IQ-EQ has acquired Conseil Expertise & Synthese (CE&S), an independent accounting business based in Paris. This latest acquisition, the firm’s second in 2020, adds further scale and a strong client book to its French operations enabling is to offer an extensive suite of funds, corporate and private wealth services.Led by principal, Jean-Noël Servans, and three other senior partners since 2010, CE&S offers accounting, tax, payroll and corporate secretarial services to a range of fund managers, entrepreneurs, corporates, and high net worth clients. The deal will result in the creation of a 75 person strong business in France.
As the fourth largest private equity market in the world and the second highest recipient of European foreign direct investment, France represents a key strategic growth market for the Group given the recent surge in new business creation. IQ-EQ says the acquisition of CE&S, together with the recent appointment of Bruno Noyon as managing director in France, means the firm is well positioned to take advantage of this significant market opportunity. The CE&S business will be integrated with IQ-EQ’s existing businesses in France, Equitis and Peru & Partners, but will initially retain its existing brand identity.
Group Executive Chairman, Serge Krancenblum, says: ‘The acquisition of Conseil Expertise & Synthese will position us a leading provider in France. The firm has an impressive reputation for its client services with a highly experienced team of experts in place, and adds further scale and a strong client book to our French operations. Our Equitis team has a long-standing commercial relationship with CE&S; so it gives me great pleasure to welcome Jean-Noël and his team to the IQ-EQ Group, a natural next step. I look forward to exciting times ahead.’
Bruno Noyon, Managing Director, France, says: ‘What a thrilling time to come together. France represents a key strategic growth market for the Group and the acquisition of Conseil Expertise & Synthese leaves us extremely well positioned to take advantage of the significant market opportunity available. The long-standing commercial relationship between Equitis and Conseil Expertise & Synthese means we have an excellent understanding of how we can best work together to offer a truly industry leading range of services across all three segments. The fact that this acquisition has completed despite the current global challenges evidences just how strong our commercial focus and commitment are.’
Jean-Noël Servans, President of Conseil Expertise & Synthese, adds: ‘We are delighted to join forces with IQ-EQ, one of the leading global investor services providers. The partnership will offer us new and accelerated business opportunities in France. Becoming part of a global group will benefit our existing and future clients, not only due to the expanded range of services we can administer cross jurisdictionally, but also as a result of the vast and highly experienced pool of resources that a larger business offers. For the Conseil Expertise & Synthese team being part of a larger group brings significant benefits to each of us personally and professionally. We are all looking forward to the journey ahead and playing an important part in the Group’s future success.’
