Omnes-backed Intys has acquired Univers Retail, a management and operational strategy consulting firm, specialised in distribution and retail. This is the first acquisition completed by the Belgian consultancy firm since Omnes invested in the company in July 2019.
Based in Brussels, Intys is one of the leading consulting firms in Belgium. As a multi-specialist player, Intys has a recognized expertise in the healthcare, energy, industrials and financial services sectors. Its 80 clients include leading companies and institutions in Belgium, Luxembourg and France. The firm generated a EUR35 million turnover in 2019 and has a staff of 360.
Based in the regions of Paris and Lille, Univers Retail is an independent management and operational strategy consulting firm specializing in the B2B and B2C distribution sector. It supports major retail chains from defining their strategy to its operational implementation. Univers Retail has 60 employees and generated around EUR9 million in turnover in 2019.
This acquisition fits perfectly within the strategy defined by shareholders: to allow Intys to enter a new phase of its development through external growth to become a leading European player. With Univers Retail, Intys is strengthening its presence both in France, and also in the distribution sector
Philippe Metz, CEO and co-founder, Intys, says: “The combination of know-how and skills of Univers Retail and Intys will provide a lasting competitive advantage. Beyond the obvious synergies, it is the management culture of Retail Univers, valuing entrepreneurship, excellence and responsibility, that has reassured me of the merits of this deal.”
Cyril Besse, Senior partner, Univers Retail, says: “This merger with Intys represents a real opportunity for Univers Retail and fits perfectly with our ambition: to become one of the leaders in consulting in the retail market. This deal will allow us to accelerate our international development and, more generally, the deployment of our strategy. I am convinced that synergies that will develop quickly will benefit our employees and our customers, and will create value for the Group.”
Jess Wizman, Principal, Omnes, says: “This transaction illustrates the strategy of our mid-cap Omnes Croissance 4 fund, which aims to create operational value through a selective build-up strategy. We are delighted to support Intys in its growth with this first acquisition made a year after our original investment.
