Investments

Ankerkraut was founded in 2013 and has since become the “Love Brand” and #1 Challenger in the German spice market. Headquartered in Jesteburg, the company develops, produces and sells premium spice mixes.

EMZ invested in subordinated bonds and equity alongside the founding family which remains the majority shareholder of the group.

France Air is a French designer and distributor of air handling, ventilation, heating and kitchen hoods products.

In January 2020, France Air acquired SIG Air Handling, European distributor of ventilation products. The combined entity becomes a pan-European leader generating c. €500m sales, employing 1,800 people and owning entities in 14 European countries.

EMZ supported France Air in this transforming acquisition with a bond financing.

Biogroup LCD is a group of routine medical biology held by its funder Stéphane Eimer, biologist.

In November 2015, Biogroup acquired LCD. EMZ arranged a bond financing at the occasion of the acquisition of LCD laboratories by Biogroup.

In March 2019, Biogroup LCD acquired the independant group of laboratories Biomag. EMZ arranged a new bond financing at the occasion.

Safic Alcan is one of Europe’s leading distributors of specialty chemicals, which are used to manufacture synthetic rubbers, adhesives, polyurethanes, and other products.

In September 2018, EMZ accompanied the group in a management-sponsored transaction allowing over 450 managers to invest in the company. EMZ had also invested in the November 2015 management-sponsored transaction and the 2007 LBO performed by Parquest.

Crouzet is a world leading player in the production and sale of a multi-niche portfolio of industrial devices, including switches, electric actuators, as well as automation components. The company serves a diversified base of industries including aerospace, transportation, infrastructure, energy, as well as various industrial manufacturers.

In January 2018, EMZ accompanied LBO France and Crouzet management team providing a subordinated financing in the buy-out transaction from CST, a former subsidiary of Schneider Electric owned by Carlyle and PAI.

Founded in 1933, Groupe Ginger is the French leader in soils, materials and existing buildings engineering as well as environmental studies for the construction industry.

In October 2017, EMZ invested in Groupe Ginger alongside its management team, enabling managers to strengthen their capital share and gain financial support to pursue Group’s development.

The Castellet Hospitality group was formed by the acquisition of a portfolio of 16 budget and mid-scale hotels, located on the south-east of France, and operating under the AccorHotels franchise brands Ibis Budget, Ibis and Mercure.

In October 2017, EMZ invested in bonds and equity alongside Gilles Larrivé, CEO of the group and former head of AccorHotels franchise activity in France. The pool of shareholders also comprises Mr. Didier Gros and Mr. Patrick Jacquier, both reference players and investors in the budget hotel market segment in France.

Onet is a family business founded in 1860 and is the historical leader in France in the cleaning sector, as well as being a major player in security and a benchmark player in nuclear services.

In April 2017, EMZ acquired a minority stake held by FFP in Onet.

Founded in 1992 as a CNRS spin-off, Carso today federates 11 analytical labs specializing in the environment, agrifood, and genetics.

In January 2011, EMZ provided Carso with financing for an OBO and to help it make additional acquisitions. In December 2016, EMZ invested in the new OBO led by founder Bruno Schnepp alongside a consortium of financial investors composed of Unigrains, Raise Investissement, Siparex and Etoile ID.

Coventya is a worldwide leading specialty chemicals supplier dedicated to surface treatment.

In July 2011, EMZ arranged a bond financing to support the buyout of Coventya by Equistone Partners Europe and the Management team. In May 2016, EMZ arranged a bond financing and took a minority stake in the equity on the occasion of the LBO led by Silverfleet Capital.

Ubiqus is the leading French provider of transcription services for meeting minutes (50% of group sales) and a leading provider of specialised translations (legal and financial mostly).

EMZ has arranged a management sponsored transaction alongside the group managers in order to allow Ubiqus to pursue its development.

Ceva, a spin-off of Sanofi-Synthélabo, is the world’s 10th-largest veterinary laboratory.

As a partner to Ceva since 1999, EMZ successively supported the LBO led by the funds PAI Partners and Industri Kapital. In June 2007 EMZ arranged a series of financing transactions that enabled Ceva’s management to acquire a majority stake in the company. In June 2014, EMZ supported the Management of Ceva which reorganised its capital structure while retaining the control of the group.

