Toulouse’s Booming Private Equity Scene

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Toulouse, a vibrant economic hub in southwestern France, has emerged as a prime location for private equity firms. With its robust ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship, the city hosts notable firms like iXO Private Equity, and ACG Management. These firms leverage Toulouse’s dynamic business environment to invest in promising small and medium-sized enterprises across diverse sectors. From technology to industrial solutions, these private equity players are driving regional economic growth. Interested in connecting with like-minded professionals? Join our community at alexejpikovsky.com/community and explore the exciting world of private equity.

iXO Private Equity

Investment Style: iXO Private Equity focuses on investing in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across various sectors in France. Their investment approach emphasizes collaboration with management teams to drive growth, innovation, and value creation through strategic guidance and financial expertise.

Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes companies such as Horoquartz (workforce management solutions), Laboratoires Iprad (pharmaceutical products), and Leroux & Lotz Technologies (industrial equipment and solutions).

Founding Date: 2003

Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 20

Assets Under Management: Approximately €820 million

Key Investment Professionals:

  • Emmanuel Miquel, Managing Partner: Specializes in supporting the growth strategies of portfolio companies by providing strategic insights and operational expertise.
  • Marc Fournié, Partner: Focuses on sourcing and executing investment opportunities and has been instrumental in several successful acquisitions.

Recent Exits:

  • Laboratoires Iprad acquires Urgo Group, strengthening its position in the pharmaceutical sector.
  • Exit from Evolucare Technologies, a provider of healthcare IT solutions, through a strategic sale to a private investor.

Recent Acquisitions:

  • Acquisition of Horoquartz, a leading provider of workforce management solutions, to enhance its portfolio in the tech sector.
  • Invested in Groupe Cahors, a company specializing in energy and digital solutions, to support its growth initiatives.

Office Locations:

  • Toulouse: Toulouse, France
  • Additional Offices: Paris, Lyon

Website: www.ixope.fr

Quote: “At iXO Private Equity, we believe in cultivating strong partnerships with management teams to unlock the full potential of each business we invest in.” – Emmanuel Miquel, Managing Partner

IRDI Gestion

Investment Style: IRDI Gestion focuses on financial services, healthcare, venture capital and early-stage to growth capital investments, primarily in innovative start-ups and SMEs within the Occitanie region. They support entrepreneurs with capital and strategic guidance to foster regional economic development.

Portfolio Companies: The firm’s portfolio includes companies like EBS Isolation (building insulation solutions), Kinov (healthcare technology), and Nutrionix (food and agritech solutions).

Founding Date: 1981

Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20

Assets Under Management: Approximately €350 million

Key Investment Professionals:

  • François Tison, Managing Partner: Leads the venture capital activities with a focus on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
  • Julien Dahan, Partner: Specializes in growth capital investments and strategic development for portfolio companies.

Recent Exits:

  • Exit from Nanolike, a company specializing in intelligent solutions for logistics, through a strategic acquisition by a global tech firm.
  • Successful exit from Medtech via a trade sale to a leading medical device company.

Recent Acquisitions:

  • Investment in EBS Isolation to accelerate its growth in the sustainable building materials sector.
  • Funding round for Nutrionix to expand its innovative solutions in agritech and food technology.

Office Locations:

  • Toulouse (Headquarters): Toulouse, France

Website: www.irdisoridec.fr

Quote: “Our mission is to support the most promising enterprises in the region, driving innovation and growth through strategic investment and collaboration.” – François Tison, Managing Partner

Illustrated cityscape at sunset, purple tones reflecting on water, mountains in background.

ACG Management

Investment Style: ACG Management specializes in regional private equity investments, focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises with growth potential. They aim to support regional economic development by providing capital and strategic expertise to local businesses.

Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes companies such as Abrisud (swimming pool enclosures), Groupe Silvya Terrade (beauty and wellness education), and Evotech (industrial and technical cleaning solutions).

Founding Date: 2000

Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 15

Assets Under Management: Approximately €150 million

Key Investment Professionals:

  • Christian Bartin, Managing Director: Focuses on driving growth and strategic initiatives across the firm’s portfolio companies.
  • Caroline Bourgeois, Investment Director: Specializes in identifying and managing investment opportunities in the SME sector.

Recent Exits:

  • Successful exit from Abrisud through a sale to a strategic acquirer in the leisure products sector.
  • Sale of Groupe Silvya Terrade to a private education group, enhancing its market position.

Recent Acquisitions:

  • Investment in Evotech to support its expansion in the industrial cleaning sector.
  • Acquisition of a significant stake in GreenTech to promote sustainable technology solutions.

Office Locations:

  • Toulouse (Headquarters): Toulouse, France
  • Additional Offices: Paris, Marseille

Website: www.acg-management.fr

Quote: “Our commitment is to empower regional businesses, enabling them to achieve their full potential and contribute to local economic growth.” – Christian Bartin, Managing Director

Conclusion

Toulouse’s private equity landscape continues to evolve, reflecting the city’s dynamic economic ecosystem. The firms operating here demonstrate remarkable adaptability and strategic vision in navigating complex investment terrains. As the region’s economic potential grows, these private equity entities will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping local and regional economic trajectories.

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Alexej Pikovsky

started his career in investment banking at NOMURA in London. After completing $7bn+ M&A and financing deals, Alexej became an investor at a family office and subsequently at a multi-billion private equity fund where he gained board experience and exited a portfolio company to a listed chemicals business in Poland. End of 2019, Alexej started his founder journey, raising $4m+ from family offices and angels. Alexej is the founder of NUOPTIMA, a growth agency and also acquired, 96NORTH, a consumer brand in the USA.