Paris - Paul Hastings (Europe) LLP advised Equistone in connection with the LBO on Safic-Alcan, a group specialized in the distribution of chemical products. The LBO was structured by EMZ Partners, Sagard, IK Partners, Société Générale Capital Partenaires and Geneo Capital Entrepreneur, alongside the management team led by Yann Lissillour.

Safic-Alcan develops and distributes polymers, materials and additives to industrial clients in many sectors. With approximately 700 employees, the group has a turnover of €725 million, more than half of which comes from its activities abroad thanks to its offices in Europe, the Middle East, North America, Mexico, China and South Africa.

The transaction, while allowing the renewal of the management shareholding, will enable the Safic-Alcan group to pursue its strong external growth.

The senior external financing for this transaction was provided by ING, Natixis, Société Générale, CIC and HSBC.

Paul Hastings' team on this transaction was led by Olivier Deren and Sébastien Crepy (Partners) and included Vincent Nacinovic (Associate) for the contractual and corporate law aspects as well as Allard de Waal (Partner) and Thomas Pulcini (Of Counsel) for the tax aspects.

The shareholders of Safic-Alcan were advised by Goodwin and Altaïr Avocats.

IK Partners was advised by Willkie Farr & Gallagher and Geneo Capital Entrepreneur by Sekri Valentin Zerrouk.

The senior lenders were advised by Latham & Watkins.