PAI Partners has signed an agreement to acquire IPH Group, a European industrial supplies distribution business, from Investcorp for an undisclosed amount.
The business services sector is a core area of investment focus and expertise for PAI. The firm’s previous investments in this sector include SPIE, Kiloutou, Kwik-Fit, FTE Automotive and Xella.
PAI, whose recent investments include Marcolin, an Italian eyewear manufacturer, Swissport, a provider of ground and cargo handling services, The Nuance Group, a duty-free airport retailer, Kiloutou, the number two equipment rental business in France, and Hunkemoller, a lingerie retailer based in The Netherlands, will look to grow IPH group through operational improvements and bolt-on acquisitions.
Nicolas Holzman (pictured), partner at PAI Partners, says: “Over the last few years, IPH has built up a strong position in B2B technical distribution. The business services sector is a core area of expertise for PAI and we look forward to supporting IPH in its development in France and in Europe through acquisitions as we did with SPIE and KILOUTOU, two of our other investments, and to reinforce the group’s leadership in its industry.”
Pierre Pouletty, president of IPH Group, says: “IPH has tripled its turnover in six years thanks to a number of acquisitions supported by the current shareholders, led by Investcorp. The arrival of PAI as a shareholder will allow us to continue our development in Europe. PAI will provide the investment and strategic support we need to continue building our capabilities in industrial supply, and contribute to the consolidation of our market. We have the conviction that this new investment will benefit our customers and our suppliers as well as our employees.”
