Context
Ergon Capital, in partnership with Bpifrance, has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in Looping Group from H.I.G. Capital. The transaction marks the second leveraged buyout for the group since its inception and is designed to support the next phase of its European expansion. The management team, which has been instrumental in the group's rapid development, remains a significant shareholder and will continue to execute its successful acquisition-led growth strategy. The deal was supported by a senior debt package structured to provide the group with the necessary flexibility for capital expenditures and future bolt-on acquisitions. The strategic rationale for the investment is to consolidate the group's position as a leading regional leisure park operator in Europe by integrating new sites and improving the operational performance of the existing portfolio through best-practice sharing and centralized strategic support.
In the past, Looping Group was acquired by HIG Capital in 2011 as part of its expansion strategy.
Looping Group, which reported an EBITDA margin of [members only] in 2015, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of 10x–18x.
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Target
Looping Group is a leading European operator of regional leisure parks, managing a diverse portfolio of eighteen sites including theme parks, aquariums, animal parks, and water parks across eight countries. The company’s business model centers on a "proximity and authenticity" strategy, targeting local families and tourists with accessible, high-quality entertainment. Key assets include the Zoo de la Flèche and Bagatelle in France, as well as Drayton Manor in the UK. The group’s value proposition is built on an active buy-and-build platform, acquiring well-established local brands and enhancing their performance through targeted investments in new attractions, high-end accommodation (lodges), and improved digital ticketing and catering services. By focusing on essential leisure activities near urban centers, Looping maintains high customer loyalty and a resilient revenue stream across diverse European geographies.
Ent. Value
€100–350M
Equity Value
[members only]
Multiples
EV / Revenue
1x–3x
EV / EBITDA
10x–18x
EV / EBIT
[members only]
Historical Financials (EUR)
Other operations with Looping Group
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/2023 | PAI PARTNERS | LOOPING GROUP | FRANCE | Leisure Facilities |
| 10/2019 | MUBADALA | LOOPING GROUP | FRANCE | Leisure Facilities |
| 01/2011 | HIG CAPITAL | LOOPING GROUP | FRANCE | Leisure Facilities |
Other operations with Apheon / Bpifrance
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06/2019 | QUALIUM / BPIFRANCE | EMLYON | FRANCE | Education Providers |
| 06/2019 | PARQUEST CAPITAL / BPIFRANCE | ADIT (AGENCE POUR LA DIFFUSION DE L'INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIQUE) | FRANCE | Consulting & Audit |
| 11/2018 | SAGARD / BPIFRANCE | SABENA TECHNICS | FRANCE | MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) |
| 09/2018 | LATOUR CAPITAL / BPIFRANCE / BNP PARIBAS DEVELOPPEMENT | SOGETREL | FRANCE | Infrastructures |
| 10/2017 | UI INVESTISSEMENT / BPIFRANCE | THERADIAL | FRANCE | Medical Devices |
| 10/2016 | CATHAY CAPITAL / BPIFRANCE | AD EDUCATION | FRANCE | Education Providers |
| 01/2016 | QUILVEST CAPITAL PARTNERS / BPIFRANCE | SOGETREL | FRANCE | Infrastructures |
| 10/2015 | APOLLO GLOBAL MANAGEMENT / BPIFRANCE | VERALLIA | FRANCE | Glass Packaging |
| 06/2015 | APAX PARTNERS / CREDIT MUTUEL EQUITY / BPIFRANCE | TEKNIMED | FRANCE | Implants & Prosthetics |
| 05/2015 | APHEON | GOLDEN GOOSE | ITALY | Fashion & Apparel |
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REFERENCES
Valuation range: EV €100–350M
Revenue range: €50–100M
EBITDA range: €5–25M
EV/Revenue range: 1x - 3x
EV/EBITDA range: 10x - 18x
Note: This page provides detailed data on a private equity M&A transaction. Detailed and exact financial metrics for the acquisition of Looping Group by Apheon / Bpifrance 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.
Target: looping group
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