Omnes Capital has invested EUR11.5 million in Dispam, a France-based specialist in temperature-controlled transportation, as part of a primary owner buy out (OBO) alongside current Chairman Pascal Masse.
Dispam was founded in 1971 and is based in Le Pontet in the Vaucluse region of France, offering its clients a range of high value-added solutions structured around two main areas of expertise: temperature-controlled (positive cold) transportation of fresh produce and general cargo; and complementary logistics services (management of logistics flows within the framework of integrated solutions – storage, warehousing, consolidation/deconsolidation, order preparation).
The group’s main clients are food manufacturers (60 per cent) and supermarkets and hypermarkets (30 per cent). Dispam manages four logistics platforms (in Normandy, Paris, Nord and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur) and handles 350,000 tonnes of merchandise each year. It has 680 employees and generated sales of EUR64 million in 2014.
The aim of the buyout is to enable Dispam’s family shareholders to withdraw from the company and to continue with its geographical expansion in France, which is already in progress with the opening of a platform in Arras.
Masse says: “I am pleased to be able to take over Dispam with the support of Omnes. This buyout falls within the framework of a controlled growth plan and will give the company new momentum. I have great confidence in our operational ability to succeed in this mission while also protecting our values, with commitment, responsiveness and technological innovation and a results-oriented approach being our watchwords. “
Bertrand Tissot, Partner at Omnes Capital, adds: “Dispam benefits from an excellent reputation in its market, particularly with regard to essential technical criteria such as flexibility, respecting deadlines and cold chain management. The company has achieved steady and solid growth over the last five years. Our aim is to help this impressive multi-regional SME to conquer new regions.”
Benjamin Arm, Managing Director at Omnes Capital, says: “This buyout is the fourth primary investment for the Omnes Croissance 4 fund, which in 2015 has already invested in Cogepart (express shipping service), Bimedia (software solutions for local retailers) and Capcom (installation of fibre optic and cable networks). This new investment fits in with our strategy of rigorous selection of companies with strong potential, primary market transactions, value creation driven by organic growth and an active acquisitions policy. This positioning has proven its worth, as demonstrated by the sale of Exclusive Networks in May 2015 with a multiple of 5x.”
