Tractel

Tractel is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of lifting and handling equipment, suspended platforms and personal fall arrest equipment. The group is present in Europe, the United States and Asia.

Chequers Capital had long been acquainted with Denis Pradon, the group’s CEO and it was Chequers that he turned to in order to organise Tractel’s shareholders succession.

The group’s development project consisted, on the one hand, on supporting the growth in its markets, which benefited from strong growth drivers; and on the other hand, involved expanding the group’s product range with targeted acquisitions or new product developments (similar to what the group’s achievements in fall protection products).

Value creation

The group experienced strong revenue growth during the investment period, driven by the fall arrest and access platform businesses, and by acquisitions of complementary product lines. Profitability almost doubled during this period, also generating substantial cash flow. The group was sold in 2007 to a financial investor.

Investment year
2001
Turnover at acquisition
€100-200m
Type of operation
MBO
Business sector
Asset light Industrials
Country
France