PAI Partners takes majority stake in Looping Group
Context
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. The deal was supported by a 250 million euro unitranche financing package provided by Hayfin, representing a leverage multiple of approximately 4.5x EBITDA. The strategic rationale for the new partnership is to double the company’s size over the next five years through a combination of organic development and continued cross-border acquisitions, with a particular focus on strengthening the group’s footprint in Southern Europe.
The acquisition of Looping Group is part of the growth strategy of PAI Partners, which already has several external growth operations under its belt, notably European Pizza Group in 2023.
Looping Group, which reported an EBITDA margin of [members only] in 2022, 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
€500M–1.5bn
Equity Value
[members only]
Multiples
EV / Revenue
2x–6x
EV / EBITDA
10x–18x
EV / EBIT
[members only]
Historical Financials (EUR)
Other operations with Looping Group
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/2019 | MUBADALA | LOOPING GROUP | FRANCE | Leisure Facilities |
| 04/2016 | APHEON / BPIFRANCE | LOOPING GROUP | FRANCE | Leisure Facilities |
| 01/2011 | HIG CAPITAL | LOOPING GROUP | FRANCE | Leisure Facilities |
Other operations with PAI Partners
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07/2023 | PAI PARTNERS | INFRA GROUP | BELGIUM | Utilities Networks (Water/Fiber) |
| 06/2023 | PAI PARTNERS | ECF GROUP | FRANCE | Hospitality Supplies |
| 04/2023 | PAI PARTNERS | EUROPEAN PIZZA GROUP (EPG) | GERMANY | Food Products |
| 02/2023 | PAI PARTNERS | LA COMPAGNIE DES DESSERTS | FRANCE | Bakery / Pastry |
| 12/2021 | PAI PARTNERS | UVESCO | SPAIN | General Grocery |
| 10/2021 | PAI PARTNERS | EUROPEAN CAMPING GROUP (ECG) | FRANCE | Hotels & Accommodation |
| 07/2021 | PAI PARTNERS | APAVE GROUPE | FRANCE | TIC (Testing, Inspection, Certification) |
| 12/2020 | PAI PARTNERS | APLEONA | GERMANY | HVAC |
| 04/2019 | PAI PARTNERS | ECOTONE | NETHERLANDS | Food Processing |
| 11/2018 | PAI PARTNERS | STELLA | FRANCE | External Joinery |
Similar deals in Hospitality & Leisure
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07/2023 | TORIDOLL HOLDINGS CORPORATION / CAPDESIA GROUP | THE FULHAM SHORE | UNITED KINGDOM | Restaurants / Chains |
| 06/2023 | AZZURRI GROUP | BOOJUM | IRELAND | Restaurants / Chains |
| 04/2023 | HYATT | MR & MRS SMITH | UNITED KINGDOM | Travel Agencies |
| 02/2023 | HYATT | DREAM HOTEL GROUP | UNITED STATES | Hotels & Accommodation |
| 02/2023 | ADAMANTEM CAPITAL | RETAIL ZOO | AUSTRALIA | Restaurants / Chains |
| 01/2023 | FLIGHT CENTRE TRAVEL GROUP | SCOTT DUNN | UNITED KINGDOM | Tour Operators |
| 01/2023 | MCWIN CAPITAL PARTNERS | L’OSTERIA | GERMANY | Restaurants / Chains |
| 08/2022 | MTY FOOD GROUP | BBQ HOLDINGS | UNITED STATES | Restaurants / Chains |
| 07/2022 | COMPAGNIE DES ALPES | MMV | FRANCE | Hotels & Accommodation |
| 07/2022 | AVOLTA | AUTOGRILL | ITALY | Restaurants / Chains |
REFERENCES
Valuation range: EV €500M–1.5bn
Revenue range: €150–250M
EBITDA range: €50–100M
EV/Revenue range: 2x - 6x
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 PAI Partners 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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