Epipoli Expands Reach as Investcorp Acquires Payments Powerhouse
Deal News | Jan 16, 2025 | Zawya
Investcorp, a premier global alternative investment firm, has inked a definitive agreement to acquire Epipoli, a prominent player in the alternative payments landscape, from Bregal Milestone and company founder Gaetano Giannetto. Epipoli has cemented its dominance in Italy’s alternative payment system, managing an extensive CRM program catering to over 6 million consumers and pioneering prepaid Mastercards since 2006. Gaetano Giannetto will remain as CEO and a significant minority shareholder, while Investcorp aims to leverage its expertise to expand Epipoli's international footprint, particularly across Europe. Benoit Lautenberg at Bregal Milestone reflects on their successful collaboration with Epipoli, which saw major growth initiatives that quadrupled gross revenues and solidified market leadership. With Investcorp's acquisition built on their extensive history of backing technology-driven firms in Europe, they now set the stage for expanded international growth and operational development for Epipoli.
Sectors
- Financial Services
- Technology
- Private Equity
Geography
- Italy – Epipoli is based in Milan, and the acquisition focuses heavily on Italy, where Epipoli holds a dominant position in the alternative payments market.
- Bahrain – Investcorp is headquartered in Manama, Bahrain, making this geography relevant to the acquiring firm.
- Europe – Investcorp's strategy includes expanding Epipoli's reach across Europe, reflecting a geographical focus on this region.
Industry
- Financial Services – Epipoli operates in the alternative payments sector, a subcategory of financial services, which involves payment solutions such as gift cards and prepaid Mastercards.
- Technology – Epipoli's growth is closely tied to its proprietary technology platform, Highways, which integrates digital and physical retail worlds, making technology a critical aspect of its operations.
- Private Equity – The acquisition involves Investcorp, a leading global alternative investment firm, which specializes in private equity investments.
Financials
- 400 million euros – Epipoli's turnover, indicating its revenue scale and market position.
- €2 billion – Investcorp European Private Equity's total investments in companies across Europe since 2012.
- 4x increase – Epipoli's gross revenue growth achieved during Bregal Milestone’s investment period.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investcorp | Acquiror | Company | Investcorp is a global investment manager specializing in alternative investments, with a history of investing in technology and high-growth companies. |
| Epipoli | Target Company | Company | An Italy-based company specializing in alternative payment solutions, recognized for its innovative platforms in the retailing sector. |
| Bregal Milestone | Selling Company | Company | An investment firm that provided growth capital to Epipoli, aiding its significant market expansion. |
| Gaetano Giannetto | Founder and CEO of Epipoli | Person | The founder of Epipoli who will remain a significant minority shareholder and continue to lead the company. |
| UBS | Financial Advisor to Epipoli and Bregal Milestone | Company | Provided financial advisory services in the transaction. |
| Clearwater | Financial Advisor to Investcorp | Company | Engaged as financial advisor to Investcorp for the acquisition. |
| PedersoliGattai and Alma LED | Legal Advisors to Epipoli and Bregal Milestone | Company | Handled legal advisory for the selling parties in the transaction. |
| ADVANT Nctm | Legal Advisor to Investcorp | Company | Provided legal advisory services to Investcorp. |