Holding period
Mar.2007 / Jul.2012
Country
France
Sector
Value-add Industrials
Revenue Progression
€25m-€36m
Employees at ACQ.
75
Investment Type
Secondary MBO

Kermel is the leading European manufacturer of meta-aramid fibre for protective clothing and industrial applications.

The company targets three sectors that account for more than 90% of group sales: fire services, military & public order and industrials.

Kermel® Tech is used in a large variety of industrial applications where end users or intermediaries require long-lasting heat resistant materials. Here, the company concentrates on two main niche areas: hot gas filtration, which removes dust from smoke, and engine insulating papers, which prevent overheating.

VALUE CREATION

During the investment period, Kermel significantly increased its production capacity and the group successfully diversified into new segments and geographies.

EXIT

Equistone sold its investment in Kermel to Qualium Investissement.

Equistone’s support helped Kermel to grow by adding significantly to its production capacity, enabling it to increase sales, especially in exports and the industrial protective clothing segment.

Grégoire Schlumberger, Partner, Equistone Partners France