3I

3i Group plc (“3i”), and funds managed by 3i, today announce that they have entered into a sale and purchase agreement to sell their investment in Etanco, the leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of building fasteners and fixing systems in France, Italy and Eastern Europe, to its CEO Ronan Lebraut and management team supported by Intermediate Capital Group (“ICG”). Proceeds to 3i will be c. €102m, which represents a c. 36% uplift on its 31 March 2018 valuation of £66m / €75m.

Headquartered near Paris with 800 employees, the company has distribution entities in Belgium, Italy and Eastern Europe and exports to more than 20 countries through its Italian subsidiary, Friulsider. Etanco provides a broad range of 80,000 products which meet all the fastening needs of the “building envelope”, including waterproofing, roofing, cladding, facades and safety lines.

3i invested in Etanco in 2011, alongside Ronan Lebraut and Five Arrows Principal Investment. Since then, the company has grown organically and through acquisitions. Etanco successfully delivered a sales force effectiveness optimisation programme and refocused its export approach, resulting in a 20% annual growth of exports while further cementing its leading positions in the French and Italian markets. During 3i’s investment period, the company also pursued a buy-and-build strategy notably with the acquisitions of leading fastening players in Poland and Romania to establish a solid presence in this region.

Rémi Carnimolla, Partner & Managing Director, 3i France, commented:

“During our investment period, Etanco has strengthened its presence in France and in Italy and restructured its sales force organisation to gain market share against a challenging market backdrop. We have helped the company expand internationally, notably into Eastern Europe, thereby successfully diversifying its presence. Etanco is well prepared to benefit from the very positive market trends in the coming years and we wish them well in the future”.

Ronan Lebraut, CEO of Etanco, added:

“With 3i’s active support, Etanco has grown significantly organically and through acquisitions, in France and Italy but also in Eastern Europe. We have structured our organisation and procedures to be the prime beneficiaries of the positive market trends ahead of us. We look forward to working with ICG on the next stage of our company’s development.”

Hadj Djemai, Head of Southern Europe, Equity & Mezzanine, of ICG commented:

“ICG is thrilled to support Ronan Lebraut, the grandson of the founder, and the management team in the acquisition of Etanco from 3i. We are convinced of the strengths of Etanco and its management, and will actively support the Group’s growth strategy to take advantage of the favourable market conditions and reinforce its leadership in Europe.”

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