Smart Capital Exits Co-Investment in Venpa

Deal News | Dec 18, 2024 | Finance Community IT - 3 Private Equity

Smart Capital Exits Co-Investment in Venpa

Smart Capital, a firm specializing in permanent capital investments, has successfully exited its co-investment in Venpa, resulting in a lucrative return. The exit follows an agreement initialized on October 10, 2024, for the acquisition of Venpa by Sagard MidCap, a private equity firm. Initially undertaken in the first half of 2021, the Venpa operation was part of Smart Capital's co-investment strategy, focused on investments aligning with the company's missions and strategy. The exit yielded significant returns for Smart Capital, with a 3.2x capital gain and an impressive internal rate of return (IRR) of 38.5%. Venpa, established in 1981, specializes in rental services for construction and earth-moving equipment, maintaining a strong market presence in Italy and internationally. Through organic growth and strategic M&A activities, Venpa has significantly increased its revenue and EBITDA, reinforcing its leadership in the Italian market. This deal highlights Smart Capital's effective investment strategy and the potential gains achievable through well-aligned co-investments.

Sectors

  • Private Equity
  • Construction Equipment Leasing
  • Mergers and Acquisitions

Geography

  • Italy – Both Smart Capital and Venpa are Italian companies, with Venpa specializing in services within the Italian and international markets.
  • International – Venpa operates beyond Italy, reflecting its international business activities.

Industry

  • Private Equity – Smart Capital is engaging in investment activities characteristic of private equity, involving co-investments and exits.
  • Construction Equipment Leasing – Venpa specializes in renting construction and earth-moving equipment, operating within the infrastructure and construction sector.
  • Mergers and Acquisitions – Venpa is active in M&A strategy to grow its operations and consolidate its market presence.

Financials

  • 400,000 EUR – The amount Smart Capital received from its exit.
  • 3.2x Return – The multiple of invested capital Smart Capital earned from its Venpa exit.
  • 38.5% IRR – The internal rate of return Smart Capital realized from the Venpa investment.
  • 100 million EUR (Revenue 2024) – Projected revenue for Venpa in 2024.
  • 40 million EUR (EBITDA 2024) – Projected EBITDA for Venpa in 2024.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
Smart CapitalExiting InvestorCompanyA holding company specializing in permanent capital investments in private and public equity sectors.
VenpaTarget CompanyCompanyAn Italian group focused on the rental of construction and earth-moving equipment.
Sagard MidCapBidding CompanyCompanyA private equity firm acquiring Venpa from Smart Capital.
Q CapitalPromoting CompanyCompanyOrganizer of the initial investment in Venpa, specializes in club deals for Italian SMEs.
Stefano Miccinelli, Renato Peroni, Massimo Busetti, Giovanni Pedersoli, Francesco NiuttaFounders of Q CapitalPeopleIndividuals who spearheaded the private equity investment efforts at Q Capital.