21 Dec 2012

PAI PARTNERS, a leading European private equity firm headquartered in Paris, has signed an agreement regarding the purchase of the IPH group, a leader in European industrial supplies' distribution. Since 2006, IPH has been owned by INVESTCORP, an international investment bank. The transaction remains subject to certain conditions, including authorization from the competitive authorities in Brussels. The transaction could be finalized in the first quarter 2013.

Created in 1987, the IPH group distributes a large range of industrial supply products and is represented in Europe by strong national networks: OREXAD and ANFIDIS in France, ZITEC in Germany, BIESHEUVEL TECHNIEK in the Netherlands, D’HONT in Belgium, and NOVOTECH in Romania. The strength of these networks, which comprise over 250 outlets across Europe, has enabled the IPH Group to become recognized as a valued service provider for its industrial clients.

“IPH has tripled its turnover in six years thanks to a number of acquisitions supported by the current shareholders, led by INVESTCORP” explains Pierre Pouletty, IPH President. “The arrival of PAI as a shareholder will allow us to continue our development in Europe. PAI will provide the financial and strategic support we need to continue building our capabilities in industrial supply, and contribute to the consolidation of our market. We have the conviction that this new partnership will benefit our customers and our suppliers as well as our employees.”

Nicolas Holzman, partner at PAI PARTNERS, said: “Over the last few years, IPH has built up a strong position in B2B technical distribution. The business services sector is a core area of expertise for PAI and we look forward to supporting IPH in its growth and development in France and in Europe through acquisitions as we did with SPIE and KILOUTOU, two of our other investments, and to reinforce the group’s leadership in its industry.”