December 26, 2012
PAI partners agrees to acquire leading French industrial supply distribution company IPH from Investcorp.
Willkie recently advised PAI partners in its agreement to acquire IPH, the French leader in industrial supply distribution, from Investcorp. The acquisition will allow IPH to pursue its market consolidation strategy in France, as well as in other parts of Europe. With 3,300 employees, IPH’s network represents 250 agencies in Europe. The company reported turnover of €891 million in 2011. PAI is one of Europe’s leading private equity firms.
Willkie’s multidisciplinary deal team, led by partner Christophe Garaud in Paris, comprised: Paris - special European counsel Jeffrey Fouts and associate David Lambert (Corporate), partner Jacques-Philippe Gunther and associates Adrien Giraud and Nicolas Cassauba (Antitrust), and special European counsel Philippe Grudé (Tax); Frankfurt - partner Mario Schmidt and associates Heidi Landauer and Christina Mann (Corporate), and partner Patrick Meiisel (Tax).
