Eurazeo and OFI Private Equity Capital have reached an agreement for the acquisition by Eurazeo of OFI Private Equity Capital, a NYSE Euronext-listed French investment company specialising in SME majority investments.
Under the terms of the agreement, MACIF, Olivier Millet and the other main shareholders of OFI Private Equity Capital have committed to contribute all of their investments held in OFI Private Equity Capital (representing 75% of the share capital and 79% of the share subscription warrants), its management company and its general partner in exchange for new Eurazeo shares. Completion of the transaction is subject to conditions precedent, including antitrust and regulatory approvals.
OFI Private Equity invests as a majority shareholder in SMEs with an enterprise value below 150/200 million euros. The company’s current portfolio consists of 10 companies, strongly positioned in their markets and led by experienced management teams. Over the past few years, OFI Private Equity has become an active player in the SME investment market and plays a long-term shareholder role in helping its investments to grow.
With this acquisition, Eurazeo confirms its intention to be a leader among players investing in companies with significant transformation potential, enabling Eurazeo to consolidate its position in the French and European private equity markets across virtually all segments.
Patrick Sayer (pictured), CEO of Eurazeo says: "We are very pleased to acquire OFI Private Equity, whose investment activities fully complement Eurazeo’s. The SME segment in which OFI Private Equity is active is very attractive for Eurazeo in terms of transactions potential and recurrent capital gains. Development of a true expertise in this segment provides us with a new pillar for creating long term value and will enable us to deepen our involvement in supporting French SMEs. Beyond this strategic and financial opportunity, OFI Private Equity, whose investment philosophy is similar to that of Eurazeo’s, has a portfolio of quality assets with companies that are leaders in their sectors, led by skilled management teams. We look forward to supporting these companies in their development."
