SOCOTEC acquired by CLAYTON, DUBILIER & RICE (CD&R)

Clayton Dubilier & Rice has signed an agreement to acquire a significant minority stake in Socotec, taking over the positions previously held by Five Arrows and BIP Investment Partners. This transaction occurs alongside the existing majority shareholder, Cobepa, which has controlled the group since 2013. The capital reorganization follows a period of rapid international growth, most notably the recent acquisition of the American firm Vidaris, which allowed the target to establish a major presence in the North American building consultancy market. The deal marks one of the most significant leveraged buyouts of the year in the French market. The strategic entry of the new investor is intended to support the management team in its continued buy,and,build strategy and to provide the permanent capital necessary for further global expansion. The existing debt structure was recently repackaged through a senior loan facility to support the group,s increased scale and recent acquisition activities.

Previously, the company had already undergone several LBOs, notably led by Qualium in 2008 and Cobepa in 2012. This succession of buyouts, combined with an active build-up strategy, highlights the strong attractiveness of the company's business model.