19 Jun 2015

Paris, 19 June 2015 - PAI Partners ("PAI"), a leading European private equity firm headquartered in Paris, announces today that Lionel Zinsou is officially stepping down from his position as Chief Executive Officer of PAI in line with the firm's long-term succession plan. As announced to investors in 2012, Michel Paris, Chief Investment Officer of PAI, will replace Lionel Zinsou as CEO of the firm and hold both positions going forward. Lionel Zinsou will remain involved with the firm in the position of Vice-President of PAI's Supervisory Board.

The succession, which will formally take place on 1st July, coincides with the assumption by Lionel Zinsou of a senior position in the Government, specifically the role of Prime Minister of Benin, announced today.
PAI is currently investing its latest PAI Europe VI fund which reached a very successful €3.3 billion final close in March 2015. Current investments include Custom Sensors & Technologies, Euro Media Group, DomusVi, Labeyrie Fine Foods, VPS and AS Adventure, which also recently announced the acquisition of Snow & Rock.

Michel Paris, Partner, Chief Investment Officer at PAI, said:
“We would like to thank Lionel for his many years of devotion to the firm and wish him all the best in his new endeavours. We look forward to continuing to receive his guidance as Vice-President of the Supervisory Board as we carry on investing PAI Europe VI.”

Lionel Zinsou, Chief Executive Officer at PAI, said:
“Today’s announcement puts an end to a well prepared and long articulated succession plan. Michel Paris and the team are very well positioned to continue to lead PAI’s many successes and we are delighted with the support investors have shown in our latest fundraising. It is with great pride that I am taking on my new responsibilities outside of the firm, while joining PAI’s Supervisory Board.”