Montefiore Investment celebrates 20 years of success and unveils its ambitions for 2030

Since 2005, Montefiore Investment has established itself as the benchmark player for investment in SMEs and service companies in France and Europe.
On the occasion of its 20th anniversary, the company takes stock of an exceptional entrepreneurial journey, marked by some of the best performances in Europe, and sets its course: to continue its European expansion and reach €10 billion in assets under management by 2030.

A remarkable growth trajectory

With €5 billion of equity under management and a team of 70 professionals in Paris and Milan, Montefiore Investment has become one of Europe’s best-performing funds, with a net annual internal rate of return (IRR) of 20% over 20 years. Since 2005, the management company has been helping ambitious entrepreneurs to accelerate their profitable and sustainable growth, based on a buyout strategy dedicated to service SMEs and SMIs. This long-standing strategy is complemented by two complementary strategies, Flexequity and Greentech, enabling us to support companies at different stages of their development and accelerate their transformation.

These companies, which were growing at an average rate of 8% a year before Montefiore took a stake in them, have since seen their growth triple to 26% a year, of which 16% is organic growth and 10% external growth. This acceleration is based on a proven method for creating value, founded on strategic support, stimulating organic growth, accelerating digital transformation and international deployment, and structuring and managing external growth operations, with more than 500 additional acquisitions in 20 years.

As a result of this development and the growth of the companies it has supported, Montefiore’s portfolio has helped to increase their workforce by 21,000 jobs, including 10,000 net new jobs.

“Over the past 20 years, we have demonstrated that it is possible to transform companies into leaders in their sectors, without abandoning their entrepreneurial DNA or their local roots. Our approach is based on growth, commitment to management and a commitment to sustainable performance. At a time when Europe needs to rethink its economic engines, SMEs and SMIs must be at the heart of its strategy.

Eric Bismuth
CEO of Montefiore Investment

Transforming local players into European champions

Over the past two decades, Montefiore Investment has demonstrated its ability to create leaders on a European scale. B&B Hôtels, which grew from 60 to 450 establishments in Europe when it exited the management company’s capital, the European Camping Group, which has become the world leader in open-air hotels, Asmodée, the world leader in board games, and Generix, the leading supply chain software company, are all examples of this ambition for profitable and sustainable growth.

This ability to create value across all its funds and holdings confirms the robustness of Montefiore Investment’s business model and its global expertise in strategic support. Initially focused on France and Italy, the companies in the portfolio are now present in over 40 countries on 4 continents.

On the strength of the opening of its Milan office and its experience in the internationalisation of growth companies, Montefiore Investment intends to strengthen its geographical deployment in Europe, with a target of €10 billion in equity capital under management by 2030.

A historic commitment to the tourism sector

With unique experience in the sector, Montefiore has been managing the Nov Tourisme fund since 2021, launched at the initiative of Caisse des Dépôts and France Assureurs to support the recovery of the sector affected by the Covid crisis. With almost €200 million invested, the 16 companies financed have recorded 82% growth in sales and a 22% improvement in profitability compared with 2019. The fund has also contributed to the creation of more than 1,800 net jobs and investments of over €300 million in three years.

With the support of its investors, Montefiore will continue to build on this momentum to help strengthen and develop the ‘Blue Gold’ that contributes the same amount to our trade balance as France’s energy bill, thanks to a second fund of between €250 and €300 million.

The Grand Prix des Lionnes to showcase SMEs and ETIs

For the 4thᵉ year running, Montefiore is behind the Grand Prix des Lionnes, an event that honours SMEs and ETIs, truly key players in the French economy.
These companies account for 40% of investment, over 50% of added value and 75% of jobs in France.

Through this award, Montefiore is highlighting their essential contribution to growth and innovation, while raising awareness of the tax and regulatory obstacles that can hamper their development. France has fewer ETIs than some of its European neighbours. Yet these companies represent a major economic challenge: they shape the real economy, support and create jobs, energise regions, promote innovation, contribute to national sovereignty and meet the challenges of sustainability.

Since its creation in 2022, several hundred companies have already applied for the Grand Prix des Lionnes, and nearly 30 of them have been rewarded for their excellence and their sustainable growth trajectory.