LOOPING GROUP acquired by HIG CAPITAL
Context
H.I.G. Capital has completed the acquisition of a portfolio of seven regional leisure parks from Compagnie des Alpes to form the newly established Looping Group. This transaction represents a classic corporate carve-out, as the seller sought to refocus its strategy on major international destination resorts and ski areas. The deal was structured to provide the target with full operational independence, led by an experienced management team drawn from the industry. The strategic rationale for the acquisition is to revitalize these regional assets through dedicated management focus and a significant multi-year investment plan aimed at enhancing the visitor experience and operational margins. This inaugural transaction serves as the foundation for a European "buy-and-build" platform, with the acquirer intending to use the group as a vehicle to consolidate the fragmented regional leisure park market through further acquisitions of similar high-potential assets.
LOOPING GROUP, which reported an EBITDA margin of LOGIN in 2010, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of LOGIN, representing a LOGIN to the average currently observed in the Retail & Consumer sector (11.0x).
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
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
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Historical Financials (EUR)
Other operations with LOOPING GROUP
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector | Deal Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/2023 | PAI PARTNERS | LOOPING GROUP | FRANCE | Hospitality & Leisure | PAI Partners has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a 75% majority stake in Looping Group from Mubadala Capital and Bpifrance. This transaction marks the fourth leveraged buyout for the group. The founding management team will retain a 25% minority interest and continue to lead the group’s ambitious growth strategy |
| 10/2019 | MUBADALA | LOOPING GROUP | FRANCE | Hospitality & Leisure | Looping Group has undergone a major capital reorganization as the founding management team, led by the President and Managing Director, assumed majority control of the company. Mubadala Capital entered the capital as a significant minority investor to support this management-led buyout, while the previous majority shareholder, Ergon Capital, fully exited its position |
| 04/2016 | ERGON CAPITAL PARTNERS / BPIFRANCE | LOOPING GROUP | FRANCE | Hospitality & Leisure | 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 |
REFERENCES
Valuation range: EV 10M - 30M EUR
Revenue range: 10M - 30M EUR
EBITDA range: 0M - 5M 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).
Target: looping group
Acquirer: hig capital