Paris stands as a premier hub for private equity firms, attracting global investors with its robust financial ecosystem. Eurazeo, Ardian, and PAI Partners exemplify the city’s dynamic investment landscape, offering diverse strategies across technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors. These firms leverage Paris’s strategic location and sophisticated business environment to drive transformative investments. For professionals seeking deeper insights into this vibrant world, join our community at alexejpikovsky.com/community.
Eurazeo
Investment Style: Eurazeo focuses on a range of investment strategies including private equity, private debt, and real assets, targeting multiple sectors such as consumer goods, healthcare, and digital technology. They emphasize long-term partnerships and sustainable growth.
Portfolio Companies: Eurazeo’s portfolio includes names like DORC (ophthalmic surgery), Seqens (pharmaceutical solutions), and Iberchem (fragrance and flavor manufacturer).
Founding Date: 1969
Number of Investment Professionals: More than 250 globally.
Assets Under Management: Approximately €32 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Virginie Morgon, CEO: Spearheads strategic initiatives and overall direction, focusing on innovation and growth opportunities across sectors.
- Marc Frappier, Head of Eurazeo Capital: Oversees large company investments, ensuring the alignment of strategies with the firm’s growth objectives.
Recent Exits:
- Exited Moncler, a global fashion brand.
- Exited Farfetch, a leading global technology platform for the luxury fashion industry.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Invested in Younited, a fintech company specializing in consumer lending.
- Acquired Questel, a global intellectual property solutions provider.
Office Locations:
- Paris (Headquarters): Paris, France
- Additional Offices: New York, Shanghai, London, Luxembourg, São Paulo
Website: www.eurazeo.com
Quote: “Our mission is to transform companies for the long term, ensuring they adapt to the evolving market landscape and societal expectations.” – Virginie Morgon, CEO
Ardian
Investment Style: Ardian specializes in a wide array of investment types, including funds of funds, direct funds, infrastructure, private debt, and real estate. They focus on providing flexible and innovative financing solutions to bolster growth and value creation.
Portfolio Companies: Ardian’s portfolio includes companies like Lagardère Travel Retail (travel retail and food services), Icare (automotive maintenance services), and Dedalus (healthcare software solutions).
Founding Date: 2013
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 850 professionals across the globe.
Assets Under Management: Approximately $150 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Dominique Senequier, President: Founder and architect of Ardian’s success, deeply involved in strategy and investment decisions.
- Mathias Burghardt, Head of Infrastructure: Leads Ardian’s infrastructure division, focusing on sustainable growth and long-term asset management.
Recent Exits:
- Exited EWE, one of the largest utility companies in Germany.
- Exited havea Group, a European leader in the natural personal care industry.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquired a majority stake in AD Education, a leader in higher education.
- Invested in Inovie, a top French medical diagnostics provider.
Office Locations:
- Paris (Headquarters): Paris, France
- Additional Offices: New York, Milan, Madrid, Frankfurt, London
Website: www.ardian.com
Quote: “At Ardian, we aim to build lasting partnerships and create sustainable growth through responsible investment.” – Dominique Senequier, President
PAI Partners
Investment Style: PAI Partners focuses on buyouts in the food and consumer sector, business services, general industrials, and healthcare. They are known for their strategic approach to operational improvement and value creation in portfolio companies.
Portfolio Companies: PAI’s portfolio includes Froneri (frozen dessert manufacturer), Ecotone (organic food products), and M Group Services (infrastructure services).
Founding Date: 1872
Number of Investment Professionals: More than 100
Assets Under Management: Approximately €17 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Michel Paris, CEO: Drives the firm’s strategy and growth initiatives, focusing on operational excellence and strategic partnerships.
- Bertrand Meunier, Chairman: Oversees the strategic direction and investment decisions, ensuring alignment with PAI’s long-term objectives.
Recent Exits:
- Exited B&B Hotels, a European budget hotel chain.
- Exited Roompot, a leading operator of holiday parks in Europe.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquired SGD Pharma, a global leader in glass pharmaceutical packaging.
- Took a majority stake in Angulas Aguinaga, a Spanish seafood company.
Office Locations:
- Paris (Headquarters): Paris, France
- Additional Offices: London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, Munich
Website: www.paipartners.com
Quote: “We believe in creating long-term sustainable value by improving operational performance and fostering innovation.” – Michel Paris, CEO
Astorg
Investment Style: Astorg specializes in private equity investments in European mid-market companies, focusing on industries like healthcare, software, and tech-enabled business services. They prioritize partnering with management teams to foster growth and operational transformation.
