HighCo Sells Stake in High Connexion to Investors
Deal News | Mar 19, 2025 | Globenewswire
HighCo, a specialist in marketing and communication, has announced an agreement to sell its 51% stake in High Connexion, a leader in mobile marketing and payment solutions, to Albarest Partners and Guillaume Guttin. HighCo co-founded High Connexion in 2008 alongside Bruno Laurent, chairman and founder, who holds the remaining 49% stake. The transaction aligns with HighCo's strategy of focusing on its core business divisions, Activation and Consulting & In-store media selling. In 2024, High Connexion contributed significantly to HighCo's finances, with a contribution margin of €8.65 million, and a revenue of €60.18 million, meaning it accounted for 41.1% of consolidated revenue. The deal is expected to boost HighCo's ability to invest in growth and innovation, particularly within its Activation division. Financial outcomes of the sale, such as an anticipated exceptional dividend of €1 per share, will be updated in the company's 2024 earnings announcement on March 26, 2025. HighCo's revenue and gross profit for 2024, excluding High Connexion, were €86.2 million and €61.03 million, respectively. Regulatory conditions are expected to be settled by June 30, 2025, with a subsequent press release confirming completion.
Sectors
- Marketing and Communication
- Technology and Digital Solutions
- Investment and Private Equity
Geography
- France – HighCo is based in France and listed on Euronext Paris, with High Connexion located in Oullins, highlighting the importance of the French market.
Industry
- Marketing and Communication – HighCo and High Connexion operate within the marketing sector, providing marketing and communication solutions for brands and retailers.
- Technology and Digital Solutions – High Connexion specializes in mobile marketing and payment solutions, positioning them within the technology and digital solutions sector.
- Investment and Private Equity – The transaction involves private equity players such as Albarest Partners, relevant to the investment and private equity sector.
Financials
- €1 exceptional dividend per share – The anticipated dividend resulting from the proceeds of the sale of High Connexion.
- €8.65 million – Contribution margin of High Connexion in 2024.
- €60.18 million – Contribution revenue of High Connexion in 2024.
- €4.37 million – High Connexion's profit contribution before interest, tax, and restructuring costs in 2024.
- €86.2 million – Adjusted revenue for HighCo excluding High Connexion in 2024.
- €61.03 million – Adjusted gross profit for HighCo excluding High Connexion in 2024.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| HighCo | Selling Company | Company | HighCo is a publicly listed company specializing in marketing and communication solutions for brands and retailers. |
| High Connexion | Target Company | Company | High Connexion is a mobile marketing and payment solutions leader headquartered in Oullins, France. |
| Albarest Partners | Buyer | Company | Albarest Partners is part of the investor group acquiring HighCo's stake in High Connexion. |
| Guillaume Guttin | Buyer | Person | Guillaume Guttin is one of the investors involved in acquiring a stake in High Connexion. |
| Bruno Laurent | Co-owner/Chairman | Person | Bruno Laurent is the Chairman and founder of High Connexion, holding a 49% stake in the company. |