SOCIÉTÉ DES EAUX MINÉRALES D’ARCACHON (SEMA) acquired by NEXTSTAGE

NextStage AM has acquired a majority stake in the Société des Eaux Minérales d’Arcachon (SEMA), taking over from the long-term owner and wine merchant Jean Merlaut, who exited his entire position. The transaction was carried out pari passu through the NextStage Evergreen vehicle and the "Pépites & Territoires" FPCI, representing a combined equity ticket of €30 million. Hervé Maudet, the co-owner and long-standing director of the company, has been appointed President and maintains a minority stake in the new structure. The strategic rationale for the acquisition is focused on transforming SEMA from a regional powerhouse into a national premium brand. With the company currently producing 50 million bottles annually and generating approximately 50% of its revenue from the restaurant trade, NextStage aims to double the size of the business over the next five years. The strategy involves strengthening the premium brand identity of the Abatilles and Source des Pins labels and expanding distribution networks significantly beyond the Southwest region of France. A key factor in the investment decision was SEMA’s superior water resource availability, with current extraction volumes remaining well below authorized administrative limits, providing a clear path for organic growth without the resource constraints faced by competitors. The deal was supported by a senior debt package (Tranches A and B) provided by the company’s historical banking pool and followed a competitive process involving generalist funds and family offices.