IPH GROUP acquired by PAI PARTNERS
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.
It is worth noting that the fund Investcorp took control of Iph Group through an LBO in 2006.
IPH GROUP, which reported an EBITDA margin of LOGIN in 2012, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of LOGIN, representing a LOGIN to the average currently observed in the Business Services sector (10.9x).
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
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.
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Historical Financials (EUR)
Other operations with IPH GROUP
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector | Deal Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/2017 | ADVENT INTERNATIONAL | IPH GROUP | FRANCE | Industrial Services | Advent International has acquired IPH from PAI Partners as part of a private equity transaction aimed at creating a leading European distributor of industrial supplies. The deal follows several years of steady growth under PAI's ownership, during which IPH was transformed into a pan-European B2B technical distribution platform |
| 06/2006 | INVESTCORP | IPH GROUP | FRANCE | Industrial Services | Investcorp acquired IPH through a leveraged buyout transaction aimed at accelerating the growth of a French industrial supply distribution player and transforming it into a pan-European leader in the sector |
REFERENCES
Valuation range: EV 300M - 700M EUR
Revenue range: 450M - 900M EUR
EBITDA range: 50M - 100M 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).
Press release: view release
Acquirer: pai partners