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12/2010MajorityLBO

Fondations Capital takes majority stake in Courtepaille

FRANCE Hospitality & Leisure / Hospitality / Restaurants / Chains EV €100–350M

Context

Fondations Capital has arranged the acquisition of a majority shareholding in the French restaurant chain Courtepaille, marking a change of ownership from the company's previous financial sponsors, a consortium led by ING Parcom. This transaction represents a secondary buyout, enabling the former shareholders to exit after a six-year holding period characterized by consistent growth. The deal is structured to support Courtepaille's next phase of development and expansion within the French market. The rationale for the acquisition is based on the target's strong brand recognition, leading market position in the grill-restaurant segment, and its proven track record of performance in a growing sector. The new ownership structure is designed to foster continued success by aligning the interests of the new financial sponsor with those of the company's leadership. As part of the transaction, the existing management team, along with a significant number of employees, are co-investing, ensuring leadership continuity and a vested interest in the company's future performance. This demonstrates the acquirer's confidence in the current operational strategy and leadership to capitalize on future market opportunities.

Courtepaille, which reported an EBITDA margin of [members only] in 2010, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of 5x–12x.

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Target

Courtepaille is a French restaurant chain with a history dating back to its founding in 1961. The company specializes in grilled meat and operates within the casual dining segment, primarily targeting families. Its brand identity is strongly associated with a traditional, rustic aesthetic, often featuring a distinctive circular building with a thatched roof, which has become a familiar sight for travelers along France's major roadways. The business model is a mix of company-owned and franchised restaurants. The menu is centered around various cuts of beef, sausages, and other grilled items, typically prepared over a wood fire in an open kitchen, which is a signature element of the customer experience. This concept is designed to offer a consistent and accessible dining option. Over the decades, Courtepaille established itself as a well-known name in the French hospitality landscape, synonymous with roadside dining and a consistent, unpretentious food offering.

Ent. Value

€100–350M

Equity Value

[members only]

Multiples

EV / Revenue

below 1.5x

EV / EBITDA

5x–12x

EV / EBIT

[members only]

Historical Financials (EUR)

Year
Rev
EBITDA
EBIT
2010
€250–500M
€10–30M
[members only]
2009
€250–500M
€10–30M
[members only]

Other operations with Courtepaille

Other operations with Courtepaille
DateAcquirerTargetCountrySector
09/2020BUFFALO GRILLCOURTEPAILLEFRANCERestaurants / Chains
09/2015ICGCOURTEPAILLEFRANCERestaurants / Chains
06/2013CREDIT MUTUEL EQUITYCOURTEPAILLEFRANCERestaurants / Chains

Similar deals in Hospitality & Leisure

Similar deals in Hospitality & Leisure
DateAcquirerTargetCountrySector
09/2011NAXICAP PARTNERSSUSHI SHOP GROUPFRANCERestaurants / Chains
01/2011HIG CAPITALLOOPING GROUPFRANCELeisure Facilities
01/2011CHANGE CAPITAL PARTNERSROSSOPOMODOROITALYRestaurants / Chains
06/2007LIGHTSTONE GROUPEXTENDED STAY AMERICAUNITED STATESHotels & Accommodation
03/2007MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTSTHE TUSSAUDS GROUPUNITED KINGDOMLeisure Facilities
02/2006MONTEFIORE INVESTMENTHOMAIR VACANCESFRANCEHotels & Accommodation
09/2005BC PARTNERSFITNESS FIRSTUNITED KINGDOMHospitality
07/2005COLONY CAPITALBUFFALO GRILLFRANCERestaurants / Chains
05/2005BLACKSTONEMERLIN ENTERTAINMENTSUNITED KINGDOMParks & Ski Resorts
03/2004BLACKSTONEEXTENDED STAY AMERICAUNITED STATESHotels & Accommodation

REFERENCES

Valuation range: EV €100–350M

Revenue range: €250–500M

EBITDA range: €10–30M

EV/Revenue range: below 1.5x

EV/EBITDA range: 5x - 12x

Note: This page provides detailed data on a private equity M&A transaction. Detailed and exact financial metrics for the acquisition of Courtepaille by Fondations Capital are reserved for mynth community members. Register for free to unlock full data.

Authors: This transaction was contributed by a verified mynth contributor and cross-checked against available transaction documents and official company communications.

Target: courtepaille

FAQ

What transaction does this page cover?

This page covers the acquisition of a majority stake in Courtepaille, a French company specialised in Hospitality, by Fondations Capital in 2010, structured as a leveraged buyout (LBO). Ownership has since evolved, leading to a subsequent transaction with Credit Mutuel Equity in June 2013 (see the dedicated deal page for details).

How was the acquisition of Courtepaille by Fondations Capital valued, and what multiples were paid?

mynth displays the transaction’s enterprise value within the €100–350M band, its EV/EBITDA multiple within the 5x - 12x range, and its EV/revenue multiple within the below 1.5x range. Exact figures are available to members.

What were Courtepaille’s revenue and EBITDA at the time of the deal?

At the time of the transaction, Courtepaille generated annual revenue estimated in the €250–500M range and EBITDA in the €10–30M bracket (FY 2010). Detailed financial figures are available to members.

What sources support the information on this transaction?

Transaction data and operational intelligence were compiled from independent financial press reporting by specialized M&A publications.

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