Capitalmind Investec has advised the owners of Suisse Technology Partners on the sale to Goodfellow Cambridge, a company in the Battery Ventures portfolio.
About the deal
Capitalmind Investec acted as exclusive M&A advisor to Suisse Technology Partners on the sale to Goodfellow Cambridge, a portfolio company of Battery Ventures.
Goodfellow Cambridge is an R&D, high technology, aerospace and science partner with operations in Europe, North America and China. Headquartered in Huntingdon, UK, the materials specialist offers a wide range of metals, alloys, technical ceramics, polymers, compounds and composites. In addition, Goodfellow provides various manufacturing processes including rolling, electroplating, sputtering, heat treatment, stamping, turning, cutting and sawing. The company received an investment from Boston-based Battery Ventures in 2021.
Suisse Technology Partners was created in 2011 as part of a spin-off and MBO from a successor company to the former Alusuisse. As a Swiss competence centre for material-based solutions and analytics, Suisse Technology Partners provides sophisticated technology services for selected industries and manufactures reference materials and niche products for aluminum.
The acquisition of Suisse Technology Partners expands Goodfellow’s science and research-focused materials portfolio and helps to open up new market opportunities for the company in the industrial and pharmaceutical sectors. With its location in Neuhausen on the Rhine Falls in the canton of Schaffhausen, Goodfellow now also has a presence in continental Europe. The focus of the acquisition is on growth and expanding the business by investing in new, customer-orientated business areas.
What we did
The Capitalmind Investec team advised the owners of Suisse Technology Partners throughout the M&A process until the successful completion of the transaction, including:
- Development of equity story and business plan,
- Creation of marketing documents,
- Preparation and support of due diligence,
- Support in the negotiation of contractual terms and legal documentation,
- Coordination of all parties involved, including legal and tax advisors.
“We were very happy to work with the Capitalmind Investec team. The combination of their experience, their analytical and abstracting skills and creative realisation during the preparatory work gave us a new perspective on our company, which led to success in the subsequent process. The team was highly professional, committed and responsive, enabling the sales process/succession plan to be implemented efficiently and with high quality.”
Günter Bergmann, CEO, co-founder and co-owner of Suisse Technology Partners
Investec has advised Ekoscan Integrity Group (EIG), a leading global provider of advanced non-destructive testing solutions for critical industrial applications and infrastructure, on its LBO backed by Eurazeo.
About the deal
Ekoscan Integrity is a leading and innovative global provider of advanced non-destructive testing (“NDT”) solutions for critical industrial applications and infrastructure. EIG leverages its technological expertise in product design and assembly to offer bespoke hardware testing systems, embedded software, and related services tailored to clients’ needs. EIG’s solutions are used by over 250 blue-chip clients for the maintenance of critical assets and infrastructure enhancing monitoring processes, extending assets’ life and preventing failures.
The group is a fast-growing platform and has demonstrated an impressive track record, combining 20%+ organic growth with several international acquisitions.
To further accelerate its growth project, Ekoscan management is joining forces with Eurazeo through a secondary buy-out, alongside Abenex, EDF (through Fonds France Nucléaire, managed by Siparex) and Air Liquide who have financed Ekoscan in 2022. Main objectives are to accelerate external growth, expand geographically and further increase technological edge.
Our role
Investec advised on the shareholders and the management team throughout the buy-out process, including:
- Defining the transaction strategy,
- Identifying potential investors,
- Preparing marketing materials,
- Coaching the management team,
- Running a lenders education process,
- Managing VDDs and buyer due diligence,
- Organising the auction,
- Negotiating the best transaction terms.
“A big thank you to the entire Investec team for their outstanding support. They showed a real ability to deeply understand our business and were fully committed to the project – from rigorous modelling and clear structuring to highly relevant management of strategy consultants. They translated our activity into solid data and compelling messaging with great accuracy. The team was highly professional – everyone was fully engaged, responsive, and the whole process was smooth, well-organised, and fair. I would gladly work with them again.”
Hugo Cence, CEO, Ekoscan Integrity
Investec Advisory has advised Nova Consulting shareholders on the sale of the Group to Talan
About the deal
Nova Consulting is a strategy consulting boutique advising its clients in their growth, sales and marketing strategies. The Group combines strong sector-specific consumer trend knowledge, data analysis capabilities, and predictive statistical modeling skills in emotionally-driven industries, relying notably on its proprietary algorithms.
