Barcelona has emerged as a dynamic hub for private equity firms, attracting top-tier investors like Miura Partners, Corpfin Capital, and Nazca Capital. These firms leverage the city’s strategic location, robust economic ecosystem, and access to innovative talent. The Barcelona private equity landscape offers compelling opportunities across diverse sectors, from technology to industrial investments. Entrepreneurs and investors seeking to connect with like-minded professionals can explore our growing community at alexejpikovsky.com/community.
Miura Partners
Investment Style: Miura Partners focuses on investing in small to mid-sized companies in Spain and Portugal, aiming to help them grow through strategic guidance, operational improvements, and international expansion. They typically target sectors such as consumer goods, industrial, and services.
Portfolio Companies: Miura’s portfolio includes companies like Guzman Gastronomia (foodservice and distribution), The Reefer Group (refrigerated semi-trailers), and Proclinic Group (dental distribution).
Founding Date: 2007
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately over €800 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Jorge Mata, Managing Partner: Focuses on sourcing and executing investments, providing strategic direction for portfolio companies.
- Juan Díaz-Laviada, Managing Partner: Specializes in value creation and growth strategies across various sectors.
Recent Exits: EfectoLED, a leading online retailer of LED lighting products, exited to PHI Industrial.
Recent Acquisitions: Acquired a majority stake in Frutas Esther, a company specializing in the production and distribution of berries.
Office Locations:
- Barcelona (Headquarters): Avenida Diagonal, 640, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
Website: www.miuraequity.com
Quote: “Our mission is to partner with ambitious entrepreneurs and management teams to help them scale their businesses to the next level.” – Jorge Mata, Managing Partner
Corpfin Capital
Investment Style: Corpfin Capital specializes in management buyouts, buy-ins, and development capital investments in small to medium-sized Iberian companies. Their approach emphasizes collaboration with management teams to drive growth and enhance value.
Portfolio Companies: Includes companies like Alucansa (aluminium recycling), Secna (natural colorants), and Palex Medical (medical equipment distribution).
Founding Date: 1990
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 15
Assets Under Management: Approximately €700 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- José Luis Molina, Managing Partner: Oversees investment strategy and portfolio management, known for his expertise in the industrial sector.
- Gonzalo Rodríguez-Fraile, Managing Partner: Focuses on investments in the healthcare and consumer sectors.
Recent Exits: Sold Grupo Preving, a leader in occupational risk prevention, to Alantra.
Recent Acquisitions: Acquired a controlling stake in Pronokal Group, a company specializing in weight loss treatments.
Office Locations:
- Barcelona: Via Augusta, 252, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
- Madrid: Calle Serrano, 78, 28006 Madrid, Spain
Website: www.corpfin-capital.com
Quote: “Our deep-rooted understanding of the Iberian market and our partnership approach set us apart in the private equity landscape.” – José Luis Molina, Managing Partner
Nazca Capital
Investment Style: Nazca Capital targets mid-sized Spanish companies, primarily focusing on buyouts and growth capital investments in sectors such as consumer, healthcare, and industrials. Their approach involves hands-on value creation and strategic development.
Portfolio Companies: Portfolio includes companies like Grupo OM (advertising and media), Grupo Arteche (electrical equipment), and Marjal Group (leisure and tourism).
Founding Date: 2001
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately €1 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- José Luis Hervías, Managing Partner: Known for his strategic insights and managing the firm’s investment processes.
- Juan Luis Ramírez, Managing Partner: Focuses on value creation and operational improvements in portfolio companies.
Recent Exits: Exited Grupo Empresarial Palacios Alimentación, a Spanish food company, to MCH Private Equity.
Recent Acquisitions: Invested in Grupo OM to enhance their media and advertising capabilities.
Office Locations:
- Barcelona: Paseo de Gracia, 32, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- Madrid: Calle de Serrano, 110, 28006 Madrid, Spain
Website: www.nazca.es
Quote: “We distinguish ourselves by being closely involved with our portfolio companies, providing strategic guidance and operational support to drive sustainable growth.” – Juan Luis Ramírez, Managing Partner
Realza Capital
Investment Style: Realza Capital focuses on investing in mid-sized Spanish companies with strong growth potential, engaging in both buyouts and growth capital transactions. They emphasize operational improvements and strategic growth initiatives to enhance value.
Portfolio Companies: Includes companies such as Grupo Unica (agricultural products), Grupo B2B (trade shows and exhibition services), and Grupo Siro (food manufacturing).
Founding Date: 2006
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 10
Assets Under Management: Approximately €600 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Fernando Ortiz, Managing Partner: Specializes in identifying growth opportunities and enhancing operational efficiencies.
- César Fernández, Partner: Focuses on transaction execution and portfolio management.
Recent Exits: Successfully exited Grupo Siro, a leading food manufacturer in Spain, to Cerealto.
Recent Acquisitions: Acquired a significant stake in Grupo B2B to expand its exhibition services.
Office Locations:
- Barcelona: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 617, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- Madrid: Paseo de la Castellana, 141, 28046 Madrid, Spain
Website: www.realzacapital.com
Quote: “Our firm stands out by partnering with companies that have clear growth trajectories and assisting them in accelerating their development.” – Fernando Ortiz, Managing Partner
Sherpa Capital
Investment Style: Sherpa Capital focuses on turnaround and growth investments in mid-market Spanish companies, emphasizing operational restructuring and value enhancement. They target sectors such as industrial, consumer, and technology.
Portfolio Companies: Portfolio includes companies like Galloplast (plastic recycling), Famosa (toys), and Grupo Unnox (chemical products).
