mynth
07/2021

IKH acquired by GRAFTON GROUP

FINLAND Industrial Services / Industrial & Technical Distribution EV 100M - 350M EUR

Context

Grafton Group has successfully finalized the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of the target, marking its first entry into the Finnish market and establishing a significant presence in the Nordic region. This strategic transaction represents a pivotal step in the acquirer's international development strategy, specifically targeting high-growth technical wholesale sectors with resilient defensive characteristics. The strategic rationale for the move centers on the acquisition of a high-quality platform that broadens the group’s market position into specialized segments such as personal protective equipment and professional tools.

IKH, which reported an EBITDA margin of LOGIN in 2021, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of LOGIN, a level to compare with the average currently observed in the Business Services sector (11.1x).

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.

-> Deep-dive in Business Services market trends

Target

IKH is a premier technical distribution organization specializing in the wholesale and retail of workwear, personal protective equipment, professional tools, and specialized spare parts. The entity’s business model is built on a high-density distribution framework, operating through a sophisticated network of independently-owned partner stores complemented by a selection of flagship owned sites. Its value proposition is anchored in the high-precision availability of a vast product catalog catering to the industrial, construction, and agricultural sectors. Strategically, the firm focuses on the Nordic and Baltic regions, utilizing a centralized logistics and distribution infrastructure to facilitate cross-border expansion into Sweden and Estonia. By maintaining structural operational depth in mission-critical safety and maintenance products, the organization ensures a mission-critical role in the productivity of professional trades and industrial enterprises. The entity prioritizes long-term technical reliability and standardized quality across its diverse partner-led retail presence.

Ent. Value

LOGIN

Equity Value

LOGIN

Multiples

EV / Revenue

LOGIN

EV / EBITDA

LOGIN

EV / EBIT

LOGIN

Historical Financials (EUR)

Year
Rev
EBITDA
EBIT
2021
LOGIN
LOGIN
LOGIN
2020
LOGIN
LOGIN
LOGIN

Similar deals in Business Services

List of similar M&A transactions (Date, Acquirer, Target, Country, Sector, Deal Context)
DateAcquirerTargetCountrySectorDeal Context
09/2021PRODATA CONSULTEMAGINEDENMARKIndustrial Services

ProData Consult, facilitated by its majority shareholder Axcel, has acquired 100% of the French-headquartered emagine Group. This transformative acquisition represents ProData’s fourth deal in less than two years and serves as a cornerstone for its expansion outside the Nordics. The strategic rationale is to create a fully integrated pan-European range of coherent IT consultancy services by merging ProData’s Northern European dominance with emagine’s prominent positions in France, Germany, and the UK

08/2021TRANSCATNEXA ENTERPRISEIRELANDIndustrial Services

Transcat has successfully finalized the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of the target, marking a significant expansion of its technical advisory capabilities within the life sciences sector. This strategic transaction represents a definitive move to incorporate high-margin calibration optimization services into the group’s broader service segment. The strategic rationale for the move centers on the acquirer’s objective to broaden its technical operational depth in asset and reliability management for pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients

07/2021PAI PARTNERSAPAVE GROUPEFRANCEIndustrial Services

PAI Partners has finalized a strategic minority investment in Apave Group, marking the first time the organization has opened its capital to an outside institutional partner. GAPAVE, the historical association governing the group, remains the primary shareholder as it transitions toward a foundation structure. This transaction was notably concluded without immediate debt leverage at entry, reflecting a high-equity commitment to support long-term development. The investment thesis for the partnership is the acceleration of Apave’s 2025 development plan, aiming to position the entity among the top five global players in the TIC sector

06/2021TOWERBROOKUPERIOFRANCEIndustrial Services

TowerBrook acquired Uperio from LFPI. This follows a successful consolidation phase where LFPI merged Matebat and Arcomet in 2019 to create a global champion. The transaction was funded by senior debt from CA CIB and BPCE. The management is led by Philippe Cohet (ex-Potain).

06/2021LOXAMJM TRYKLUFTFRANCEIndustrial Services

Loxam acquired 100% of JM Trykluft to strengthen its Danish footprint, particularly in the western part of the country. This acquisition added 9 branches to Loxam's existing Danish network (bringing it to 36 branches at the time). The deal integrated 70 employees and a well-maintained fleet into the group's operations.

06/2021LOXAMMASKINSLUSSENSWEDENIndustrial Services

Loxam acquired 100% of Maskinslussen to densify its network in Sweden, specifically in the western part of the country. This acquisition added 3 branches to Loxam's existing Swedish operations. The deal allowed Loxam to integrate 35 employees and a high-quality fleet, strengthening its competitive position in the Swedish industrial heartland.

05/2021INTERTEKSAI GLOBAL ASSURANCEAUSTRALIAIndustrial Services

This strategic acquisition involves the full takeover of a premier global provider of assurance services from its previous private equity owner, Baring Private Equity Asia. The transaction is designed to significantly scale the acquirer's business assurance division, particularly within capital-light and high-margin segments that address the increasing corporate focus on risk-based quality assurance following global supply chain disruptions. The rationale for the move centers on achieving critical mass in key geographic markets, notably Australia, the United Kingdom, and North America, while accelerating growth in the Asian market

04/2021DWS GROUP / CDPQ - CAISSE DE DEPOT ET PLACEMENT DU QUEBECERMEWAFRANCEIndustrial Services

SNCF sold its 100% stake in Ermewa to a consortium composed of CDPQ and DWS. This major infrastructure transaction allows the group to reduce the its debt.

04/2021QCAPITALVENPAITALYIndustrial Services

QCapital acquired a 42.5% stake in Venpa for EUR15 million. This primary LBO was designed to professionalize the family-owned business (Pege and Piovan families) and launch an aggressive "buy-and-build" strategy. Between 2021 and 2024, Venpa's revenue grew from EUR40M to EUR100M through multiple acquisitions (Nolotecnica, Torinoleggi, Loca Top).

02/2021ARDIANGBA GROUPGERMANYIndustrial Services

Ardian has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in GBA Group, partnering with the existing management team and Quadriga Capital. This transaction follows a period of significant growth under the previous ownership, during which the target successfully institutionalized its platform and expanded its geographic reach through targeted acquisitions. The strategic rationale for the new partnership is to further accelerate the target,s international buy,and,build strategy, leveraging the acquirer,s extensive network in the TIC sector

REFERENCES

Valuation range: EV 100M - 350M EUR

Revenue range: 100M - 200M EUR

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

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).