HYPRED acquired by ARDIAN

Imerys has finalized an agreement to acquire Kerneos from Astorg, a maneuver designed to fundamentally expand its specialized materials offering for the building and infrastructure markets. The strategic rationale for this transaction centers on a "technological-integration" play, merging the Kerneos's industry-leading technical operational depth in calcium aluminate binders with the group’s established global distribution and mineral processing infrastructure. This structural alignment provides the organization with the scientific talent and high-performance hardware—specifically the target's nine international production sites—required to address the increasing complexity of modern construction chemistry

Chequers Capital has acquired a majority stake in Alkern, taking over from Fondations Capital. Chequers secured the deal through a competitive auction process managed by Rothschild & Cie, reportedly outbidding the Irish industrial giant CRH. This secondary LBO is supported by a €75 million unitranche debt facility provided by Hayfin (two-thirds) and Tikehau IM (one-third). The strategic rationale for Chequers is to continue the aggressive "buy-and-build" trajectory established during Fondations Capital's six-year tenure, which saw 14 acquisitions including the major takeover of Duroux (€55M revenue)

Manali Petrochemicals Limited has completed the acquisition of Notedome Limited, a UK-based manufacturer specializing in cast polyurethane elastomers for high-stress industrial and automotive applications. The transaction was executed through its Singaporean subsidiary, AMCHEM Speciality Chemicals. This acquisition aligns with the Indian group’s internationalization strategy, aiming to strengthen its exposure to European markets and accelerate its growth in specialty polymer materials. It also solidifies Manali Petrochemicals’ industrial footprint outside India, leveraging a dedicated holding structure for overseas growth initiatives

IDEX Corporation has completed the acquisition of FTL Seals Technology, bolstering its strategy to expand its sealing solutions and specialized technical components business. This move strengthens IDEX's expertise in high-performance sealing solutions for critical industrial markets by bringing on board FTL's technical expertise in designing rotary seals and custom components used in applications where reliability and safety are paramount. The acquisition complements IDEX's existing capabilities in fluid technology, specialized industrial equipment, and high-value engineering solutions

Eurazeo and Mérieux Développement have signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Novacap from Ardian, which had held the company since March 2011. Ardian will retain a minority stake to maintain its commitment to the management team led by Pierre Luzeau. During Ardian's five-year ownership, Novacap underwent a massive transformation, executing six external acquisitions (notably in China and Germany) totaling approximately €240 million. This was complemented by an €85 million organic investment program to upgrade production tools

Conventya has been acquired by Silverfleet Capital, marking the end of a successful expansion cycle under Equistone Partners Europe. The strategic rationale for this transaction centers on a "global-scaling" play, merging Coventya’s industry-leading technical operational depth in specialty surface chemicals with the sponsor’s extensive expertise in executing high-velocity buy-to-build strategies. This structural alignment provides the organization with the scientific talent and logistical hardware required to address the increasing demand for specialized coatings in the United States and emerging markets

Following the integration of NS Etiquettes, Alliance Etiquettes has finalized its second build-up operation with the acquisition of Maumy. Ideally situated in the Bordeaux region, this transaction reinforces the group's dominance in its core historical territory. Xavier Sinsou, the company's manager, will continue to lead operations at the La Reole site and is expected to acquire a minority stake in the Alliance Etiquettes platform in the near future.

Alliance Etiquettes has completed its first external growth operation since its formation with the acquisition of 100% of NS Etiquettes. This transaction expands the group's geographical footprint into Brittany, a key region for the French food industry, and diversifies its end-markets beyond wine into general agri-food and spirits. Under the terms of the deal, Bruno Quaesaet, the owner and manager of NS Etiquettes, has sold his entire stake to the platform. Simultaneously, he has reinvested a portion of the proceeds to become a minority shareholder in the wider Alliance Etiquettes group, ensuring management continuity and alignment of interests

Saint-Gobain finalized the sale of its glass packaging subsidiary, Verallia, to a consortium led by Apollo Global Management and Bpifrance. The strategic rationale for Saint-Gobain was to complete its refocusing on high-performance habitat and industrial materials. For the acquirers, the deal represented a massive industrial carve-out of a profitable, market-leading business. Apollo won a highly competitive auction process against several private equity rivals (Blackstone, CVC, Bain/Ardian) and strategic bidders (Ba Vidro) by submitting a superior bid and partnering with Bpifrance to provide social and governmental guarantees regarding French employment

Schweitzer-Mauduit International (SWM), a U.S.-listed industrial group committed to diversifying its operations into specialty materials, has finalized the acquisition of Argotec, a U.S.-based specialist in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) technical films, from private equity firm Wind Point Partners. Prior to the transaction, Argotec was owned by Wind Point Partners, which oversaw a growth phase marked by product portfolio expansion and geographic diversification into new markets, particularly in the medical and industrial sectors