Sicer Set for Growth as Ardian Acquires Stake from Azimut
Deal News | Jan 14, 2025 | Finance Community IT - 3 Private Equity
In a significant private equity move, Ardian has acquired a minority stake in Sicer, a renowned global player in the premium ceramic coatings industry. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Fiorano Modenese, Sicer is known for its innovative high-performance solutions for surface treatment of premium ceramic tiles, such as frits, glazes, engobes, and inks. The acquisition aims to bolster Sicer's development plans in collaboration with entrepreneurs Gianfranco Padovani and Giuliano Ferrari, who will significantly reinvest to secure a majority stake. This transaction entails Azimut Libera Impresa SGR selling its majority interest, which it acquired in late 2020 via the Demos 1 fund. The strategic investment by Ardian is poised to enhance Sicer’s foothold in Europe and facilitate expansion in the U.S. and Indian markets. The synergy aims to tap into Sicer's robust client relations and expertise, focusing on strengthening production capabilities, product innovation, and potential acquisitions. The transaction involved several key advisory firms across financial, legal, business, and ESG aspects, ensuring comprehensive due diligence and strategic execution.
Sectors
- Private Equity
- Ceramic Manufacturing
- Investment and Financial Advisory
Geography
- Italy – Sicer is headquartered here and is a key market for their operations and growth plans.
- Spain – A strategic region for Sicer's ceramic operations and growth potential.
- United States – A target market for Sicer's planned expansion.
- India – Another target market for Sicer's planned expansion.
Industry
- Private Equity – This industry is involved due to Ardian's acquisition of a minority stake in Sicer.
- Ceramic Manufacturing – Sicer operates in this industry, focusing on production and innovation of ceramic coatings.
- Investment and Financial Advisory – Multiple financial and advisory firms participated in the transaction, providing legal, financial, ESG, and other due diligence.
Financials
- 130 million euros – Projected revenue for Sicer by the end of 2024.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sicer | Target Company | Company | A global manufacturer specializing in high-performance ceramic coatings. |
| Ardian | Bidding Company | Private Equity | A private equity firm acquiring a minority stake in Sicer. |
| Azimut Libera Impresa SGR | Vendor | Company | Managing the Demos 1 fund, Azimut sold its majority stake in Sicer. |
| Mediobanca | Financial Advisor (Buy-side) | Company | Provided buy-side financial advisory services for Ardian. |
| DC Advisory | Financial Advisor (Sell-side) | Company | Advised Azimut on the sell-side. |
| PedersoliGattai and Studio legale Sutich Barbieri Sutich | Legal Advisor | Company | Provided legal advisory services during the transaction. |
| Advancy | Business Due Diligence | Company | Conducted the business due diligence for the transaction. |
| KPMG | Financial Due Diligence | Company | Handled financial due diligence for the transaction. |
| Ramboll | ESG Due Diligence | Company | Conducted ESG due diligence for the transaction. |
| Gitti&Partners, Abaco Commercialisti Associati and Poggi&Associati | Tax Due Diligence | Company | Conducted tax due diligence for the transaction. |
| Mactavish | Insurance Due Diligence | Company | Conducted insurance due diligence for the transaction. |
| OC&C | Business Advisor | Company | Provided business advisory services to Sicer. |
| EY | Financial Advisor | Company | Provided financial advisory services to Sicer. |
| Gianfranco Padovani | President Executive of Sicer | Person | An entrepreneur involved in the investment strategy of Sicer. |
| Giuliano Ferrari | CEO of Sicer | Person | An entrepreneur involved in the investment strategy of Sicer. |