Portfolio Companies: Astorg’s portfolio includes Audiotonix (audio mixing consoles), Surfaces Group (abrasive products), and LGC (life sciences measurement and testing).
Founding Date: 1998
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 70
Assets Under Management: Approximately €15 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Thierry Timsit, CEO: Oversees strategic direction and investment decisions, with a focus on long-term value creation.
- François de Mitry, Managing Partner: Drives investment strategy and operational improvements within portfolio companies.
Recent Exits:
- Exited Nemera, a global supplier of drug delivery devices.
- Exited Anaqua, a software provider for intellectual property management.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquired Solina, a European leader in the production of savory ingredients.
- Invested in LGC, enhancing their portfolio in the life sciences sector.
Office Locations:
- Paris (Headquarters): Paris, France
- Additional Offices: London, Frankfurt, Milan, New York
Website: www.astorg.com
Quote: “We strive to support our portfolio companies in realizing their full potential through strategic partnerships and operational excellence.” – Thierry Timsit, CEO
IK Partners
Investment Style: IK Partners focuses on investments in European mid-cap companies, emphasizing industries such as healthcare, business services, and industrials. Their approach includes operational improvements and strategic growth initiatives.
Portfolio Companies: IK Partners’ portfolio includes Medica Group (healthcare services), Infra Group (infrastructure services), and CID Lines (hygiene solutions).
Founding Date: 1989
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 130
Assets Under Management: Approximately €10 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Christopher Masek, CEO: Leads the firm’s strategic initiatives, focusing on operational excellence and sustainable growth.
- Anders Petersson, Partner: Specializes in healthcare investments, driving value and performance improvement.
Recent Exits:
- Exited Visolit, a Nordic IT services provider.
- Exited Ramudden, a work zone safety solutions provider.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Invested in Quanos Solutions, a software company specializing in technical documentation.
- Acquired Medica Group, expanding their healthcare portfolio.
Office Locations:
- Paris (Headquarters): Paris, France
- Additional Offices: London, Stockholm, Hamburg
Website: www.ikpartners.com
Quote: “Our mission is to create robust companies through strategic growth and operational improvements.” – Christopher Masek, CEO
Chequers Capital
Investment Style: Chequers Capital focuses on mid-sized European companies across various sectors including healthcare, retail, and business services. They aim to support growth and innovation through strategic partnerships and operational development.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes companies such as Benvic (polymer solutions), Arcomet (construction services), and Groupe Warmup (heating solutions).
Founding Date: 1972
Number of Investment Professionals: Around 30
Assets Under Management: Approximately €2 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Jean-Pierre Gastaud, CEO: Focuses on strategic growth and enhancing the operational capabilities of portfolio companies.
- Guillaume Le Grabber, Partner: Provides strategic insights and contributes to successful exits and acquisitions.
Recent Exits:
- Exited third-party logistics provider FM Logistic.
- Exited industrial services provider Atalian.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquired Nexeya, a provider of electronic solutions for the aerospace and defense sectors.
- Invested in the French food retail chain Grand Frais.
Office Locations:
- Paris (Headquarters): Paris, France
Website: www.chequerscapital.com
Quote: “We are committed to driving growth and innovation in our portfolio companies through strategic investments and robust partnerships.” – Jean-Pierre Gastaud, CEO
Apax Partners
Investment Style: Apax Partners focuses on growth equity and buyouts in sectors such as technology, telecommunications, and healthcare. They leverage deep sector expertise to drive growth and transformation in their portfolio companies.
Portfolio Companies: Apax’s portfolio includes companies like Inmarsat (satellite communications), ThoughtWorks (software consultancy), and Duck Creek Technologies (insurance software).
Founding Date: 1972
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 130
Assets Under Management: Approximately €50 billion globally
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Philippe Carle, Chairman: Leads strategic initiatives and investment strategies, focusing on value creation through technological innovation.
- Thomas de Villeneuve, Partner: Specializes in tech and telecom investments, driving growth and transformation within the portfolio.
Recent Exits:
- Exited TietoEVRY, a digital services company.
- Exited Exact Software, a business software provider.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquired Coalfire, a cybersecurity advisory firm.
- Invested in Lutech, an Italian IT services provider.