Eurodatacar provides car window etching services together with ancillary guarantees.

In August 2001, EMZ 3 took part in the buyout led by AtriA Capital Partenaires alongside the manager, Jean-Paul Demoustier. In December 2004, EMZ 4 helped the manager to regain control of his group. In May 2014, EMZ backed the Owner Buy-Out on Eurodatacar led by its CEO, Jean-Paul Demoustier, together with top managers of the group.

Cyrillus Vertbaudet is the leading French multichannel childrenswear company, posting most of its turnover through home shopping (online and phone orders).

EMZ arranged and underwrote the bond financing in the context of the LBO led by Alpha & Associés in March 2013..

Stokomani is a destocking retailer with stores primarily located at the edge of mid-sized cities in France.

In May 2007, EMZ provided bond financing for the buyout of Stokomani by Advent International and the management. In June 2012, EMZ supported the group by investing in the LBO led by Sagard.

Ekkia is a wholesaler of horse-riding equipment. The company has a leading position in France and is present in major European markets.

In November 2011, EMZ provided both bond financing and equity for the buyout of Ekkia by UI Gestion and management. EMZ earlier provided bond financing for the previous LBO led by Atria Capital Partenaires, in October 2005.

Founded in 1998 by M. Anvaraly Jiva, its CEO, and listed on Euronext Paris since 2010, Linedata is a world leading financial software editor specializing in asset management, insurance and lending & leasing.

The bond financing brought by EMZ has partly funded the buy-out of minority stakes as well as the public offering on the remaining shares launched by the CEO Anvaraly Jiva.

EMZ has invested in Burger King France in 2013 in order to finance the start-up of the comeback of the brand in France. In December 2015, Burger King France acquired competitor Quick (400 restaurants in France).

At the occasion of this build-up, EMZ offered an add-on bond investment in order to partly finance the acquisition.

Promovacances is the leading online packaged travel provider in France.

EMZ acted as bond arranger and equity provider for the two subsequent transactions alongside the group’s management: on the primary LBO in October 2007 with Barclays Private Equity (EMZ 5) and on the sale to LBO France in May 2011 (EMZ 6).

Trefilaction is a wholesaler of fasteners and small hardware products to mass retail chains.

It was acquired by Pragma and CIC LBO Partners in January 2006. EMZ arranged the bond facility for this deal.

IPH is one of Europe’s leading distributors of industrial supplies.

During the previous LBO (2006), EMZ had participated in the financing of each of the transforming acquisitions. On top of its investment in the unitranche put in place in 2013, EMZ also co-invested in equity alongside PAI Partners.

Chryso Group is among the seven major worldwide players of the concrete and cement admixtures niche market.

EMZ participated to the financing of the primary LBO of the Chryso Group, arranging a junior bond financing, as well as taking a participation in the equity of the transaction.

CNIM is a listed company operating 3 business units: the construction and operation of waste-to-energy plants, the outsourced R&D in sectors with high technological content (dissuasion and nuclear energy) as well as the equipment and maintenance services for medium- to high-power thermal installations.

The bond financing brought by EMZ has partly funded the buy-out of minority stakes as well as the public offering on the remaining shares launched by the Dmitrieff family.

La Croissanterie is a chain of fast food restaurants (sandwiches and pastries).

EMZ provided bond financing backing the LBO led by Pragma Capital.

Altead is both a leading provider of hauling services for oversized loads and France’s second-largest operator in the heavy lifting sector.

In July 2008, EMZ provided junior bonds and equity in a minority transaction led by Atria Capital Partenaires.

Mont Blanc Materne is the leading player in the markets for apple sauce pouches and dessert creams in France.

EMZ acted as bond financing arranger and equity provider for the primary LBO led by LBO France in December 2010. A bolt-on bond financing was arranged by EMZ in September 2011 in order to finance the fast growth in the US.

Trigo provides quality control services mainly to the automotive industry, but also to companies operating in the aeronautics, transportation, and electronics industries.

