THE CARLYLE GROUP takes majority stake in HGH SYSTÈMES INFRAROUGES
Context
The Carlyle Group has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in HGH Systèmes Infrarouges through its Carlyle Europe Technology Partners III fund, as part of a structured control transaction. This move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the fund's position in high-value-added electro-optical and infrared technologies. Beyond the transaction's structuring, the partnership aims to accelerate HGH's international growth by leveraging Carlyle's investment capabilities and industrial network. The goal is to support the company's expansion in the defense, security, and critical infrastructure markets, as well as in applications related to emerging asymmetric threats. To achieve this, Carlyle plans to support HGH's technological and commercial development, with increased investments in R&D and a focus on expanding the company's infrared surveillance and image analysis solutions. The completion of the transaction remains subject to customary regulatory conditions and the obtaining of necessary approvals. This acquisition is part of a larger strategy to build specialized technology platforms focused on advanced surveillance systems and optronic solutions.
HGH SYSTÈMES INFRAROUGES, which reported an EBITDA margin of LOGIN in 2018, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of LOGIN, a level to compare with the average currently observed in the TMT (Tech, Media, Telecom) sector (14.6x).
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Target
HGH Systèmes Infrarouges is a French company founded in 1982, specializing in the design of electro-optical and infrared systems for the defense, security, and industrial markets. The company develops advanced surveillance and detection solutions based on high-precision infrared sensors, combined with proprietary software that enables real-time data analysis and processing. Over time, HGH has positioned itself as a leader in long-range surveillance technologies, particularly for threat detection, sensitive area protection, and critical infrastructure monitoring. Its systems are used in a variety of applications, including air defense, drone detection, maritime surveillance, border security, and strategic site protection. HGH boasts a strongly differentiated technology portfolio, built on a foundation of patents and significant in-house R&D capabilities. The company's business model is characterized by high technological intensity, combining infrared optics, embedded software, and artificial intelligence to enhance object and threat detection and classification capabilities.
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Other operations with HGH SYSTÈMES INFRAROUGES
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector | Deal Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06/2026 | THEON INTERNATIONAL | HGH SYSTÈMES INFRAROUGES | FRANCE | Hardware & Electronics | THEON International has entered into an exclusive agreement to acquire HGH Systèmes Infrarouges from Carlyle, covering the entirety of the company's share capital. This strategic move aims to bolster the group's capabilities in electro-optic and infrared systems, particularly for multi-domain defense applications. The transaction would integrate HGH's infrared technologies and detection solutions into THEON's portfolio, with a focus on long-range surveillance systems and automated threat detection capabilities. The acquisition leverages proprietary technologies combining sensors, software, and artificial intelligence, which are utilized in applications such as air defense, anti-drone systems, and the protection of critical infrastructure. The deal is structured with a bridge facility financing arrangement, intended to be refinanced at a later stage. This acquisition is part of a broader industrial integration strategy, aiming to create a leading European platform in defense optronics technologies. The transaction is expected to generate significant operational and commercial synergies, while accelerating the expanded group's international presence and strengthening its position in the rapidly growing defense markets. |
REFERENCES
Revenue range: 10M - 30M 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: hgh systèmes infrarouges
Acquirer: the carlyle group