Office Locations:
- Paris (Headquarters): Paris, France
- Additional Offices: London, New York, Munich
Website: www.apax.com
Quote: “Our focus is on accelerating growth and creating sustainable value through our deep expertise and transformative strategies.” – Philippe Carle, Chairman
Parquest Capital
Investment Style: Parquest Capital specializes in investments in medium-sized French and European companies, focusing on sectors such as healthcare, business services, and industrials. Their strategy is to drive growth through hands-on management support and strategic partnerships.
Portfolio Companies: Parquest’s portfolio includes companies like Axiome, IMV Technologies (animal reproduction technologies), and Wifirst (WiFi as a service provider).
Founding Date: 2002
Number of Investment Professionals: Around 15
Assets Under Management: Approximately €1 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Mathieu Viallard, Partner: Drives investment strategy and operational improvements within the portfolio, focusing on value creation.
- Edmond de Rothschild, Senior Advisor: Provides strategic guidance and expertise in investment decisions and growth strategies.
Recent Exits:
- Exited Funecap Group, a funeral services provider.
- Exited Sogetrel, a network infrastructure services company.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Invested in Groupe 3R, a recycling and waste management company.
- Acquired a stake in Vacalians, a European outdoor accommodation leader.
Office Locations:
- Paris (Headquarters): Paris, France
Website: www.parquest.fr
Quote: “Parquest Capital aims to partner with management teams to unlock potential and drive sustainable growth.” – Mathieu Viallard, Partner
Naxicap Partners
Investment Style: Naxicap Partners focuses on minority and majority investments in small to mid-cap companies across Europe, with sectors including healthcare, business services, and industrial technology. They prioritize long-term partnerships and sustainable growth.
Portfolio Companies: Naxicap’s portfolio includes companies such as Talan (digital transformation consulting), Vulcanic (industrial heating solutions), and Réseau Canopée (renewable energy).
Founding Date: 1984
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 60
Assets Under Management: Approximately €4.8 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Eric Aveillan, President: Focuses on strategic growth and enhancing the operational capabilities of portfolio companies.
- Nicolas Grand, Managing Director: Provides strategic insights and contributes to successful exits and acquisitions.
Recent Exits:
- Exited Nexeya, a provider of electronic solutions for aerospace and defense.
- Exited Focal, a premium audio equipment manufacturer.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquired a majority stake in Vulcanic, expanding their industrial technology portfolio.
- Invested in Réseau Canopée, enhancing their presence in renewable energy.
Office Locations:
- Paris (Headquarters): Paris, France
- Additional Offices: Lyon, Toulouse, Nantes, Frankfurt
Website: www.naxicap.fr
Quote: “We aim to build solid partnerships and drive growth through strategic investments and operational excellence.” – Eric Aveillan, President
LBO France
Investment Style: LBO France focuses on buyouts and growth capital investments, targeting mid-market companies in sectors like technology, healthcare, and consumer goods. They emphasize operational improvements and strategic growth to drive value creation.
Portfolio Companies: LBO France’s portfolio includes businesses such as IKKS (fashion retail), Prenax (business information services), and Euronext (pan-European exchange).
Founding Date: 1985
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 50
Assets Under Management: Approximately €6 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Robert Daussun, CEO: Drives strategic initiatives and investment strategies, ensuring alignment with growth objectives.
- Jean-Marc Guesné, Partner: Specializes in technology investments, contributing to robust portfolio growth.
Recent Exits:
- Exited SVP Group, a business information services provider.
- Exited Seves Group, a glass insulator manufacturer.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Invested in Groupe CEME, a provider of engineering services.
- Acquired a majority stake in Prenax, enhancing their B2B services portfolio.
Office Locations:
- Paris (Headquarters): Paris, France
- Additional Offices: Milan, New York
Website: www.lbofrance.com
Quote: “LBO France is committed to driving sustainable growth and value creation through strategic partnerships and operational excellence.” – Robert Daussun, CEO
Conclusion
Paris continues to be a vibrant hub for private equity activity, with firms demonstrating remarkable adaptability and strategic vision. The city’s financial landscape reflects a dynamic ecosystem where global investment trends intersect with local economic opportunities. As the market evolves, Paris-based private equity firms remain positioned to drive transformative change across various sectors.
Want to dive deeper into exit strategies and business acquisitions? Subscribe to my YouTube channel @alexejpikovsky for weekly insights that will help you optimize your exit journey!