Founding Date: 2010
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 15
Assets Under Management: Approximately €500 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Eduardo Navarro, Managing Partner: Expert in turnarounds and operational improvements, oversees the firm’s strategic direction.
- José María Maldonado, Partner: Specializes in the industrial sector, focusing on restructuring and growth strategies.
Recent Exits: Exited Galloplast after a successful turnaround and growth phase.
Recent Acquisitions: Acquired Grupo Unnox to expand its reach in the chemical sector.
Office Locations:
- Barcelona: Carrer de Balmes, 51, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- Madrid: Calle de Velázquez, 150, 28002 Madrid, Spain
Website: www.sherpacapital.es
Quote: “Our focus on operational restructuring and strategic growth allows us to create significant value for our portfolio companies.” – Eduardo Navarro, Managing Partner
Oquendo Capital
Investment Style: Oquendo Capital specializes in providing flexible financing solutions, including mezzanine and unitranche financing, to support growth, buyout, and recapitalization transactions in mid-market Spanish companies.
Portfolio Companies: Includes companies like Grupo Indukern (chemical products), Grupo Iberconsa (seafood), and Grupo Vips (hospitality).
Founding Date: 2007
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 10
Assets Under Management: Approximately €400 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Javier Ulecia, Managing Partner: Specializes in structuring customized financing solutions tailored to the needs of mid-market companies.
- Carlos de Hita, Partner: Focuses on transaction execution and portfolio management across various sectors.
Recent Exits: Successfully exited Grupo Indukern after enhancing its financial and operational capabilities.
Recent Acquisitions: Provided unitranche financing for Grupo Iberconsa to support its expansion into new markets.
Office Locations:
- Barcelona: Carrer de Muntaner, 231, 08021 Barcelona, Spain
- Madrid: Calle de José Abascal, 41, 28003 Madrid, Spain
Website: www.oquendocapital.com
Quote: “We provide tailored financing solutions that empower our clients to achieve their strategic objectives.” – Javier Ulecia, Managing Partner
Inveready
Investment Style: Inveready focuses on early-stage and growth investments in technology-driven companies, offering both equity and hybrid financing solutions. They target sectors such as biotechnology, IT, and energy efficiency.
Portfolio Companies: Portfolio includes companies like Agile Content (digital media), Atrys Health (medical services), and PangeaMT (machine translation).
Founding Date: 2008
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 25
Assets Under Management: Approximately €350 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Ignacio Fonts, Managing Partner: Focuses on technology investments and developing innovative financing structures.
- Josep Maria Echarri, Managing Partner: Specializes in supporting entrepreneurial ventures and scaling early-stage companies.
Recent Exits: Exited Agile Content through a public listing on the Spanish Stock Exchange.
Recent Acquisitions: Invested in PangeaMT to enhance its capabilities in machine learning and AI-driven solutions.
Office Locations:
- Barcelona (Headquarters): Avenida Diagonal, 622, 08021 Barcelona, Spain
- Madrid: Calle de la Castellana, 93, 28046 Madrid, Spain
Website: www.inveready.com
Quote: “Our commitment is to support innovative technology companies on their journey to market leadership.” – Ignacio Fonts, Managing Partner
Meridia Capital
Investment Style: Meridia Capital focuses on real estate and private equity investments, targeting sectors such as hospitality, retail, and office spaces. They aim to create value through active asset management and strategic repositioning.
Portfolio Companies: Includes properties such as Meridia I (office buildings), Meridia II (retail spaces), and Meridia III (hospitality).
Founding Date: 2006
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately €500 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Javier Faus, Founder & Chairman: Expert in real estate investments and overseeing the firm’s strategic direction.
- David Torralba, Managing Director: Focuses on private equity investments, particularly in the hospitality sector.
Recent Exits: Sold a portfolio of office buildings in Barcelona to a US-based real estate fund.
Recent Acquisitions: Acquired a series of retail spaces in prime locations to enhance their retail portfolio.
Office Locations:
- Barcelona: Avenida Diagonal, 640, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
Website: www.meridiacapital.com
Quote: “Our strength lies in our ability to identify undervalued assets and transform them into high-performing investments.” – Javier Faus, Founder & Chairman
GED Capital
Investment Style: GED Capital focuses on buyout and growth capital investments in mid-market Iberian companies, emphasizing internationalization and operational excellence. They target sectors such as industrial, consumer, and healthcare.
Portfolio Companies: Includes companies like Grupo Preving (risk prevention), Delta Tecnic (industrial pigments), and Innove (healthcare services).
Founding Date: 1996
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately €800 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Enrique Centelles, Managing Partner: Specializes in buyouts and growth strategies across various industries.
- Lucía Fernández, Partner: Focuses on expanding the firm’s presence in the healthcare sector.
Recent Exits: Successfully exited Delta Tecnic to a strategic industrial investor.
Recent Acquisitions: Acquired Grupo Preving to enhance their capabilities in the risk prevention sector.
Office Locations:
- Barcelona: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 617, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- Madrid: Calle de Velázquez, 105, 28006 Madrid, Spain
Website: www.gedcapital.com
Quote: “Our ability to help companies expand internationally and achieve operational excellence sets us apart.” – Enrique Centelles, Managing Partner
Conclusion
Barcelona’s private equity landscape continues to evolve, presenting dynamic opportunities for strategic investors. The city’s robust ecosystem, characterized by diverse sectors and innovative ventures, makes it an attractive destination for capital deployment. As the market matures, understanding local nuances and leveraging networks becomes crucial for successful transactions.
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