In August 2011, EMZ 6 provided both bonds and equity financing for the buyout of Trigo by IK Investment Partners and management. EMZ 4 earlier provided bond financing for the previous LBO, alongside Atria Capital Partenaires, in June 2006.

Orolia designs and commercializes high-precision timing and synchronization systems which are crucial in navigation (supplier of the atomic clocks of the Galileo constellation), defense, and telecommunications.

In January 2008 and in Septembre 2012, EMZ arranged bond financings to support Orolia’s market consolidation strategy.

The group, which is the result of the merger of Linvosges and Françoise Saget (former Yves Rocher subsidiary), leads the French market for mail-order sales of household linens.

In September 2010, EMZ arranged a bond facility to support the buyout of the group led by investment firm Alpha & Associés alongside the management team.

Groupe Bertrand is a catering group founded by Olivier Bertrand in 1992. It owns numerous locations in Paris and the Paris area.

EMZ arranged the bond financing backing the LBO, with management (majority shareholder) and Naxicap in February 2012.

SAFE is a world-leading manufacturer of cast steel components, heat treatment furnace tools, and airbag covers.

In May 2006, EMZ participated in an OBO that allowed managers to take a majority stake in the company through a combined bond and equity deal.

FPEE is one of France’s top manufacturers of PVC and aluminum windows.

EMZ 4 participated in the primary LBO alongside Atria Capital. A secondary LBO was arranged, allowing EMZ 4 to sell its investment. EMZ 6 reinvested in the deal alongside Pragma Capital, Equistone, Atria Capital Partenaires, and management.

Alvest TLD is the global leader in airport ground support equipment, which encompasses all vehicles servicing the aircraft in the parking phase.

EMZ arranged and underwrote the bond financing in the context of the LBO led by LBO France in March 2013.

Paprec is the leading independent recycling player in France.

In november 2012, EMZ arranged and underwrote a bond financing package allowing Jean-Luc Petithuguenin, CEO and founder of Paprec, to keep control of the company and to continue financing its development.

Un Jour Ailleurs is a chain of ready-to-wear clothing outlets catering to the market for women over 50.

In July 2006 EMZ assisted Atria in a secondary LBO alongside management.

Gerflor Group is the third largest manufacturer of PVC flooring in the world and second largest in Europe.

In March 2011, EMZ participated in the bond financing arranged by Intermediate Capital Group alongside the Management team.

Rocamat, a listed company, is France’s leading quarry operator and limestone distributor.

EMZ made a bond investment alongside LBO France on the Rocamat and Polycor acquisitions.

Welcome Real Time designs innovative solutions used to create customer loyalty programs based on payment card use.

In May 2007, EMZ arranged a bond facility and became a reference shareholder of the group alongside the management team led by Philippe David.

FDI commercializes export sales administration outsourcing products for companies operating in the ready-to-wear market.

In December 2004, EMZ arranged a bond financing for the buyout of FDI by ING Parcom.

Nocibé is France’s third-largest perfume distribution chain, after Marionnaud and Séphora.

In March 2006, EMZ 5 provided bond financing for the buyout of Nocibé by Charterhouse and management.

Maisons du Monde is a specialized retailer of home furnishing and decoration items.

In March 2004, EMZ arranged the bond financing backing the primary LBO alongside Barclays Private Equity and Natexis Industrie. In May 2008, the company was sold to LBO France and Apax, with EMZ once again arranging the bond financing.

Aixam is Europe’s largest producer of vehicles that can be driven without a license, which it manufactures under two brand names: Aixam (cars) and Mega (utility vehicles).

EMZ made a combined bond and equity investment on the occasion of a majority buyout by Axa Private Equity in 2006.

Atalian is a family-owned group holding leading positions in France’s industrial cleaning market.

In August 2009, EMZ arranged the 90 million bond financing backing the buyout of Veolia Propreté Nettoyage Multiservices (spin-off of the Veolia group) and Eurogem (spin-off of the Icade group) by the family-owned group TFN in order to form Atalian.

In France, the group is the leading player in industrial explosives, granulate extraction from quarries, and the execution of major public works projects such as the construction of highways and high-speed train lines.

