LOCAMODUL acquired by KILOUTOU

Astorg entered into a definitive agreement to acquire absolute majority control of Normec from Summit Partners and the company's management team. This transaction marks a major secondary leveraged buyout, allowing the target to transition from a growth equity phase to a large-cap private equity platform. Following a competitive process managed by Jefferies, Astorg successfully secured exclusivity to lead the next international expansion phase alongside the deeply reinvested management team. To adequately capitalize this operation, the deal structure incorporates a substantial senior debt package, providing the optimal leverage required to fuel Normec's ongoing aggressive buy-and-build strategy, which had already seen the integration of over 20 acquisitions prior to this sale.

A consortium led by Cinven and Astorg has acquired LGC Group from KKR. The transaction, which represents the first investment for Cinven's seventh fund. KKR, which acquired LGC in 2015 from Bridgepoint, reportedly achieved a 3x return on its investment following 15 bolt-on acquisitions and accelerated organic growth. The strategic rationale for the deal is to capitalize on LGC’s leading positions in the diversified and fast-growing genomics and quality assurance sectors. The new owners intend to back the existing management team, led by CEO Tim Robinson, to further expand LGC’s global presence, particularly in the US and Asia, and to pursue significant future development opportunities through complementary acquisitions. The deal was supported by a substantial new capital structure, including senior secured term loans and a 500 million GBP PIK (Payment-in-Kind) facility.

Boels launched a cash tender offer to acquire all shares of the listed Finnish group Cramo, as a strategic move to create a European leader with combined revenues of EUR1.3 billion and a network of over 750 depots. This deal consolidated the "Top 3" in Europe alongside Loxam and United Rentals (via their European branches).

Clayton Dubilier & Rice has signed an agreement to acquire a significant minority stake in Socotec, taking over the positions previously held by Five Arrows and BIP Investment Partners. This transaction occurs alongside the existing majority shareholder, Cobepa, which has controlled the group since 2013. The capital reorganization follows a period of rapid international growth, most notably the recent acquisition of the American firm Vidaris, which allowed the target to establish a major presence in the North American building consultancy market. The deal marks one of the most significant leveraged buyouts of the year in the French market. The strategic entry of the new investor is intended to support the management team in its continued buy,and,build strategy and to provide the permanent capital necessary for further global expansion. The existing debt structure was recently repackaged through a senior loan facility to support the group,s increased scale and recent acquisition activities.

Acces Industrie acquired its fellow French rental peer Matelev to broaden its technical expertise and regional footprint. This was the first external growth operation since Parquest Capital took control of Acces Industrie in 2017. The acquisition integrated nearly 800 machines and a strong team into the group's network.

After a 2-year holding period, Parquest Capital mandated Canaccord Genuity to sell its majority stake. Under Parquest, the group's EBITDA doubled from EUR20M to EUR40M, driven by organic growth and two strategic acquisitions (Matelev and Novelis). The transaction marked the final transformation of the group from a distressed listed company to a highly profitable private leader.

Equistone Partners Europe acquired a majority stake in Vulcain Engineering, alongside Sagard as a minority co-investor and the management team. The transaction provided an exit for previous sponsors (who had held the asset since 2014) and Initiative & Finance. The new shareholders aimed to accelerate international growth and execute a buy-and-build strategy to consolidate the fragmented engineering market.

Jacobs entered into a definitive agreement to acquire John Wood Group's Nuclear business. The acquisition is a strategic move to strengthen Jacobs' Aerospace, Technology & Nuclear (ATN) line of business by adding deep technical consulting and decommissioning capabilities. The strategic rationale centers on accelerating profitable growth and enhancing Jacobs' credentials as a Tier-1 global nuclear services provider. By integrating Wood Nuclear’s 2,000 employees and its research facilities, Jacobs gains increased access to the U.K., European, and Asian nuclear markets. The transaction is expected to be highly synergistic, with Jacobs targeting £10 million ($12 million) in full run-rate cost synergies. Financially, the deal is expected to be accretive to adjusted EPS by $0.10 to $0.12 in the first year. The acquisition supports Jacobs' sustainability agenda by expanding its role in nuclear clean-up and cleaner energy projects, while maintaining a strong balance sheet with a pro-forma net debt to EBITDA ratio under 1.0x.

Groupe Berto acquired 100% of the six operational companies comprising Groupe TDS. This acquisition is one of the largest in Berto's history, allowing it to integrate a competitor with a very similar business model. The deal adds EUR43 million in revenue (representing ~15% inorganic growth) and 700 vehicles to Berto's fleet. It reinforces Berto's presence in strategic regions where TDS was well-established and consolidates its dominance in the specialized "rental with driver" market.

Loxam launched a friendly cash tender offer to acquire 100% of Ramirent. This acquisition was a strategic masterpiece for Loxam, balancing its geographical exposure (heavily French-centric at the time) by adding dominant positions in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Poland, and the Baltic states. The combined entity became the leading rental player in Europe with revenues exceeding EUR2.3 billion.