Private investment company Ardian has announced it has entered negotiations with automation and robotics solution provider Alstef Group to acquire a majority stake in the company.
As part of the deal, Alstef’s founders and Future French Champions, a joint venture between Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and Bpifrance, will also reinvest in the company.
Launched in 1961, Alstef has positioned itself as a leader in the design, integration and supply of equipment and proprietary software for intelligent handling solutions, including in the intralogistics and parcel sorting markets.
It is hoped that the acquisition by Ardian will enable it to accelerate its international development and growth ambitions.
Pierre Marol, president and co-founder of Alstef Group, explained, “We are delighted to welcome Ardian as a majority shareholder to support us in the next stages of our development. This transaction recognizes the expertise we have developed over more than 60 years and the success of the strategy we have implemented at Alstef Group to date. Ardian’s support will help to accelerate a new chapter in our history as we pursue our international growth ambitions.”
Arnaud Dufer, head of expansion France and managing director at Ardian, added, “We are delighted to become Alstef Group’s new partner for the next phase of its development. We have every confidence in the management team and will use our expertise and access to the Ardian platform to support the group’s growth.”
The completion of the transaction is subject to the usual legal conditions and the approval of the relevant regulatory authorities.