With recognised expertise in the fields of branding, culture, sports, and tourism, Nova Consulting has established itself as a key partner to major international groups, institutions, and local authorities. Its long-standing clients include Française des Jeux, Groupe Crédit Agricole, the Louvre Museum, Savencia, Disneyland Paris, or Eiffage.
Backed by Isatis Capital, Nova Consulting was seeking to join a strategic partner able to support its next phase of development. Following an open process led by Investec Advisory, Talan emerged as the perfect partner, offering compelling commercial synergies opportunities. This strategic partnership strengthens Talan’s positioning in the consulting space and accelerates the global expansion of its service offering. It also enhances its strategic consulting capabilities, particularly in marketing and sales, to better support CxO-level teams.
With 7,000 employees and c. €900m revenues, Talan is a global leader in digital transformation and innovation services, backed by private equity firm TowerBrook.
Our role
Investec Advisory advised the shareholders of Nova Consulting, bringing its track record in strategic partnership processes as well as its deep understanding of the consulting and digital services sectors. Our support included:
- Designing a relevant equity story,
- Defining deal tactics and transaction timeline,
- Introducing potential acquirers, particularly within the technology sector,
- Building strategic plans with the most complementary partners able to value Nova Consulting positioning and support the Group’s development,
- Coordinating the Due Diligence process,
- Organising a competitive bidding process and leading the final negotiations to optimise the terms and conditions.
About the deal
Investec has advised the shareholders of STP Tax on the merger with Atlas, part of Svalner Atlas Group.
About STP Tax
Based in Amsterdam, STP Tax is a leading Dutch tax advisory and compliance firm with a team of approximately 30 dedicated professionals. The firm delivers comprehensive services including but not limited to corporate and international tax, transfer pricing, M&A, VAT, and wage tax. STP Tax stands out for its client-centric approach, in-depth market insight, and global reach.
About Atlas
Atlas is the largest independent tax advisory firm in the Netherlands and part of Svalner Atlas Group, a tax and transaction advisory group in the Nordics and Benelux. Based in Amsterdam, Atlas employs approximately 80 professionals specialized in the fields of corporate and personal income tax, M&A tax, indirect tax, transfer pricing and HR tax.
STP’s distinguished track record and respected name in tax advisory and compliance in the Netherlands will further enhance the combined firm’s ability to serve clients both in the Dutch market as well as across Europe. By integrating STP’s deep expertise and local market insight, Atlas significantly strengthens its ability to deliver personalized, high-quality tax solutions in today’s complex tax landscape.
What we did
Investec advised the shareholders of STP Tax throughout the merger, with:
- Drafting info & marketing materials
- Managing price negotiations
- Handling due diligence
- Coordinating legal documentation phase
“We look forward to joining Atlas and the journey ahead in Svalner Atlas Group. This merger enables us to deliver even more competitive services and greater value to our clients, while providing expanded career development opportunities for our employees.”
Eddy Sajet, Partner at STP Tax
About the deal
Investec advised Neopar on the sale of NextRoad, a leading French TIC services provider specialising in infrastructure asset integrity, to InnovaFonds
NextRoad is the leading partner of major French transport infrastructure owners and operators, supporting them in assessing road integrity, developing long-term maintenance plans, overseeing roadworks, and designing tailored solutions to address key safety and sustainability challenges.
Thanks to its technical expertise, its nationwide presence through 15 branches, its largest national road inspection vehicle fleet coupled with extensive asphalt testing capabilities, and its strong innovation capacity, the group has built long-term partnerships with most road infrastructure owners and operators in France and is expanding into complementary markets such as runways and bridges.
Having successfully established and grown NextRoad since 2017, Neopar sold its majority stake in the company to InnovaFonds which invested alongside Hervé de Chillaz, NextRoad’s CEO. After successfully implementing a transformation plan to improve operational excellence and boost sales initiatives, the management team now aims to leverage its strong business momentum to double in size over the next four years, combining double-digit organic growth with a buy & build strategy. NextRoad intends to consolidate its leadership, diversify its activities, and further enhance its technical capabilities.
