Equistone Partners Europe enters into exclusive negotiations with NiXEN Partners and Initiative & Finance for the acquisition of Vulcain Ingénierie

Equistone Partners Europe (“Equistone”), one of Europe’s leading investors in mid-market buyouts, today announces it has reached an exclusive negotiation agreement with NiXEN Partners, Initiative & Finance and the management team for the acquisition of Vulcain Ingénierie (“the Group”). The completion of the deal remains subject to the approval of employees’ representatives and relevant authorities.

Founded in 1998, Vulcain Ingénierie is a leading French engineering consultancy group serving the energy and pharmaceuticals sectors. Thanks to its specialist positioning, Vulcain Ingénierie has grown into a key player in its market, with a strong reputation among its main contracting parties. With this transaction, the group will continue its development in France as well as pursuing an active policy of strategic international expansion.

Stanislas Gaillard and Grégoire Châtillon, Partners at Equistone, commented: "We were impressed by the quality of the Group's business model and positioning, as well as the quality of its management team. We are delighted to be able to support the Group's continued development in its core business as well as its expansion and growth into other segments."

Alban Guilloteau and Frédéric Grard, co-CEOs of Vulcain Ingénierie, added: "Thanks to the support of NiXEN and Initiative & Finance during the last five years, Vulcain has been able to fully implement its strategic plan and confirm its position as a specialized consulting and engineering company. Our exclusive focus on the Energy, Process Industries (Environment, Pharmaceuticals, etc.) and Infrastructure (Railways, etc.) sectors has reinforced our attractiveness as an employer and recognition from loyal and diversified customers.

“We are now delighted to partner with Equistone and launch a new investment and development cycle aiming, in particular, at expanding the Group's international footprint, strengthening our business expertise and reinforcing our regional network. We are convinced that Equistone, a leading mid-market private equity firm, will be able to give the company the resources and support it needs to achieve its goals."

Jean-Paul Bernardini, President of NiXEN Partners, concludes: "The transaction with Equistone marks an important step in the successful journey led by the management team since 2014 thanks to a very strong commercial development and a succession of successful external growth operations both in France and abroad".