Sicer Gains Support from Ardian in Strategic Buyout
Deal News | Jan 14, 2025 | Legal Community Italy
Ardian, a leading investment firm, has acquired a minority stake in Sicer, a ceramics coatings company based in Modena, Italy, specializing in high-end tile enamels and inks with a notable international presence. This strategic investment supports the buyout of Sicer by entrepreneurs Gianfranco Padovani and Giuliano Ferrari, who purchased the majority shareholding from the private equity fund Demos 1, managed by Azimut Libera Impresa sgr. Demos 1 had previously invested in Sicer in November 2020. In facilitating this transaction, PedersoliGattai and Sutich Barbieri served as legal advisors to Ardian, with tax due diligence carried out by Gitti and Partners, Abaco Commercialisti Associati, and Poggi&associati. Azimut's legal counsel was provided by Giovannelli e Associati.
Sectors
- Private Equity
- Ceramics Manufacturing
- Legal Advisory
Geography
- Italy – The transaction involves Italian companies, Ardian and Sicer, as well as local legal and financial advisory firms.
Industry
- Private Equity – Ardian's minority stake acquisition in Sicer demonstrates its active role in the Private Equity industry.
- Ceramics Manufacturing – Sicer operates in the ceramics manufacturing industry, focusing on high-end tile glazes and inks, which is central to the transaction.
- Legal Advisory – Multiple law firms, such as PedersoliGattai and Sutich Barbieri, provided legal advisory services critical to the due diligence and transaction structuring.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ardian | Private Equity Investor | Company | Ardian is the investment firm acquiring a minority stake in Sicer. |
| Sicer | Target Company | Company | Sicer is a ceramic coatings manufacturer undergoing a buyout backed by Ardian's investment. |
| Demos 1 | Selling Company | Company | Demos 1, managed by Azimut Libera Impresa sgr, is the private equity fund selling its majority stake in Sicer. |
| Gianfranco Padovani and Giuliano Ferrari | Bidding Company | People | They are the entrepreneurs acquiring a majority stake in Sicer. |
| PedersoliGattai | Legal Advisor | Company | PedersoliGattai provided legal advisory services to Ardian during the transaction. |
| Sutich Barbieri Sutich | Legal Advisor | Company | They served as legal advisors to Ardian, assisting with the acquisition process. |
| Gitti and Partners | Tax Due Diligence | Company | Gitti and Partners conducted tax due diligence for Ardian as part of the transaction. |
| Azimut Libera Impresa sgr | Selling Company | Company | Azimut Libera Impresa sgr manages the Demos 1 fund, which is selling its stake in Sicer. |
| Giovannelli e Associati | Legal Advisor | Company | They provided legal services to Azimut for the sale of their stake in Sicer. |