In 2024, NextRoad generated approximately €26m in revenue and employed around 200 FTEs.
Our role
Investec supported NextRoad’s shareholders throughout the entire process, including:
- Designing a robust equity story and defining the deal strategy,
- Drafting the marketing documentation,
- Assisting management in modelling the business plan,
- Qualifying trade and financial buyers most likely to value NextRoad’s positioning and support the Group’s development,
- Coordinating the due diligence process,
- Organising a structured competitive process to create the right level of competition to achieve the shareholders’ objectives,
- Supporting management in carving out a non-core laboratory equipment distribution business,
- Participating in final negotiations to optimise the terms and conditions.
“Choosing Investec as our investment bank was a particularly wise decision. They supported us with invaluable expertise and insight throughout the entire process—always with a positive attitude.”
Hervé de Chillaz
CEO, NextRoad
About the deal
Investec has advised the Turenne Group and Thierry Le Guevel on the sale of Inaxe, a fast-growing French TIC services provider, specialized in sustainable building management, to Capza Transition.
Inaxe is a fast-growing TIC services provider with a revenue of €11m, specialised in sustainable building management. The Group provides property owners and managers with TIC services and technological solutions to ensure the compliance of their assets, improve their performance, and enhance sustainability. Inaxe’s service offering includes technical diagnostics (asbestos, lead, energy performance, etc.) and a range of value-added complementary services to support clients from initial diagnostic to the implementation and management of rehabilitation solutions.
Inaxe, which has forged strong partnerships since its inception with major French social landlords, has progressively expanded its services to industrial and tertiary clients. The Group has enjoyed rapid, profitable growth over the last decade thanks to a sustainable development model based on strategic positioning in attractive and complementary market niches, an industrialised and highly digitised operational model, strong long-term contractual commercial relationships offering significant cross-selling and upselling opportunities, and proven expertise in recruiting, training, and retaining multi-certified technicians.
This new LBO transaction, structured around Inaxe’s two executives, Cédric Audo and Sébastien Taddia, is supported by Capza Transition, which is investing alongside Thierry Le Guevel, the founder and former majority shareholder of the Group.
Future growth will be driven by four key initiatives:
- Expanding the private client base,
- Geographical expansion within France,
- Sales initiatives to promote the premium service offering,
- Development of new services targeting high-potential niche markets emerging from regulatory changes.
Our role
Investec supported Inaxe’s shareholders throughout the entire process:
- Designing a robust equity story and defining the deal strategy,
- Drafting the marketing documentation,
- Assisting management in drafting the business plan,
- Qualifying financial investors,
- Organising a structured and competitive process,
- Coordinating the due diligence process,
- Taking part in final negotiations to optimise the terms and conditions.
“Thanks to its deep understanding of the company’s challenges, its market and the requirements of PE funds, Investec played a key role in the success of the INAXE/CAPZA transaction”
Thierry Le Guevel, CEO, Inaxe
“We were looking for an M&A team with expertise in TIC to support the Inaxe Energie & Environnement team in its secondary LBO. The Investec team stood out for its deep industry expertise, thorough knowledge of LBO counterparties, and close relationship with the management team.”
Stéphane Saudo, Partner, Turenne Emergence
Investec to advise the shareholders of ASWA Keukens in the acquisition of Intermat.
About the deal
Investec has advised the shareholders of ASWA Keukens on the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Intermat, a leading player in the Dutch kitchens, tiles and sanitary market for both private individuals as well as business customers.
With the acquisition of Intermat, ASWA Keukens is expanding its national coverage to nine locations throughout the Netherlands. ASWA’s acquisition of Intermat represents a pivotal moment for both organizations, enhancing their industry presence and paving the way for further growth. Established in 1977, both companies share core values of quality, a personalized approach, and engaged teams. With these shared values, the companies will continue to operate under their own identities, committed to provide even better services for both private and business clients.
“This new collaboration offers great opportunities to innovate and serve our private and business customers even better.”
Robbert Leemans, owner of ASWA Keukens – branches in Helmond, Uden, Dordrecht and Hilversum
What we did
Investec advised the shareholders of ASWA Keukens throughout the buy-side process, with:
- Meetings with management and gathering information;
- Drafting information & marketing materials;
- Target search and approach;
- Managing price negotiations;
- Handling due diligence; and
- Coordinating legal documentation phase.
