mynth
03/2013100%LBO

Iph Group acquired by PAI Partners

FRANCE Industrial Services / Industrial & Technical Distribution EV €300–700M

Context

In late 2012, PAI Partners signed an agreement to acquire IPH Group from Investcorp as part of a buyout transaction aimed at supporting the European industrial supplies distributor's next phase of development. The deal, which was finalized in March 2013 after receiving the necessary regulatory approvals, marked the exit of Investcorp after nearly seven years of ownership and value creation. Under Investcorp's ownership, IPH underwent a significant transformation, evolving from a primarily French player to a pan-European B2B technical distribution platform. Through several strategic acquisitions in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Romania, the group substantially expanded its geographic presence and product and service offerings. Between 2006 and 2012, revenue grew from approximately €293 million to nearly €900 million, while EBITDA increased more than fivefold. With this acquisition, PAI Partners aims to continue the consolidation strategy initiated by its predecessor and accelerate IPH's European development in a still-fragmented market. The transaction is consistent with PAI's strategy of investing in sector leaders with strong positions in resilient markets, offering opportunities for external growth. The fund plans to support the company in expanding its network, enhancing its logistics capabilities, and pursuing targeted acquisitions across Europe.

In the past, Iph Group was acquired by Investcorp in 2006 as part of its expansion strategy.

Iph Group, which reported an EBITDA margin of [members only] in 2012, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of 5x–12x.

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Target

IPH Group is a leading European distributor of industrial supplies and technical solutions for manufacturing companies, industrial maintenance operators, and engineering professionals. Founded in 1987, the group has evolved around a multi-brand model, leveraging strongly established national networks in their respective markets. The company offers a broad range of technical products, including bearings, mechanical transmission, pneumatic and hydraulic equipment, tools, personal protective equipment, and supplies for industrial maintenance and production. Its value proposition is built on close proximity to industrial customers, specialized technical support, and the ability to deliver tailored solutions that meet the operational needs of its clients.

Ent. Value

€300–700M

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
2012
€450–900M
€50–100M
[members only]
2011
€450–900M
€50–100M
[members only]

Other operations with Iph Group

Other operations with Iph Group
DateAcquirerTargetCountrySector
05/2017ADVENT INTERNATIONALIPH GROUPFRANCEIndustrial & Technical Distribution
06/2006INVESTCORPIPH GROUPFRANCEIndustrial & Technical Distribution

Other operations with PAI Partners

Other operations with PAI Partners
DateAcquirerTargetCountrySector
02/2016ADB SAFEGATE / PAI PARTNERSSAFEGATE INTERNATIONALSWEDENAerospace, Naval & Defense
12/2015PAI PARTNERSGROUPE B&B HOTELSFRANCEHotels & Accommodation
06/2014PAI PARTNERSLABEYRIE FINE FOODSFRANCEFood Products
06/2014PAI PARTNERSDOMUSVIFRANCENursing Homes
06/2014PAI PARTNERSVPS HOLDINGSUNITED KINGDOMSecurity & Guarding
04/2014PAI PARTNERS / THE CARLYLE GROUPINNOVISTA (EX CST)FRANCESensors & Optics
04/2014PAI PARTNERSEURO MEDIA GROUPFRANCEAudiovisual Production
11/2013PAI PARTNERSADB SAFEGATEBELGIUMAerospace, Naval & Defense
10/2012PAI PARTNERSMARCOLINITALYLuxury Supply Chain
06/2010PAI PARTNERSCERBA HEALTHCAREFRANCELabs (Biology)

Similar deals in Industrial Services

Similar deals in Industrial Services
DateAcquirerTargetCountrySector
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12/2013SOCOTECATSFRANCETIC (Testing, Inspection, Certification)
12/2012COBEPASOCOTECFRANCETIC (Testing, Inspection, Certification)
05/2012DXP ENTERPRISESHSE INTEGRATEDCANADAIndustrial Services
07/2011IK PARTNERSTRIGOFRANCETIC (Testing, Inspection, Certification)
04/2010VALLOURECSERIMAXFRANCEWelding & Piping Services
03/2010HG CAPITALJLAUNITED KINGDOMEquipment Rental
02/2010BRIDGEPOINTLGC GROUPUNITED KINGDOMTIC (Testing, Inspection, Certification)
07/2008QUALIUMSOCOTECFRANCETIC (Testing, Inspection, Certification)
06/2008PHOENIX EQUITY PARTNERSASHTEAD TECHNOLOGYUNITED KINGDOMEquipment Rental

REFERENCES

Valuation range: EV €300–700M

Revenue range: €450–900M

EBITDA range: €50–100M

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 Iph Group by PAI Partners 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.

FAQ

What transaction does this page cover?

This page covers PAI Partners’s acquisition of 100% of Iph Group, a French company specialised in Industrial & Technical Distribution, in 2013, structured as a leveraged buyout (LBO). This followed a prior holding cycle initiated by Investcorp in June 2006, before ownership was subsequently transferred to Advent International in May 2017 (see dedicated deal pages for details).

How was the acquisition of Iph Group by PAI Partners valued, and what multiples were paid?

mynth displays the transaction’s enterprise value within the €300–700M 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 Iph Group’s revenue and EBITDA at the time of the deal?

At the time of the transaction, Iph Group generated annual revenue estimated in the €450–900M range and EBITDA in the €50–100M bracket (FY 2012). Detailed financial figures are available to members.

What sources support the information on this transaction?

Transaction intelligence is supported by independent reporting from specialized financial publications, alongside a private document shared by the community and verified by the mynth team to ensure the accuracy of the shared information.

What is mynth?

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