Gilde Buy Out Partners (“Gilde”) has agreed to sell its stake in Betafence to funds advised by CVC Capital Partners (“CVC”).
CVC already owns a minority stake in Betafence. Post transaction CVC will own a majority stake in the business. The business will continue to be led by the current management team who will remain shareholders in partnership with CVC. The transaction is subject to customary competition clearances.
Steven Buyse, Senior Managing Director at CVC commented: “Betafence has been successful in gaining market share in the high security segment in recent years – it has developed a leading global position and has strong growth prospects. We look forward to continuing to support the Company’s effective strategy.”
Leading European private equity fund Gilde, acquired Betafence in 2005 in a corporate carve-out from the listed Bekaert group. Gilde subsequently syndicated part of its participation to CVC. Nicolas Linkens, Partner at Gilde said: “Betafence has performed strongly since 2005 and is now well positioned for future growth. We wish the Company, its management and shareholders the very best for the future.”
Michele Volpi, CEO Betafence, echoed Gilde’s and CVC’s remarks: “This is good news for the company and its employees. The transaction underpins the company’s accelerated growth strategy.” He added: “We are very grateful to both Gilde and CVC for the great support they provided to Betafence since the buyout and we look forward to further grow this successful Belgian company into a global player with the CVC-team.”
About Betafence
Betafence is the world market leader in fencing solutions, access control and detection for perimeter protection and has more than 130 years of experience. It sets standards of excellence for the fencing and high security perimeter protection industry and is recognized as leader in product, service and application innovation.
Betafence protects industrial buildings, public infrastructure and highly sensitive sites as well as private residences. Over the years, the company has evolved from being a Europe focused fence manufacturer to a Global Total Solution Provider of Perimeter Security as well. The group employs approximately 1,500 people. Its headquarters are located in Belgium (Gent) with 8 production sites and a network of sales offices throughout the world.
About Gilde
Gilde Buy Out Partners is a leading European private equity investor in mid-market transactions with operations in the Benelux and the DACH region. Gilde manages funds in excess of EUR 2 billion and controls majority shareholdings in, amongst others, companies like CID Lines, Bekaert Textiles, Axa Stenman, Comcave, Spandex, Eismann, Teleplan, Powerlines, HG and Plukon Royale. For more information, please visit www.gilde.com.
About CVC
CVC Capital Partners is one of the world’s leading private equity and investment advisory firms. Founded in 1981, today CVC has a network of 21 offices throughout Europe, Asia and the US. Currently, CVC manages funds on behalf of over 300 investors from North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, amounting to over US$65 billion. During the last 30 years CVC has completed over 300 investments with an aggregate transaction value of over US$150 billion globally. Today, funds advised by CVC have stakes in more than 60 companies worldwide, employing around 400,000 people in numerous countries. Together, these companies have combined annual sales of approximately US$120 billion.