Ardian announces its acquisition of Finaxy, a French leader in insurance brokerage, from Equistone

Ardian, a world-leading private investment house, today announces that it has acquired a majority stake in Finaxy, a French multi-specialist B2B and B2C insurance broker, from Equistone Partners Europe, a leading European mid-market private equity firm.

Founded in 2009 under the leadership of Erick Berville, Finaxy has become a top 10 insurance broker in France following Equistone’s acquisition of a majority stake in the Group in 2014. With a strategic positioning focused on B2C niches and specific B2B business expertise, the Group has successfully leveraged its know-how to build a third offering dedicated to insurers and bank insurers. Since its inception, the Group has delivered strong organic growth and an active buy-and-build strategy, with 27 acquisitions in France, two of which took place in 2020. In the current challenging market environment, Ardian Expansion has remained focused on growing companies both organically and through build-ups. With the support of Ardian, Finaxy plans to accelerate its buy-and-build strategy and strengthen its leading multi-specialist positioning.

Alexis Lavaillote, Managing Director in the Ardian Expansion team, said: “Knowing this sector quite well, we were convinced by Finaxy's multi-specialist positioning and its potential for organic growth across its three businesses. Under the leadership of Erick Berville, Finaxy has also been a key player in the consolidation of a still fragmented market and we will continue to support and accelerate this external growth policy. We are delighted to support Erick and his teams who, beyond their performance, have demonstrated agility and a strong entrepreneurial culture.”

Erick Berville, Founder and CEO of Finaxy, added: “The Group Management and I would like to thank Equistone for the past six years. This close teamwork has enabled us to achieve common goals while respecting Finaxy's human and entrepreneurial values, and to smartly position the group for strong and ambitious development. We have chosen to continue this journey with Ardian and we are delighted to welcome them. We share this DNA and it will enable us to pursue and accelerate our organic and external growth momentum. You can't stop dreaming while you're on the move."

Guillaume Jacqueau, Managing Partner at Equistone, concluded: "We are proud to have worked with Finaxy for more than six years and to have played our role as a strategic partner. Finaxy's management has done a remarkable job in expanding the product offering and developing new niche markets through organic and external growth. The Group has become one of France's leading independent brokers and we are convinced that Finaxy is well positioned to continue consolidating its leading position in the future.”