ADVSO PARTNERS advises the shareholders of DUCATILLON in the context of the management and equity capital transfer of the company between its Chairman Thomas DELECROIX and the buyer Jean-Marc BERNARD. On this occasion, OMNES CAPITAL acquired a stake in the capital of DUCATILLON, with the support of BPI FRANCE, in the context of a buy-in-management-buy-out (BIMBO) transaction.
Founded in 1997, DUCATILLON is the leading French retailer of breeding equipment for nonprofessionals, hunting and outdoor recreational products. The company, which offers more than 22,000 different items, has a unique positioning as a multi-specialist in France (hunting clothes and accessories, breeding equipment, garden and kitchen articles, canine accessories and fishing equipment).
For five years, DUCATILLON's growth has been based on (i) its quality customer service led by specialist sales advisors, (ii) its exclusive products (proprietary brands and exclusive distribution contracts), (iii) its three complementary distribution networks (15 catalogues, 7 e-commerce websites and a showroom located in Cysoing (59)).
DUCATILLON has more than 500,000 customers, a number that is growing steadily each year. It posted revenue of €22 million in 2016 with 80 employees.
Thomas DELECROIX, executive seller of DUCATILLON: "I am pleased to pass on the company to Jean-Marc BERNARD, who has developed expertise in the distance selling sector by supporting the strategy of leading retailers such as LA REDOUTE, QUELLE and 3SUISSES".
Jean-Marc BERNARD, executive and buyer of the company: "Our ambition is to develop the company's activity in the hunting and non-professionals breeding markets, by combining catalogues and the internet around two priority areas: e-commerce and export".
Guillaume CAPELLE, Managing Partner, ADVISO PARTNERS: "We are pleased to have advised Thomas DELECROIX for the sale of DUCATILLON through a process that has been very competitive, and to have assisted the historical managers in taking an equity stake alongside Jean-Marc BERNARD".
Laurent ESPIC, Managing Partner, OMNES CAPITAL: "Management has anticipated the transition well in the past three years by structuring the company. It currently has all the capacity to boost its growth, particularly around its logistics facilities and its high-performing marketing department. The aim is to continue profitable growth in the coming years".
Jean-Yves DURIEZ, Investment Director, BPI FRANCE: "This transaction will enable this company in the North to attain a new level and to continue its development. We are very pleased to support Jean- Marc BERNARD, the management and OMNES CAPITAL in this project".