Investec has advised Seven2 and Infraneo on the acquisition of Nebest Group
About the deal
Infraneo reaches a significant milestone with the acquisition of Nebest in the Netherlands. The group is at a key stage in its development, having doubled its revenue and workforce in the past two years, with over 40% of its activities now international.
About Infraneo
Infraneo, established in 1991, is a major player in engineering on the European market, the Infraneo Group operates with the support of its 1,200 employees across France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain.
About Nebest
Nebest is the Netherlands’ leading engineering firm specialising in asset integrity for aging infrastructure, buildings, industrial and energy sectors, and water systems. It uniquely integrates comprehensive on-site expertise with in-depth in-house analytical capabilities.
With 260 employees and headquarters in Vianen, Nebest offers a wide range of services in inspection, engineering, laboratory research, and consultancy for the infrastructure, water networks, construction, and industrial sectors. Infraneo is excited to leverage the experience and expertise of CEO Jeroen de Goeij and his team to establish Nebest as its development platform in the region, accelerating its growth.
What we did
Investec assisted Seven2 and Infraneo throughout the entire buy-side process up to closing, in:
- Meetings with management and gathering information;
- Drafting materials for investment committee;
- Deal structuring and (price) negotiations;
- Handling Due Diligence;
- Coordinating legal documentation phase.
About the deal
Investec advised Bureau Veritas in the sale of its food testing activity to Mérieux NutriSciences
Bureau Veritas’ food testing activity encompasses a global network of 34 laboratories specialized in microbiological and chemical testing for the food sector, primarily operating across the Americas, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. With over 1,900 technicians, this division provides critical services to ensure the quality and safety of food products for its clients.
This transaction aligns with Bureau Veritas’ LEAP | 28 strategy, which focuses the company’s portfolio on high-value strategic segments and provides Bureau Veritas with more flexibility to implement its ambitious acquisition plan.
Sold to Mérieux NutriSciences, the global leader in testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) services in the food industry, for an enterprise value of €360 million, the business will benefit from a new strategic momentum under the leadership of this global player. With this acquisition, Mérieux NutriSciences strengthens its geographic coverage, consolidates its presence on key continents, and enhances its ability to address global food safety and sustainability challenges.
The deal marks a significant strategic repositioning for both companies in a context where food safety and sustainability are becoming global priorities.
What we did
Investec provided comprehensive support to Bureau Veritas throughout the entire carve-out process. This included coordinating all project stakeholders, both internal and external, defining a tailored deal strategy to maximize value, and proactively anticipating carve-out issues to mitigate risks. Investec also prepared detailed marketing materials and played an active role in negotiating both value and conditions with the prospective buyer. Additionally, the team managed the comprehensive due diligence process, ensuring all requirements were met, and oversaw the preparation and finalization of legal documentation to coordinate several closings on a region-by-region basis.
About the deal
Investec has advised Groupe Sylpa shareholders (of which Andera Acto) on the Group disposal to Fauché (backed by EMZ Partners)
Created in 2006 by Pascal Fournet-Fayard, Groupe Sylpa has become a major player in electrical engineering (engineering, installation and maintenance) in the Ile-de-France region. Thanks to a continuous and profitable growth and several strategic acquisitions, the Group now comprises 8 business units grouped into 5 companies (ETT, ENTRA, SGEA, IECF-PESIER, APELTEC). With c.€70m sales, the Group now employs more than 300 people.
Groupe Sylpa positioning, which focuses on promising and resilient markets (transport, power networks, video surveillance, data centers, etc.), allows the Group to work on a mix of major projects, numerous small-scale works and maintenance contracts. Sylpa serves a diversified customer portfolio (public, semi-public and private entities).
After 4 successive LBOs, Groupe Sylpa has been backed by Andera Acto (minority shareholder) since 2019. Pascal
Fournet-Fayard (founder and CEO of Groupe Sylpa) and Andera Acto wanted to fully exit and organize a disposal to a strategic player able to support the Group’s growth and development alongside the existing management team.
