Crédit Agricole Private Equity invests in AEMI

Crédit Agricole Private Equity, via its LCL Régions Développement fund, is investing €1.5 million in AEMI, a group specialising in precision mechanical engineering. The investment is taking place through an OBO involving Dominique Guichené, the company's Chairman and sole owner, who will retain most of the capital.
AEMI was founded in 1980 by Mr Guichené, and is one of France's leading players in the high-speed precision manufacturing of mechanical components, and in the integration of mechanical and mechatronic sub-assemblies.
The group produces complex and large components in small and medium-sized production runs. Its serves high-value-added niche markets in sectors including military hardware, aeronautics, space and medicine. AEMI is based in Mérignac, and has three production sites: one in France (via its AGB subsidiary), one in Portugal (via its MPV subsidiary) and one in Tunisia (via its AGBI subsidiary). All three have ISO 9011 and EN 9100 certification. Customers consist mainly of large European manufacturing groups, and include Safran, Thalès, Dassault and Nexter.
AEMI generated €14 million of revenue in 2011 and has more than 250 employees.
Dominique Guichené, Chairman of the AEMI group, made the following comments: "Our ambition for the next five years is to double the size of our group in order to bolster our position as a major player in the precision mechanical engineering sector. This transaction will enable us to expand the range of products we offer to our customers, who have supported and trusted us for many years. We are pleased to welcome Crédit Agricole Private Equity as a shareholder, and look forward to meeting these challenges together."
François Lory, Director at Crédit Agricole Private Equity, said: "We were attracted by AEMI's market position and excellent reputation, along with the quality and stability of its management team. The group has developed acknowledged expertise over a period of more than 30 years, and this has enabled it to secure a loyal base of major manufacturing customers. We are proud to accompany AEMI as it pursues its strategy of controlled, profitable growth."