EMZ financed LFPI’s acquisition of Titan in February 2001 prior to its merger with Nobel Explosifs in December 2007.

Mecatherm designs, assembles, and installs automated bread making machinery for industrial bakeries.

In 2006, EMZ took part in the buyout of Mecatherm by Alpha and the management team.

LPR leases wooden pallets. It operates primarily in France, Spain, Portugal, and the UK.

In July 2006, EMZ provided both bond and equity financing for the primary buyout of LPR (from Algeco) led by Atria Capital Partenaires and management.

Eminence is the leader in France’s men’s underwear market through its two main brands: Eminence and Athena.

EMZ provided Eminence with bond financing in the context of the exit of a minority shareholder

Martek Power manufactures power transformers, commercializing mainly custom-built equipment subassemblies for the military, telecommunications, transportation, medical, and other industries.

In January 2008, EMZ provided bond financing for the primary buyout of Martek Power led by Barclays Private Equity and management.

Saverglass is the leading producer of premium glass bottles for spirits and both still and sparkling wines.

EMZ acted as bond arranger and equity provider for the primary LBO led by Ixen and NI Partners.

Parcours is the seventh-largest auto leasing group in France and the largest independent player.

In March 2005, EMZ arranged all of the bond financing and made an equity investment to support the P-to-P deal led by Atria Capital Partenaires.

Groupe France Agricole is France’s leading agricultural press organization.

In January 2005, EMZ arranged a bond financing for the buyout of Groupe France Agricole by Pragma Capital.

Courtepaille is one of the leading thematic restaurant chains in France.

In December 2000, EMZ 3 arranged the bond financing alongside Barclays Private Equity, backing the spin-off from the Accor group. In April 2005, EMZ 4 arranged the bond financing backing the secondary buyout led by ING Parcom, and also made an equity investment.

La City is an independent retail chain positioned on the low-end segment of the ready-to-wear market for women aged 20 to 45.

EMZ invested alongside 21CP in the primary LBO of La City. In 2011 the company was acquired by Beaumanoir.

Picard is France’s leading frozen food retailer.

EMZ provided bond financing backing the two subsequent LBOs led by Candover and Chevrillon in March 2001 and BC Partners in January 2005.

B&B, launched in Brest in 1990, is an integrated hotel chain; It is a leading player in the budget sector in France.

In November 2005, EMZ participated in a bond financing round to support the buyout of the group led by Eurazeo alongside the management team.

Etimex is a British Petroleum spin-off that specializes in plastics processing in four major sectors: packaging, photovoltaic components, auto parts, and household appliances.

EMZ provided bond financing backing the LBO led by Alpha in February 2007.

In 2006, Selective Beauty is an important new player in Europe’s fragrance and cosmetics distribution market, which is undergoing consolidation.

EMZ invested alongside 3i and management to finance an LBO that provided minority liquidity for the company’s historic shareholders.

Autodistribution is one of France’s leading distributors of automotive spare parts.

In December 1999, EMZ participated in a bond financing round arranged by Goldman Sachs to support a buyout by CDC Participations, Axa PE, and Butler Capital.

Elis is France’s leader for the rental and maintenance of linens and hygienic equipment.

EMZ took part in the buyout of the group by Paribas Affaires Industrielles in October 2002.

Laho is France’s second-largest lessor of construction and public works equipment.

In September 2000, EMZ participated in the bond financing arranged to support the buyout of the group led by Industri Kapital.

Ventilo is a women’s ready-to-wear clothing manufacturer with a main presence in France.

In May 2001 EMZ assisted Initiative et Finance in financing a phased divestment by the company’s founders.

Medi-Partenaires is a private clinic manager.

EMZ co-arranged the bond facility for that acquisition led by Barclays Private Equity.

Consolis, Europe’s leading manufacturer of ready-mixed concrete for construction and public works, was formed from the merger of Consolis and Bonna Sabla.

In October 2005, EMZ invested alongside Industri Kapital in the creation of this new group.

Frans Bonhomme is France’s leading distributor of plastic pipes and fittings.