Sylpa was sold to Groupe Fauché (backed by EMZ Partners), while the management team rolled-over partly to become Fauché shareholders. This transaction enables Sylpa to benefit from strong complementarities in terms of geography, business lines (shared competencies in multiple segments) and customers (cross-selling and commercial synergies) with Fauché.
What we did
Investec advised Groupe Sylpa’s shareholders throughout the transaction process:
- defining deal tactics and best timing to unlock strategic value,
- designing a compelling equity story and preparing marketing documents,
- qualifying best potential buyers able to value Groupe Sylpa’s positioning and support its development,
- coordinating the carve-out of VB (Group’s subsidiary based in Clermont-Ferrand, no longer part of the Group) before closing the transaction,
- running a competitive bid process to meet shareholders objectives,
- assisting in the final negotiations of the transaction documentation.
About the deal
Investec has advised Ciclad on the sale of Tibbloc, a leader in temporary energy rental solutions, to Gimv
Founded in 2007 in Nantes, France, Tibbloc has become the French leader in temporary energy rental solutions (heating, cooling, steam, compressed air and dehumidification). Active in France, Belgium, Austria and Germany, with 11 operating platforms, the group distinguishes itself by a comprehensive range of services, from project design and specification to logistics and commissioning. The group serves a diversified customer base, mainly consisting of district heating & cooling networks, food processing operators, industrial groups, pharmaceuticals and the service sector.
In a growing market driven by the increasing use of rental solutions, the development of urban energy networks and climate change, Tibbloc is recognized for its technical capabilities, operational excellence and the depth of its product range. Its flexible business model combines multi-specialist sales teams, capable of supporting customers in all aspects of their business by offering tailormade solutions, with highly specialized technical teams in charge of project execution throughout France and abroad.
Supported by Ciclad since 2020 and under the impetus of Eric Merilhou and Yann Dauce, respectively CEO and COO of the group, Tibbloc has become a key player in its market. With sales of over €40 million, driven by solid organic growth, the group now employs around 120 people. It has also completed two strategic acquisitions that have enabled it to broaden its offering and geographical coverage, positioning itself as a consolidation platform in a fragmented European market.
Gimv’s investment, alongside Eric Merilhou, Yann Dauce and the management team, will provide Tibbloc with the financial and professional support it needs to accelerate its development, both in France and at European level, while continuing to invest in expanding its equipment fleet. Tibbloc plans to strengthen its market position by further expanding its range of services to support its clients in their decarbonization efforts.
What we did
Investec advised Tibbloc shareholders throughout the transaction process: defining deal tactics and best timing to unlock strategic value, designing a compelling equity story, qualifying best potential buyers/investors able to value Tibbloc’s positioning and support its development, managing a Lenders education process with financing institutions, running a competitive bid process to meet shareholders objectives, assisting in the final negotiations of the transaction documentation.
About the deal
The very complementary business combination is accelerating international expansion of the combined group
Investec acted as exclusive financial advisor to mind venture AG in the divestment of TECOSIM Group to global engineering and R&D company Hinduja Tech.
By joining forces with Hinduja Tech, Hinduja Group’s mobility-focused global engineering R&D services company, TECOSIM strengthens its international presence especially in Asia and adds global delivery footprint to Hinduja Tech with enhanced capabilities and regional delivery centers for European customers. The acquisition is in line with Hinduja Tech’s strategic goal to become a global leader in mobility engineering services. TECOSIM’s technological expertise and strong market presence in Europe are anticipated to position the combined entities to deliver enhanced, innovative, and sustainable solutions, bolstered by a nearshore delivery model.
Both for mind venture as owner and for TECOSIM management this transaction represents a significant milestone for the next phase of profitable growth and for a successful pass-on to the right strategic partner.
About TECOSIM Group
TECOSIM Group, headquartered in Wiesbaden, Germany, is a globally active engineering company renowned for developing technological solutions that promote sustainable transport, safe and clean energy supply, and a competitive industrial landscape. Started as a German engineering company, the TECOSIM Group has now earned an exceptional reputation in Europe, Asia, and the USA through its global expansion and is known for its expertise in simulation, testing, and engineering services, catering to a diverse range of industries including automotive, energy, and industrial sector. https://tecosim.com/
What we did
Investec acted as exclusive financial advisor to mind venture AG on the sale of TECOSIM Group, providing comprehensive support throughout the entire process. This included defining and executing a structured transaction process to achieve best commercial terms and pricing. The deal team worked closely with management to validate the business plan and through our international offices approached selected potential buyers on global scale. Investec coordinated the full due diligence process in six jurisdictions and negotiated key commercial terms of the Share Purchase Agreement (SPA), ensuring an efficient process and a successful transaction.
