Founded in 1981, LES CANALOUS is one of the top 5 players specialised in renting out houseboats and barges on all France’s waterways, as well as in Europe through its partnerships. The Group offers a wide range of boats built in France, accommodating 4 to 12 people for trips lasting from a weekend to one week. Its “slow tourism” holidays are environmentally friendly and a one-of-a-kind experience.
Based in Digoin (71), LES CANALOUS has a fleet of 300 boats located in 22 bases. With 6 ranges tailored to its customers' needs and budgets (from entry-level to premium), the company achieved revenue growth in 2021. Having completed a digital transition, the group proposes a fleet of connected boats using smart boxes (geolocation, paperless check-in/check-out, cost savings) and has started greening its fleet with the launch of electric boats.
ADVISO PARTNERS advised the Group’s founding family and TROCADERO CAPITAL PARTNERS on the Group’s capital restructuring and the acquisition of a minority stake by CARVEST and SOFILARO.
The Transaction facilitated an intra-family transfer of ownership resulting in significant accretion for Alfred CARIGNANT, Group CEO.
With the support of its two new financial investors, the Group aims to accelerate its energy transition by reducing its carbon footprint and increasing the number of electric boats in its fleet.
Alfred CARIGNANT (LES CANALOUS) - “Happy to continue the family adventure initiated by my father and grandfather in the development of river tourism. At the helm of LES CANALOUS, I will sustain the focus on digital and respect for the environment with the ongoing aim of improving the customer experience. I look forward to continuing this adventure alongside CARVEST and SOFILARO. These investors have firm roots in the region, just like our product, which enables us to explore our heritage through an authentic, fun experience that provides a real change of scenery.“
Benjamin FOUGERAT (TROCADERO CAPITAL PARTNERS) - “We were honoured to support Alfred CARIGNANT in this family transfer. Over the last 5 years, Alfred has demonstrated his ability to manage the group, particularly under the very challenging conditions linked to the Covid-19 crisis. I am confident that he will sustain this momentum with a new partner.”
Johann GIERCZAK (CARVEST) - “We are proud to support this family transfer alongside Alfred CARIGNANT, together with SOFILARO. Based in Digoin (71) and operating in 6 major sailing areas in France, this key tourism player contributes to the dynamics of territories and waterways. We particularly appreciated the changes set in motion by Alfred CARIGNANT in the recent years in connection with the energy transition, which is central to CREDIT AGRICOLE's medium-term plan.”
Gilles COUDON (ADVISO PARTNERS) - “LES CANALOUS is a key player in inland waterway tourism. It has built a leading position in its market with genuine barriers to entry: a national network of more than 20 bases and a fleet of 300 boats, as well as distinctive expertise in external growth (more than 10 companies acquired). The capital restructuring will give the group the means to continue its development, while enabling Alfred CARIGNANT, the group's CEO since 2016, to significantly increase his stake.”