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.
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)
Other operations with Iph Group
Other operations with PAI Partners
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02/2016 | ADB SAFEGATE / PAI PARTNERS | SAFEGATE INTERNATIONAL | SWEDEN | Aerospace, Naval & Defense |
| 12/2015 | PAI PARTNERS | GROUPE B&B HOTELS | FRANCE | Hotels & Accommodation |
| 06/2014 | PAI PARTNERS | LABEYRIE FINE FOODS | FRANCE | Food Products |
| 06/2014 | PAI PARTNERS | DOMUSVI | FRANCE | Nursing Homes |
| 06/2014 | PAI PARTNERS | VPS HOLDINGS | UNITED KINGDOM | Security & Guarding |
| 04/2014 | PAI PARTNERS / THE CARLYLE GROUP | INNOVISTA (EX CST) | FRANCE | Sensors & Optics |
| 04/2014 | PAI PARTNERS | EURO MEDIA GROUP | FRANCE | Audiovisual Production |
| 11/2013 | PAI PARTNERS | ADB SAFEGATE | BELGIUM | Aerospace, Naval & Defense |
| 10/2012 | PAI PARTNERS | MARCOLIN | ITALY | Luxury Supply Chain |
| 06/2010 | PAI PARTNERS | CERBA HEALTHCARE | FRANCE | Labs (Biology) |
Similar deals in Industrial Services
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09/2015 | SPRINGWATER CAPITAL | IMTECH ESPAÑA | SPAIN | Multi-technical Installation |
| 12/2013 | SOCOTEC | ATS | FRANCE | TIC (Testing, Inspection, Certification) |
| 12/2012 | COBEPA | SOCOTEC | FRANCE | TIC (Testing, Inspection, Certification) |
| 05/2012 | DXP ENTERPRISES | HSE INTEGRATED | CANADA | Industrial Services |
| 07/2011 | IK PARTNERS | TRIGO | FRANCE | TIC (Testing, Inspection, Certification) |
| 04/2010 | VALLOUREC | SERIMAX | FRANCE | Welding & Piping Services |
| 03/2010 | HG CAPITAL | JLA | UNITED KINGDOM | Equipment Rental |
| 02/2010 | BRIDGEPOINT | LGC GROUP | UNITED KINGDOM | TIC (Testing, Inspection, Certification) |
| 07/2008 | QUALIUM | SOCOTEC | FRANCE | TIC (Testing, Inspection, Certification) |
| 06/2008 | PHOENIX EQUITY PARTNERS | ASHTEAD TECHNOLOGY | UNITED KINGDOM | Equipment 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
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Authors: This transaction was contributed by a verified mynth contributor and cross-checked against available transaction documents and official company communications.
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