Loxam, the European leader in the equipment rental market, received last night the 2019 acquisition of the year Trophy awarded by the “Club des Trente” for its €1.5 billion public tender offer on Ramirent, a company listed on the Helsinki stock exchange. The jury of the “Club des Trente” underlined the exceptional nature of this operation, a major step in the transformation of Brittany based SME into a global leader in its sector, with combined revenue of € 2.3 billion.

This friendly combination between the numbers 1 and 2 of the European market is not only the largest operation ever completed in Europe in the sector, but also the most international ever carried out in the construction equipment rental market, a sector with predominant local or national anchors. The leading positions of Ramirent in Northern and Central Europe have complemented those of Loxam, to constitute a true pan-European leader, benefiting from a portfolio of # 1 positions in twelve national markets, among the most important in Europe.

Since 1973, the “Club des Trente” brings together executives currently in office or having exercised financial functions in large French companies, with the aim to promote their means of expression and influence. Through the “Club des Trente” Trophy, the Club demonstrates that financial markets can be used in the service of ambitious industrial strategies, fully compatible with sustainable development purposes. The Trophy rewards innovative operations that best illustrate these two perspectives, and thereby create long-term shareholder value. It has thus become one of the most sought-after awards for businesses and their financial and legal advisors.

“I am very proud to receive this prestigious award, which rewards the entire Loxam Group for its joint operational and financial successes, and its development in recent years. I would like to thank the “Club des Trente”, its partners, and the Jury for highlighting this great entrepreneurial adventure. I would like as well to share this success with our legal and financial advisors, with whom we have built in time a trusted relationship, which facilitated the rapid and smooth execution of the transaction“, said Gérard Déprez, President of Loxam.

Loxam has been advised by Deutsche Bank, as lead M&A advisor, and Handelsbanken. Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton and Roschier were M&A legal counsel, while Latham & Watkins acted as legal counsel for the financing. Brunswick and Cocomms advised on communication. KPMG Transaction Services performed the financial due diligence. Deutsche Bank, BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole and Natixis have arranged the financing of the transaction. The banks have been advised by Shearman & Sterling.