PARFEX acquired by IBERCHEM GROUP

The acquisition of Coventya by Element Solutions Inc represents a major turning point in the professionalization of the surface treatment sector, signaling a shift toward global industrialized chemical platforms. The strategic rationale for this transaction centers on a "portfolio-synergy" play, merging Coventya’s industry-leading technical operational depth in specialty plating with Element Solutions Inc's massive global scale and R&...D infrastructure. This structural alignment provides the combined organization with the scientific hardware required to address the increasing complexity of global supply chains, specifically the rising demand for lightweight aluminum treatments and sustainable hybrid-vehicle components.

Private equity firm BC Partners and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) have partnered to acquire advanced ceramics producer CeramTec. Following the completion of the deal, BC Partners and CPPIB will each hold a 50% equity stake in the company. The transaction facilitates the buyout of the stake previously held by BC Partners alongside its co-investors, which included the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (OTPP), Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP), Credit Suisse, and Adam Street Partners. Moving forward, BC Partners is deploying capital through its BC Partners Fund XI vehicle, while the deal concurrently marks the first realization for BC Partners Fund X. Prevailing as the highest bidder in the sale process, CPPIB is making an initial capital contribution of approximately EUR 800 million. The transaction is strategically intended to allow BC Partners to realize additional value within the platform. Together with CPPIB, the sponsors plan to continuously take advantage of further potential growth opportunities operating within the medical technology space. During its prior holding period under BC Partners, CeramTec successfully executed robust operational improvements, strengthened its medtech operations, and significantly developed its product pipeline.

The transaction involves Wendel and the Deconinck family forming a partnership to acquire a significant stake in Tarkett. The partnership, known as Tarkett Participation, will launch a simplified tender offer to acquire Tarkett shares at a price of €20 per share, representing a premium of 25.8% to the last closing price. The transaction is subject to certain conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals and the tender of a minimum number of shares. If the offer is successful, Wendel will hold up to 30% of Tarkett Participation, alongside the Deconinck family, which will maintain a controlling stake in the company.

The acquisition of Gault & Frémont by Groupe GUILLIN marks a strategic expansion of the latter's offering in paper and carton packaging solutions, complementing its existing portfolio of plastic and hybrid packaging products. Through this acquisition, Groupe GUILLIN aims to leverage Gault & Frémont's industrial expertise, innovative products, and commitment to environmental responsibility, to reinforce its position as a European leader in food packaging solutions. The acquisition is expected to enable Gault & Frémont to pursue its development in a proactive and long-term manner, with the support of Groupe GUILLIN's industrial and commercial expertise. The deal is part of UI Investissement's asset rotation strategy, following its initial investment in Gault & Frémont in 2015, and is expected to create new opportunities for growth and development for both companies.

Chequers Capital has acquired a majority stake in Alliance Etiquettes from Activa Capital. This transaction marks a highly successful exit for Activa Capital, which had built the group from a small regional player (Imprimerie Laulan, EUR8m revenue in 2015) into a national leader through eight add-on acquisitions. The management team remains invested in the business, and Activa Capital is reinvesting as a minority shareholder to support the next phase of growth. The new ownership aims to double or triple the group's size by pursuing international acquisitions in key wine-producing countries (Italy, Spain, Portugal) and expanding further into the luxury and cosmetics label markets.

The transaction involves the acquisition of a 50% interest in Ingegner Giulio Faggioni Carrara (IGFC) by the listed entity Franchi Umberto Marmi (FUM). A significant feature of the transaction is the strategic reinvestment by the seller, Giulio Vanelli Marmi (GVM), which subscribed to a 29.4 million EUR capital increase to hold a 9% stake in FUM, subject to a 36-month lock-up. Strategically, this move secures FUM’s long-term access to the world's most sought-after marble varieties, Statuario and Calacatta, thereby reinforcing its competitive moat and vertical integration. The acquisition of these quarry rights is value-accretive, allowing the group to capture higher margins across the value chain and ensure supply stability for its premium international contracts. For the market, this deal highlights the consolidation trend within the Apuan district, where leading players are increasingly seeking to internalize high-value raw material sources.

Croda International has acquired Iberchem Group from the French private equity firm Eurazeo. This acquisition provides Croda with an immediate, high-growth platform in the global Fragrances & Flavours (F&F) market. The deal allows Croda to offer "full formulation" solutions to its customers (combining active ingredients with scents). Iberchem will continue to operate as an independent entity to preserve its agile culture. The transaction was funded via a combination of existing debt facilities and an equity placement.

Ardian, the global private investment house, acquired a 50% ownership stake in Angus Chemical Company from Golden Gate Capital. The investment was driven by Angus's indispensable position within the global Life Sciences value chain. During the pandemic, Angus's nitroalkane derivatives became vital components for the manufacture of diagnostic kits, antibody treatments, vaccines, and high-alcohol hand sanitizers. Ardian's strategy is to use Angus as a platform for a global "Buy-and-Build" strategy, specifically targeting additional specialty chemical companies in Europe and Asia to further diversify its life sciences and personal care portfolio.

Private equity firm Cerea Partners, utilizing its Cerea Capital II fund, has completed the acquisition of family-owned group Axium through a primary LBO transaction. As part of this deal finalized on June 25, 2020, Bpifrance has joined the consortium to acquire a minority equity stake in the business. Historical CEO Yves Cury and his management team have demonstrated their ongoing commitment by reinvesting significantly in the newly formed corporate structure. The transaction facilitates the exit of the former shareholders, which include the Cury family and Crédit Mutuel Equity SCR. The acquisition financing was structured via a bank syndicate arranged by Caisse d'Epargne, featuring participation from La Banque Postale, CIC, Banque Populaire, and Crédit Agricole. The sell-side was advised by Mazars Corporate Finance, while Joffe & Associés and Advance Capital were among the advisory syndicate supporting the buyers. For majority investor Cerea Partners, the buyout secures operational control of a leading specialist in recyclable (PET) and recycled (R-PET) plastic packaging tailored for the food, health, hygiene, and beauty sectors. Leveraging its operational footprint of five production sites across France, Germany, and the Czech Republic, Axium will utilize this institutional backing to tackle future ecological and industrial challenges, aligning its trajectory firmly with the circular economy.

Alliance Etiquettes has completed its eighth external growth operation since 2015 with the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of 5 Sept Etiquette. This strategic transaction significantly reinforces the group's presence in the Southeastern France region (Provence / Rhone Valley), a critical area for premium wine production. The deal integrates a company with unique digital know-how and a complementary client portfolio. While the financial terms were not disclosed, the acquisition adds EUR12 million in revenue to Alliance Etiquettes, further consolidating its position as a market leader. The founder of 5 Sept Etiquette, Patrick Wack, exits the business following this transaction.