Sale of EPC Groupe by the founding family to Argos Wityu
FR
Sycomore Corporate Finance acted as exclusive financial advisor to EPC Groupe and its management
Rationale
Founded in 1893, EPC Groupe is a leading French company specialising in the manufacture, storage and distribution of explosives for civil use. Over the past two decades, EPC Groupe has widely diversified its offering and is today engaged in the demolition and diesel additives markets. In addition, it has been expanding its product range and services offering in the explosive sector. The Company distributes its products and services to a blue-chip customer base (incl. Alstom, Bouygues, Vinci, CRH, Lafarge Holcim…) with a broad presence in more than 20 countries across 5 continents (over 40 subsidiaries and an extensive distribution network). In 2018, the Company, recorded revenues of €323m and EBITDA of €18m. EPC Groupe is listed on Euronext with two classes of shares (ordinary shares and founder’s shares).
Argos Wityu is an independent European investment fund that supports companies in the transfer of business ownership. Since its creation in 1989, the fund has invested in more than 80 mid-sized companies (enterprise value ranging from €25m up to €200m and equity investment ranging from €10m up to €100m) and has developed a unique investment strategy focusing on business transformation and growth, instead of financial leverage, and on bringing solutions to complex business and shareholding situations. With €1bn under management and 30 years of experience, Argos Wityu operates from offices in Brussels, Frankfurt, Geneva, Luxembourg, Milan and Paris.