In December 2005, EMZ provided bond financing for the buyout of Frans Bonhomme by Cinven and management.

Cognon-Morin is a closely-held company that manufactures medical compression hosiery used to treat leg venous disorders.

In March 2002, EMZ arranged a bond facility for the buyout led by Fonds Partenaires alongside the management team.

In 2003, Medica is France’s second-largest private operator of retirement homes.

In December 2003 EMZ invested alongside Bridgepoint in its buyout of Medica.

Saeco manufactures coffee makers, especially automatic coffee machines.

EMZ provided Saeco with bond financing at the time of its acquisition.

Fives designs and supplies process equipment, production lines, and plant facilities on a turnkey basis for major industrial players.

EMZ arranged the bond financing for this transaction led by Barclays Private Equity.

The Moniteur group provides information and services to the construction sector and to local public authorities.

It was acquired by Sagard in April 2005. EMZ provided financing for this transaction.

Gardiner, a former subsidiary of Rexel, is Europe’s leading distributor of electronic security, video surveillance, access monitoring, and fire prevention systems.

In July 2003, EMZ arranged a bond financing for the buyout of Gardiner by the investment fund Electra.

Materis is a building materials manufacturer with a diversified portfolio of businesses and operations in Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

In November 2003 EMZ invested alongside LBO France in this transaction.

Marc Orian was the leading jewelry retail network in France in 2001, followed at that time by Histoire d’Or.

In June 2001, EMZ provided bond financing for the buyout of Marc Orian by CLAM Private Equity and management.

Métal Déployé manufactures different ranges of metal-based products, especially wire mesh cable trays.

In April 2001, EMZ took part in the buyout led by AtriA Capital Partenaires alongside the manager, Xavier de Froment.

Loxam is Europe’s top lessor of equipment used by the construction and public works industries and by event organizers.

In December 2003, after several majority transactions involving financial investors, Gerard Desprez, the CEO, gained the control of the company. EMZ underwrote part of the bond financing on that deal.

Oil stotage, specialized maritime transportation

Bonna Sabla is France’s leading manufacturer of pre-cast concrete products.

EMZ arranged the bond facility on the deal led by Axa Private Equity.

Saime designs and manufactures respiratory ventilators used in the treatment of severe respiratory diseases.

EMZ arranged the bond facility on the Barclays Private Equity acquisition.

In October 1999, Oberthur merged its smart card operations within a single company, Oberthur Smart Cards–OSC, which acquired the magnetic and smart card businesses of one of its competitors, De La Rue group.

In December 1999, EMZ made a combined equity and bond investment alongside management to support the De La Rue acquisition.

CCMX publishes financial management software and provides IT services.

In December 1999, EMZ arranged a bond facility for the buyout led by Apax Partners alongside the management team.

Founded in 1975, Medix has built its success upon Biafine cream, which holds a 25% share of the market for medicated moisturizing skin creams.

In July 2001, EMZ arranged a bond facility for the buyout by Initiative & Finance alongside the management team.

Daher Lhotellier was formed in May 1999, when the logistics company Daher acquired Lhotellier Montrichard, which provides logistics services and manufactures components for the aeronautics industry.

In March 2000, EMZ arranged a bond facility to provide additional funding following the Lhotellier Montrichard acquisition.

Alain Afflelou, launched in 1978, is one of France’s top optician chains.

In April 2000, EMZ arranged part of the bond facility for the buyout of the group, led by Apax Partners and Alain Afflelou.

Compagnie Nationale de Navigation is a provider of diversifed oil storage services (France’s leading private-sector player in this field) and specialized maritime transportation (sea freight, passenger services).

EMZ assisted Bridgepoint in the buyout of this group of businesses in 1999. It later assisted the company’s management when it acquired CIM in 2000.

Prezioso designs and implements solutions for protective and insulating coatings, which are used to extend the lifespan of customers’ equipment.

In December 2000, EMZ took part in the buyout led by Barclays Private Equity alongside the manager, Jacques Prezioso.

Aubret cuts and processes meat. In December 1999, EMZ arranged a bond facility for the buyout led by Fonds Partenaires alongside the management team.