Tikehau Investment Management and Emisys Capital have jointly arranged a unitranche bond facility backing the acquisition of GF by a group of investors led by LBO Italia.
Created in 1979 by Franco Serventi, GF is a fast growing producer and distributor of automated inspection and filling machines for the pharmaceutical industry. The company is headquartered in Parma (Italy) and exports more than 80 per cent of its production worldwide.
The acquisition was completed by CR Holding, a special purpose vehicle owned by a group of investors led by LBO Italia together with GF’s founder, and financed by the unitranche bond facility arranged by Tikehau IM and Emisys.
Jean‐Baptiste Feat, co‐head of Tikehau IM Private Debt activity, says: “We are enthusiastic about closing our first private debt deal in Italy. This transaction is a key milestone in the development of our Italian franchise and our ability to offer tailor made financing solutions both to private equity players and corporates.”
Philippe Minard, founding partner of Emisys, says: “Emisys is pleased to team up with Tikehau IM to support LBO Italia and Franco Serventi in the acquisition of GF, with a highly flexible debt instrument. This transaction is the perfect example of how our newly established fund, Emisys Development, can provide the most appropriate solution to the companies we support.”
