CLARION EVENTS acquired by BLACKSTONE

Raise Investissement entered into exclusive negotiations to acquire a 25% minority stake in Avisa Partners. The operation is structured as an Owner Buy-Out (OBO), allowing the management team—comprising around 15 partners—to retain control with a 75% stake. The transaction facilitated the entry of two new partners into the capital. The funds raised are intended to finance international expansion (Berlin, Washington) and acquisitions to challenge Anglo-Saxon market leaders.

Parquest Capital entered into exclusive negotiations to acquire a majority stake in ADIT from Weinberg Capital Partners. Parquest prevailed over competitors Abenex, LFPI, and a consortium of Raise and Amundi PEF. Historical shareholder Bpifrance, which held 34% prior to the deal, reinvested to maintain a ~20% stake in the new structure. The financing was secured through a unitranche facility provided by Idinvest Partners and CM-CIC Private Debt. Notably, foreign lenders were excluded from the process due to the sensitive and strategic nature of ADIT's activities

The acquisition of Comexposium by Crédit Agricole Assurances marks the exit of the private equity firm Charterhouse Capital Partners, which originally acquired its majority stake in 2015. This transaction involves the transfer of control to a major institutional investor while the Paris Ile-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIP) maintains its historical involvement and significant shareholding. The strategic rationale for the deal is rooted in the substantial value creation achieved during the previous ownership cycle, characterized by an aggressive external growth policy involving numerous strategic acquisitions

In a significant strategic shift, the management team of DIAM Group successfully regained majority control from Ardian. This transaction is a management-sponsored leveraged buyout, structured as a "sponsorless" operation. The broad base of internal executives successfully negotiated exclusive terms to orchestrate the complete exit of the incumbent private equity firm, Ardian, which had held the majority stake for a brief but highly successful holding period. By leveraging a bespoke financial package provided by the specialized minority investment partners, the management team successfully transitioned from minority stakeholders to absolute majority owners

Duff & Phelps has been acquired by a vehicle of the Permira funds. The transaction was announced in December 2017 and is subject to customary closing conditions, with completion expected in the first quarter of 2018. Existing shareholders, including The Carlyle Group, Neuberger Berman, the University of California’s Office of the Chief Investment Officer of the Regents and Pictet & Cie, will divest their holdings, while the current management team will retain a significant equity position and continue in their operational roles

Abénex has successfully completed a strategic equity investment in Europa Group, acquiring a minority stake to support a new phase of international growth and consolidation. This primary transaction constitutes a minority leveraged buyout, allowing the target to reorganize its capital structure while ensuring the founding management team, retains absolute majority control (~60%). To adequately capitalize this next expansion phase, Abénex provides substantial financial resources and strategic expertise to fuel the group's aggressive cross-border acquisition pipeline

Ardian entered into exclusive negotiations to acquire majority control of the DIAM Group from exiting historical sponsors, led by LBO France, in a tertiary leveraged buyout. This transaction marked a key milestone for the group, following a period of substantial top-line growth where revenues jumped from €65 million in 2012 to over €200 million in 2015, fueled by an active "build-up" strategy including the 2016 acquisition of Maison Prugent. The deal featured a highly strategic reinvestment from both the existing executive management team and a historical minority institutional investor, ensuring operational continuity

The Carlyle Group has finalized an agreement to acquire a 51% majority shareholding in PA Consulting to fuel a new phase of international expansion and accelerated development. This strategic partnership is designed to provide the consultancy with the global reach, business connections, and M&A expertise needed to drive a significant rate of growth across the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. A critical feature of the transaction is the retention of the organization’s independent brand, culture, and values, alongside continued share ownership by its employees

The entry of Charterhouse Capital Partners into the capital of Comexposium marks a decisive step in the evolution of the event organizer, facilitating the exit of Unibail-Rodamco, which wished to refocus its activities on its core real estate business. This transaction is characterized by a unique strategic partnership between a global private equity fund and a major consular institution, the Paris-Ile-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIR). The strategic rationale for the operation is dictated by the group's need to accelerate its international development to maintain its rank among the world leaders in the sector

Duff & Phelps Corporation is being acquired by a consortium comprising controlled affiliates of The Carlyle Group, Stone Point Capital, Pictet & Cie and Edmond de Rothschild Group. The merger agreement was signed in early 2013, includes a go‑shop period for alternative proposals, and requires approval from shareholders and regulators before closing in the first half of the year. The transaction follows a board recommendation after a review by an independent committee and includes provisions for a break‑up fee and continuation of dividend policy prior to closing