is to significantly increase the global reach of the Applus+ Laboratories division, particularly in the North American and E&E certification markets. By combining QPS’s recognized certification marks with Applus+'s existing electromagnetic compatibility and wireless communication testing capabilities, the group aims to create a comprehensive global solution for manufacturers

Utac Ceram acquired 100% of Millbrook from the British group Spectris. This transformative transaction, signed shortly after the acquirer's secondary LBO, allowed the group to double its size in terms of both revenue and headcount. The strategic rationale is centered on creating the most comprehensive vehicle testing and validation offering in the European market by combining the acquirer's autonomous vehicle expertise with the target's electric vehicle testing capabilities. Geographically, the merger provides a balanced footprint for both hot and cold weather testing and strengthens the group's position with international manufacturers, particularly through shared teams in China and the United States

The founding Verite family reorganized the capital of VAC by bringing in two financial partners, Ouest Croissance and Trocadero CP. The objective was to support VAC's national deployment (new branches in Lyon, Nantes, Toulouse) and professionalize its environmental strategy (ISO certifications).

Applus+ has successfully finalized the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of a laboratory-based testing specialist, marking a significant reinforcement of its leadership in the electric vehicle (EV) testing segment. This strategic transaction represents a definitive move to gain immediate entry into the Chinese automotive market, currently the largest and fastest-growing EV ecosystem globally. The strategic rationale for the move centers on the acquirer's objective to integrate specialized electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and powertrain testing capabilities into its global Laboratories division

Eurazeo PME acquired a majority stake in Utac Ceram from FCDE in a secondary LBO transaction. The deal involved an equity investment of EUR80 million from the lead acquirer, while the historical shareholder, FCDE, reinvested alongside the CCFA to maintain minority interests. The transaction was supported by a unitranche debt facility provided by an international private debt specialist. The investment strategy is designed to decouple the target's governance from historical industrial ties and fuel a new phase of international expansion

The global Cleantech leader has successfully finalized the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of the target, marking a significant expansion of its technical service capabilities in the Southeastern United States. This strategic transaction represents a definitive move to incorporate localized compressed air expertise into the group’s broader industrial service and support division. The strategic rationale for the move centers on the acquirer’s objective to broaden its technical operational depth to support the upcoming deployment of RNG and hydrogen systems in high-potential agricultural regions

The strategy behind this acquisition focuses on the AGQ Labs' international expansion and technological development. Despite the global market volatility at the time of closing, the partnership with Portobello Capital represents a significant milestone for the founders, providing the backing of a major institutional investor through its inaugural minorities fund. The strategic rationale centers on leveraging the target's high-end laboratory infrastructure and sector expertise to capture further market share in the global food and environmental Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) market

Astorg entered into a definitive agreement to acquire absolute majority control of Normec from Summit Partners and the company's management team. This transaction marks a major secondary leveraged buyout, allowing the target to transition from a growth equity phase to a large-cap private equity platform. Following a competitive process managed by Jefferies, Astorg successfully secured exclusivity to lead the next international expansion phase alongside the deeply reinvested management team. To adequately capitalize this operation, the deal structure incorporates a substantial senior debt package, providing the optimal leverage required to fuel Normec's ongoing aggressive buy-and-build strategy, which had already seen the integration of over 20 acquisitions prior to this sale

A consortium led by Cinven and Astorg has acquired LGC Group from KKR. The transaction, which represents the first investment for Cinven's seventh fund. KKR, which acquired LGC in 2015 from Bridgepoint, reportedly achieved a 3x return on its investment following 15 bolt-on acquisitions and accelerated organic growth. The strategic rationale for the deal is to capitalize on LGC’s leading positions in the diversified and fast-growing genomics and quality assurance sectors. The new owners intend to back the existing management team, led by CEO Tim Robinson, to further expand LGC’s global presence, particularly in the US and Asia, and to pursue significant future development opportunities through complementary acquisitions

Kiloutou acquired Locamodul to strengthen its "Kiloutou Module" business unit. This acquisition allowed the group to integrate a specialized technical team and a high-quality fleet of modular units, primarily in the dynamic Savoie and Haute-Savoie markets. The deal reflects Kiloutou's ambition to become a major player in modular space, competing with specialists like Algeco or Loxam Module.