“As an internationally positioned engineering services company we have realized a succession solution with significant strategic relevance. Investec has delivered high value results throughout the entire process by creating a formidable starting position based on sector knowledge, international reach and cultural competence.“
Udo Jankowski, Chairman of the Executive Board, mind venture AG
About the deal
Investec advised Think Learning on its sale to Totara, a Tenzing portfolio company
Investec has advised Think Learning on its sale to Totara, a global leader in learning technologies. The transaction marks Totara’s first acquisition since receiving investment from Tenzing a year ago, and sees Think Learning and Chambury Learning joining forces within the Totara group to accelerate growth in the public sector and health and care verticals.
Investec leveraged its deep sector knowledge within the learning technology space, alongside its expertise in advising founder owned and run businesses, to secure the best possible deal for the Think Learning shareholders and set them up for future success in the Totara group.
About Think Learning
Think Learning is a learning technology company providing platform, content and consultancy services to clients across a range of sectors in the UK. The business specialises in developing learning and talent technologies in high compliance industries, with a particularly strong reputation in the health and care and public sectors.
“The deal team at Investec has been stand-out throughout the transaction, in terms of their understanding of our business, strategic insights and advice. The whole team was exceptional at coaching us through the process, taking away noise and allowing us to focus on the key commercial points; we honestly couldn’t have done the deal without them. Investec’s knowledge of the EdTech market is first class and ensured we found the right home for our business and secured the best possible deal. We are really looking forward to being part of the Totara group and contributing to the future growth.”
Tim Newham, Director at Think Learning
“We are very pleased to have supported the Think Learning team on this transaction and to see them join the Totara group as they embark on their next phase of growth. We’re excited to see them thrive within the Totara business as it strengthens its position as a leader in the learning and development technology space.”
Scott Williams, Director, M&A Advisory at Investec
Investec has advised the investment fund DECALIA Capital and the founder on the sale of the group ProNet Services
About the deal
The group ProNet Services is a leading provider of recurring cleaning services, on-demand cleaning solutions (post-construction cleaning, snow-clearing, etc.) and facility management services for real estate, offices, public entities and commercial centers in Western Switzerland.
Founded in 2003 by its current CEO, Laurent Misbach, the group has diversified its activities within facility management, notably through the acquisition of Groupe Leatech in 2022, a specialist in technical maintenance and concierge services for commercial centers, offices and parking facilities. Generating CHF34m of revenues and CHF4m of EBITDA in 2023, the group serves the six French-speaking cantons in Switzerland through six branches.
After DECALIA Capital’s majority investment in 2018, the investment firm and the founder have decided to initiate the search for a new shareholder able to back the strong development of the group. In this context, they have appointed Investec to spearhead the identification and selection of the most suitable candidates. Further a competitive process, the private equity fund Weinberg Capital Partners stood-out for its ability to strengthen the group’s high value-added services.
Weinberg Capital Partners’ investment will enable the group to continue its dynamic growth strategy in French-speaking Switzerland through both organic and external growth.
What we did
Investec advised the group shareholders throughout the transaction process:
- Shaping equity story,
- Defining deal tactics and timing,
- Qualifying counterparts which were more likely to value the group positioning,
- Organizing an efficient and competitive bid process to create the right level of tension to meet shareholders objectives, and
- Supporting the negotiation process.
“A huge thank you to Investec for their invaluable support throughout this process. We chose them for their deep expertise in Business Services and global investor access. Their outstanding execution was key to achieving excellent results for DECALIA Capital and helping ProNet Services Group to find a reliable partner for the future growth. We also discovered Investec’s unique “Human touch”, an essential factor for successful M&A transactions with entrepreneurs.“
Jean-Guillaume Benoît, Partner, DECALIA Capital
About the deal
Investec acted as exclusive financial advisor to IntiQuan on the sale to ProductLife Group (PLG)
PLG is a global leader in regulatory, scientific, compliance, and digital transformation consulting services for the life sciences industry backed by private equity investors Oakley Capital and 21 Invest.
