Under the guidance of ADVISO PARTNERS, the transaction brought AZULIS CAPITAL and ARKEA CAPITAL on board as minority shareholders in the FIDEL FILLAUD Group, the French leader in packaging trading. The deal will accelerate FIDEL FILLAUD's development in France and neighbouring countries in a market that is changing to meet environmental challenges.
Founded in 1929 in Nantes, FIDEL FILLAUD is the French leader in the distribution of light packaging for the industrial, agri-food and cosmetics sectors. The Group distributes a wide range of primary packaging (mainly large containers) made of plastic, metal, glass and Kraft. It is headed up by Jean-François BOUTIER, supported by Jacques de SONIS, who joined the project in 2020.
FIDEL FILLAUD's expertise lies in its ability to identify the right suppliers and the right products so that it can provide its customers with a wide, diversified offering to meet the challenges facing the sector. Over the years, the Group has built up an extensive portfolio of references with an excellent quality/price positioning, in particular by forming solid trust-based partnerships with a variety of manufacturers. FIDEL FILLAUD has the largest catalogue of primary packaging products on the market. It regularly adds new products and adapts its range to changes in consumption patterns and the latest environmental requirements. Thanks to its well-established logistics and commercial structure, the Group provides local services to a very broad customer base that it supplies from its 6 warehouses across France. Its agile positioning as a distributor, together with its proactive management team with real strategic vision and strong CSR convictions, make it a key player to support the packaging sector as it evolves to reduce its environmental impact. In 2014, the Group developed an eco-friendly range, which was named ECOsphere in 2019 and now accounts for 24% of revenue.
By welcoming AZULIS CAPITAL and ARKEA CAPITAL as minority shareholders, the Group aims to continue expanding its product offering, particularly in the eco-friendly range, accelerate its digitisation and seize opportunities to acquire strategic targets to consolidate its leading position in France and grow its business in Europe. While historical shareholders Caroline and Jean-François BOUTIER retain control of the group, the deal also allows for the acquisition of an equity stake by key managers who drive the Group's development, including CEO Jacques de SONIS.
Jean-François BOUTIER, Chairman of FIDEL FILLAUD: "With AZULIS CAPITAL and ARKEA CAPITAL, we are entering a new phase in FIDEL FILLAUD's development, with a clear strategy driven by a loyal and determined team. Our aim is to continue strengthening our eco-friendly range, to reinforce our digital strategy and to make complementary acquisitions in the fields of packaging trading and distribution."
Pierre JOURDAIN, Partner and Chairman of the Management Board of AZULIS CAPITAL: "Jean-François BOUTIER and his teams have brilliantly positioned FIDEL FILLAUD as the leading player in light packaging trading in France, with very strong positions in the industry segment. We are very impressed by FIDEL FILLAUD's track record, corporate culture and well-structured development plan. We are convinced that FIDEL FILLAUD has strong growth potential in a buoyant market in which the management team has successfully anticipated forthcoming changes. We are very happy that management has chosen us, along with ARKEA CAPITAL, to support them in this new stage of their development, with a wealth of new projects in the pipeline."
François EVEN, Investment Director: "Thanks to its niche positioning, diversified customer base and excellent service quality, FIDEL FILLAUD is a leader in its market and has reported uninterrupted organic revenue growth for more than 10 years. ARKEA CAPITAL, together with AZULIS CAPITAL, is delighted to support the BOUTIER family and Jacques de SONIS in the ongoing development of this fine regional company, contributing to accelerating its ESG approach."
Guillaume DARY, Partner at ADVISO PARTNERS: "FIDEL FILLAUD had all the ingredients for a successful primary LBO transaction: a leading regional company in France that outperforms the market, an excellent management team, and a solid, realistic environmentally responsible development plan. While bringing these financial partners on board allows Jean-Francois BOUTIER and his family to realise part of their assets, it is also an important first step in the company's transfer to management, led by Jacques de SONIS."
