Ekkio Capital and Montefiore Investment announce the sale of their stake in Paris Expérience Group (PEG), the leader in tourist hospitality in Paris and France, to Aéroports de Paris Group (ADP).
Ekkio Capital, the historical shareholder since 2015, will be joined by Montefiore Investment in 2021 to strengthen PEG’s positioning as a leader in sustainable tourism in Paris.
For Montefiore Investment, this sale marks the second exit from its “Nov Tourisme” fund, launched in 2020 to support the tourism sector’s recovery from the Covid-19 crisis.
Thanks to the support of its shareholders, PEG has radically transformed its business model and significantly strengthened its management team and investments to reach a turnover of €89 million by 2023.
A major player in the Ile-de-France region for tours of museums and historical monuments, sightseeing and excursions, the group has implemented an ambitious ESG policy focused on decarbonization, with the integration of electric boats into its cruise offer and the inauguration of the “Noti Club”, a boat at the foot of the Eiffel Tower offering high-end catering, private events and sightseeing services.
Positioned in a booming tourism market, PEG has consolidated its position as a key player in Paris. The acquisition by ADP will strengthen and diversify the offering of its Extime hospitality and retail brand, which offers visitors immersive experiences throughout their stay in Paris.
“Despite four major crises affecting Paris tourism, the shareholders and the management team have succeeded in transforming the company from an industrial standpoint, with a focus on margins, the development of a river business and the financial restructuring of the company, into a key player in Paris tourism, with sales of almost €90 million and an EBITDA of €20 million.”
Jean Marc Sceo, Chairman of Ekkio Capital“This sale demonstrates our commitment to supporting the transformation of high-potential companies. Paris Expérience Group has established itself as a key player in Paris tourism thanks to its ability to innovate and respond to the challenges of sustainability. We are proud to have contributed to this success story and are convinced that ADP will be able not only to continue but also to strengthen this growth dynamic”.
Frédéric Wargnies, Director at Montefiore Investment
A transaction emblematic of the success of the Nov Tourisme fund
Since October 2020, Montefiore Investment has been managing the “Nov Tourisme” fund. Launched at the initiative of Caisse des Dépôts and France Assureurs to support the sector after the Covid crisis, this fund has made a significant contribution to the revival of tourism companies’ activities and investments, with nearly €200m invested to support their growth and stimulate their activities and investments. Four years after its launch, all its objectives have been achieved.
Between 2021 and 2023, 16 investments have been made in French companies in the sector, resulting in strong growth in revenues and profitability. On average, the sales of supported companies grew by 82% and their profitability by 22% compared to 2019. Since the fund’s inception, the companies involved have invested over €300m, creating more than 1,800 net jobs in three years. The portfolio has also benefited from significant sector diversification (hotels, accommodation, leisure, travel distribution, catering) and geographical coverage of 13 of France’s 18 regions.
With 20 years of experience in the tourism sector, Montefiore Investment stands out for its ability to transform SMEs into true European champions. In particular, Montefiore Investment has contributed to the remarkable success stories of B&B Hotels, Homair Vacances (now European Camping Group) and Voyageurs du monde.
About Montefiore Investment
Created in 2005, Montefiore Investment is the reference Private Equity firm dedicated to service SMEs and mid-market companies. With a team of 50 employees, and relying on its sector expertise and know-how, the company successfully supports companies in their growth and development projects. Montefiore Investment has demonstrated its ability to transform SMEs and midcap companies into true European champions. Its performance has enabled it to establish itself as a key player in mid-market private equity. Based in Paris and Milan, Montefiore Investment currently manages €5 billion of equity and invests ticket sizes ranging from €20 million to €200 million in order to finance sustainable and profitable growth for its portfolio companies. Since 2021, Montefiore has also been a shareholder and strategic partner of Starquest, a management company dedicated to investments in innovative companies with a strong environmental impact (GreenTech).