Frans Bonhomme

Frans Bonhomme is a leading French distributor of pipes and fittings.

The business primarily serves the water supply (drainage and drinking), rain and wastewater markets.

Over 20,000 products are sold of which circa 60 per cent are PVC and PE-polyethylene pipes and fittings.

The business has grown steadily over the last 20 years and now has a network of 250 outlets across France and Spain.

Equistone co-invested in the transaction with Apax Partners.

VALUE CREATION

The group experienced very strong growth between 2003 and 2005, both internal and external, with successful openings in France. The group also undertook a proactive international development policy with the acquisition of outlets in Spain in 2004.

During the investment period the group increased its EBIT by 35%.

THE EXIT

Equistone’s investment in Frans Bonhomme was sold to CinVen, which carried out a fourth MBO alongside the management team.