Founded in Switzerland in 2015 by Dr. Henning Schmidt, IntiQuan has rapidly established itself as a trusted provider of cutting-edge pharmacometric and statistical modelling & simulation services. The acquisition expands PLG’s portfolio of specialized solutions that support biopharmaceutical companies with drug development, adding a key set of capabilities focused on significantly reducing development risk, costs and timelines and enhancing patient safety through advanced dose-response analyses and predictive safety profiling.
With the addition of IntiQuan, PLG is now in a position to offer customers cutting-edge pharmacometrics services that include strategic consulting, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), population pharmacokinetics (popPK), and biosimulation services. IntiQuan is renowned for its track record of translating complex data into actionable insights across a range of therapeutic areas and modalities from pre-clinical to Phase IV. Its team of scientific experts leverages advanced mathematical modeling and simulation techniques to inform clinical study design as well as analyze and predict trial outcomes.
This acquisition represents the next step in PLG’s strategy to create a fully integrated global platform. With further expansions planned across the US and European markets, PLG is well on its way to becoming a leading global provider of comprehensive drug development services.
What we did
The Investec team has advised the owners of IntiQuan throughout the entire M&A process to the successful closure of the transaction, including:
- Preparation of business plan and marketing materials
- Identification of potential buyers (strategic and financial)
- Market approach and realization of a competitive sales process
- Preparation and support of due diligence
- Conducting price negotiations
- Support in negotiations of the legal documentation
- Coordination of all involved parties, incl. legal and tax advisors
“Joining forces with PLG is a pivotal moment for IntiQuan, providing multiple drivers for the continued success of our company. Investec played a key role in realizing this deal. Their international presence, deep industry knowledge and strong commitment were instrumental in navigating the complexities in the process and getting to a transaction with a globally active partner with strong strategic and cultural fit for IntiQuan. We could not have had a better M&A advisor throughout this critical journey.”
Dr. Henning Schmidt, founder of IntiQuan AG
Investec advised the MBO of Bonum Group, sponsored by Florac and Trajan Capital
About the deal
Bonum Group is a data-driven marketing and communication platform providing purpose-driven services to nonprofit organizations, public entities and private corporations in France, Germany, Belgium and Austria. Bonum experienced substantial growth over the recent years, thanks to its sharp digital skills, its full-service approach, and to a successful external growth strategy.
Following a first buy-out led by Déborah Berger and backed by Trajan Capital in 2022, Bonum is going through a new MBO sponsored by Florac – and Trajan who re-invests – to support the team in its ambitious growth project. Bonum aims to pursue its strong organic growth and accelerate development through new acquisitions to strengthen its leadership in fundraising in Europe and increase its market share in purpose-driven communication (CSR communication, citizens mobilization, etc.).
What we did
Investec advised Trajan and Bonum management on the whole transaction project:
- defining deal tactics and timeline,
- designing a resilient equity story,
- qualifying relevant investors to value Bonum positioning and support its development,
- organizing and executing an efficient, competitive bid process,
- running a Lenders Education with financing institutions (banks and private debt).
“After completing three successful LBOs in less than three years with the Investec team, we can attest to the excellence of their ongoing support in this type of transaction. Their ability to understand both the financial and human aspects, as well as their capacity to consider the interests of all parties involved, has been remarkable each time. Their thoroughness and commitment at every stage of the process, across all levels of seniority, have been instrumental in the success of these transactions.”
Tanguy Tauzinat
Co-founder, Trajan Capital
“Investec assisted us in this process with great professionalism and were very available to reassure the Bonum management team at every stage. This in-depth work and the confrontation with various potential acquirers enabled us to develop our strategic vision for the group’s next stage of development and to find the ideal partner for the next round. Communication with Investec was fluid and constructive, and the team was extremely available and responsive to our needs.“
Déborah Berger
CEO, Bonum Group
Investec advised HGF, a leading European Intellectual Property services firm, on receiving investment from CBPE
Our role
Investec has advised HGF on its minority investment from CBPE. The transaction marks an exciting and important milestone for HGF, positioning the firm to accelerate its growth strategy and deliver enhanced value to both its clients and team.
