GROUPE LFPI takes majority stake in I-RUN
Context
LFPI has acquired a majority stake in I-Run as part of a transaction that marks the next stage in the company's growth trajectory, which has been underway for several years. The deal involves a reshaping of the shareholder base, with historical investors such as Geneo Capital Entrepreneur and Bpifrance selling a portion of their shares while maintaining a minority presence alongside management, which has increased its stake in the new entity. Other financial investors have exited the capital as part of this new development phase. The financing structure combines multiple sources of funding. LFPI has mobilized its mid-cap investment vehicles, supplemented by a mezzanine component, while a bank financing package of approximately €60 million has been arranged by a pool of leading financial institutions. This structure enables the support of a majority buyout while maintaining a debt level that is tailored to the company's growth profile. The new shareholders aim to support an accelerated international expansion strategy, particularly in Northern and Southern Europe, by leveraging digital channel development and the gradual extension of the store network. External growth initiatives may also be explored to consolidate the company's position in the European running and specialty sports market.
It is worth noting that the fund Geneo took control of I-Run through an LBO in 2022.
I-RUN, which reported an EBITDA margin of LOGIN in 2025, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of LOGIN, representing a level LOGIN the average currently observed in the Retail & Consumer sector (11.0x).
Note that this data is based on contribution from our growing community, composed of M&A and Private Equity professionals, and has been verified by our team to ensure its accuracy.
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Target
Established in the early 2000s and headquartered in Toulouse, I-Run is a leading specialist distributor of running gear and sports equipment. The company has emerged as one of France's top online retailers for running, leveraging its strong product expertise and customer-centric approach to cater to runners of all levels, from casual joggers to seasoned athletes. I-Run's multichannel strategy combines a high-traffic e-commerce platform with a network of physical stores across France, enabling the company to provide a seamless customer experience from product discovery to in-store trials and support. The company offers a wide range of products, including running shoes, technical apparel, smartwatches, and accessories, in partnership with major international sports brands.
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Historical Financials (EUR)
Other operations with I-RUN
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector | Deal Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/2022 | GENEO | I-RUN | FRANCE | Retail | GENEO Capital Entrepreneur has led a recapitalization effort to support the reorganization of i-Run's capital structure and fuel the company's next phase of growth. This transaction brings together a consortium of long-term investors, including Eximium, MACSF, and Bpifrance, alongside the founders and management team, with a shared objective of stabilizing the company's ownership and accelerating its development |
REFERENCES
Valuation range: EV 100M - 350M EUR
Revenue range: 100M - 200M EUR
EBITDA range: 5M - 25M EUR
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Authors: verified mynth contributor (mynth data is contributed by M&A / PE professionals and systematically cross-verified with private deal documents and official press releases).
Target: i-run
Acquirer: groupe lfpi