Founded in 1932 and based in Montluçon, the VIATEMIS Group is the European leader in mechatronic battery master switches for industrial vehicles (OEM and aftermarket).
With over 50 years of industrial experience, the Group designs, manufactures and markets an extensive range of battery master switches and remote-control battery switch relays.
Since 2009, under the leadership of CEO Claude BONNET, the VIATEMIS Group has developed significantly thanks to its distinctive business model based on two pillars: innovation and R&D, reflected in the group's ownership of all its intellectual property, tools and manufacturing processes, and a recurring revenue approach, based on long-term contracts (more than 7 years). Relying on these strong expertise, the Group has become a tier-one supplier to a customer base made up exclusively of leading major international groups: manufacturers of heavy goods vehicles, coaches and buses, construction equipment, agricultural machinery, pleasure boats and special vehicles.
With its workforce of some 120 employees, the VIATEMIS Group has reported steady revenue growth over the last 5 years and generates more than 65% of its revenues in export markets.
Advised by ADVISO PARTNERS, following a competitive process, the BONNET family, which remains the majority shareholder, has welcomed on board ALLIANCE ENTREPRENDRE, GARIBALDI PARTICIPATIONS AND CEPAL CAPITAL DEVELOPPEMENT as shareholders in the VIATEMIS Group. The management team (via GAEDO) has increased its existing stake as part of the transaction. Together, they aim to consolidate VIATEMIS’ leading position with its customers and to accelerate its penetration in emerging markets, while anticipating the challenges raised by the future electrification of industrial and commercial vehicles in developed countries.
“The transaction conducted by ADVISO PARTNERS fully meets the targets I'd set myself: opening up VIATEMIS’ ownership structure to carefully selected investors who support our strategic project and share the values of the company and its managers.
This deal is a milestone in the company's development and I appreciated the commitment and expertise of all the parties and advisers involved, whose efforts enabled the transaction to be completed within a short time frame.
I am convinced that with the support of the teams at ALLIANCE ENTREPRENDRE, GARIBALDI PARTICIPATIONS, and CEPAL CAPITAL DEVELOPPEMENT, together with the managers who worked alongside me to drive the VIATEMIS Group's growth, we will be able to continue developing the Group and take advantage of the many market opportunities ahead of us.” Claude BONNET, Chairman, VIATEMIS Group
“The VIATEMIS Group has experienced a remarkable growth since Claude BONNET took the helm in 2009. The complementary expertise provided by the three-person management team, including Fanny DOMANSKI and Adrien GALLOU, ensures a bright future for this SME located in the Bourbonnais region, constantly seeking to innovate and closely acquainted with today's challenges. The Group has multiple areas of expertise (bar turning, machining, plastic injection, CMS, electrical wiring harnesses), enabling it to manufacture products under its own brand, with a focus on safety and energy management, that are used in a wide range of transport and industrial vehicles on every continent. The group's progressive transfer to its two managing directors ensures the continuity of its governance, and the development plan driven by a visionary leader won us over.” Mathieu PERROT, Regional Investment Director, ALLIANCE ENTREPRENDRE
“The VIATEMIS Group has everything it takes for an LBO transaction: a leading European position in a niche market, sustained growth, profitability, and a management team determined to pursue an ambitious development project. This deal demonstrates ADVISO Partners’ DNA: a primary transaction that will facilitate the ongoing transfer of a highly promising industrial player to its management team, while providing the means for the company to accelerate its international development.” Gilles COUDON, ADVISO PARTNERS