Investec leveraged its deep sector knowledge and experience in advising professional services businesses to support HGF throughout the transaction and achieve a fantastic result for the firm. The transaction marks Investec’s fifth in the Professional Services sector this year.
About HGF
HGF Ltd is one of Europe’s largest firms of IP specialists with a vision to be the leading IP services firm in Europe. The firm’s patent attorneys, trade mark attorneys, design attorneys, IP solicitors and attorneys-at-law provide an integrated solution for clients.
HGF creates and manages IP portfolios for the world’s leading companies and research institutes. They advise clients on the creation of strategic IP assets around the world and provide world-class expertise in oppositions, appeals, commercialisation, dispute resolution, and litigation to defend and enforce IP rights.
Martyn Fish, CEO at HGF, commented: “The Investec team have been exceptional throughout the transaction in terms of their support, expertise and advice. Their considered and solution-focussed approach, combined with their unwavering commitment to ensuring HGF got the best deal for the business, was instrumental in navigating the process, and ultimately securing investment from CBPE. This investment marks a significant opportunity for HGF and everyone in the team. I am thrilled with our decision to partner with CBPE to take the next step in our journey. Their culture and values are closely aligned with ours, and we share a common vision for the future of HGF.”
Edward Thomas, Head of Services M&A at Investec, commented: “We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the HGF team and are thrilled to have advised them on such a milestone transaction. I am sure that the investment from CBPE will help to unlock further growth from what is already an exceptional and well-regarded leader in the European IP space. CBPE are the perfect partner for HGF and we very much look forward to seeing the business grow and deliver enhanced value to both its clients and team.”
Our team is pleased to have advised Alipa Group on the sale of its industrial packaging division, No-Nail Boxes, through a primary MBO sponsored by Evolem.
About the deal
Based in Wiltz, Luxembourg, No-Nail Boxes has been designing and manufacturing manufacturing custom-made, nail-free, collapsible plywood industrial packaging solutions since 1961. Acquired in 1996 by Michèle Detaille and Bernard Rongvaux, the company has established itself as a recognised global player renowned for the quality of its products and expertise.
With a complete range of collapsible and reusable boxes for industrial and logistical applications, the company further strengthened its service offering by creating AllPack Services in 2001 and WaluPack Services in 2002, both specialising in designing and producing tailored packaging solutions for special projects and oversized formats.
Covering the entire value chain, these three companies serve over 730 customers in France, Germany and Benelux. Their customers include packaging and logistics specialists, machine-tool manufacturers, metalworking groups and defence industry leaders such as Safran, Alstom and Airbus. The group generated approximately €25m in revenue in 2023, achieving double-digit annual organic growth since 2016, driven by the commitment of its 125 employees.
Investec was appointed to oversee a swift sale of the group. Following this process, the family office Evolem was selected for its ability to propose a compelling development project for the three entities, their managers, and their employees. Under its new ownership, the group aims to become the European leader in reusable plywood and wooden industrial packaging market.
For Michèle Detaille, President of the Alipa Group, who is reinvesting in the new project: “I am convinced that Evolem’s entrepreneurial vision and experience in strategic support will enable us to accelerate the division’s development and diversify its activities.”
Alexis Alfonsi, Evolem Investment Director: “We are delighted to be writing this new chapter for the group alongside William and Boris. Thanks to the operational excellence and quality of service of this specialist in reusable industrial packaging, we are convinced that we can offer appropriate and sustainable solutions to the challenges of a growing market. We were immediately won over by these assets, which will enable us to build a European leader by pursuing an ambitious external growth strategy, particularly in France.”
”We look forward to working with the Evolem teams, with whom we share many values of respect, benevolence and strong CSR commitments, to develop together this virtuous project for people and the environment,” says William Mathot, CEO and Boris Remy, Managing Director of the No-Nail Group.
What we did
Investec assisted the shareholders and the management team throughout the entire disposal process, including:
- Structure the deal,
- Appropriately prepare and anticipate carve-out issues,
- Overseeing the execution of vendor due diligence works,
- Engaging with financial investors and strategic buyers,
- Preparing the marketing documentation,
- Implementing a competitive and swift bidding process,
- Managing the due diligence process,
- Providing active execution support in negotiations with prospective buyers.