Context

The Carlyle Group has entered into exclusive negotiations to acquire a majority stake in Lacour Group. This marks the first-ever opening of Lacour's capital since its 1985 inception. CEO Angelo Maida will significantly reinvest alongside Carlyle to remain a key stakeholder. The strategic rationale for the transaction is to transform Lacour from a French market leader into a pan-European champion through an aggressive external growth strategy. The deal is supported by a unitranche debt facility provided by Capza. Following the investment, Lacour aims to leverage Carlyle's expertise in software and automotive sectors to conquer adjacent markets and integrate innovative AI-driven features into its SaaS platform, targeting over €50 million in revenue for 2023.

Target

Lacour is a leading European developer of software solutions dedicated to the automotive industry, specifically focusing on dealership management, body shop operations, and repair cost estimation. Following its 2023 LBO by global private equity giant Carlyle, Lacour’s business model has shifted toward a high-velocity "Buy-and-Build" strategy. Its value proposition is based on a comprehensive ecosystem of tools that digitize the entire automotive after-sales lifecycle. Strategically, the group leverages Carlyle’s capital and network to consolidate fragmented European markets, integrating specialized local players to build a unified cross-border platform. With over 450 employees and a strong presence in France, the UK, and Benelux, Lacour aims to become the undisputed European leader in automotive after-sales digitalization.