MML and Bpifrance are pleased to announce that they have sold Gravotech, a worldwide leader in engraving, marking and cutting solutions, to US-listed group Brady Corporation, concluding a successful partnership.

MML and Bpifrance invested in Gravotech in 2018 recognising the market opportunity to build a global leader in engraving, marking and cutting solutions.

During the partnership with MML, the company:

• recruited key managers,
• developed new innovative products including laser technology;
• strengthened its international presence with a robust hybrid commercial organization spanning five regional clusters worldwide;
• optimized its production processes throughout France, US and China and invested in new production means (including new ERP implementation).

The company is now present across 75 countries through 5 regional clusters. With a diversified product portfolio on two complementary business segments: mechanical and laser equipment. The group serves a loyal client base of 60,000 spread across various sectors. The company has solid outlook, driven by market dynamics, new product launches, and strategic initiatives.

Brady is an US company group that produces and distributes complete solutions designed to identify and protect people, products and workplaces. Founded in 1914, Brady today employs around 5,600 people in more than 30 countries (13 in Europe, including France), and achieved worldwide sales of the order of USD 1.33 billion in fiscal year 2023.

Brady and Gravotech present important commercial synergies with different positioning and synergetic product ranges in the field of traceability and identification solutions. Gravotech’s acquisition, with its unique marking know-how, enriches Brady offers that currently include printing and labelling solutions.

Henry-Louis Mérieux and Louis de Montille from MML said:

« We deeply thank all the Gravotech teams for this successful partnership well positioning the group towards new successes, exciting technological products ahead and the drive to new development with the worldwide grasp of the Brady group. »

Arnaud Legardeur Investment Director from Bpifrance said:

 « The good relationship between MML, management and Bpifrance is certainly one of the keys to success. Congratulations to the Gravotech teams for their resilience and fighting spirit. The industrial alliance with Brady Corp is a very positive achievement. »

The MML deal team consisted of Henry-Louis Mérieux, Louis de Montille, Anne-Claire Lainé and Romain Souchois.

MML and the shareholders were advised by Amala Partners (Jean-Baptiste Marchand, Vincent Ville, Thomas de La Chapelle), Paul Hastings (Olivier Deren, Charlotte Dupont, Amandine Guignard).

Participants in the operation :

Company: Arnaud Linquette, Gérard Guyard

Investment banker (sell-side): Amala (Jean-Baptiste Marchand, Vincent Ville, Thomas de La Chapelle)

Corporate lawyer : Paul Hastings (Olivier Deren, Charlotte Dupont, Stéphane Henry)

DD Financial: 8Advisory (Stéphane Vanbergue)

DD Legal: Paul Hastings (Olivier Deren, Charlotte Dupont, Amandine Guignard)

DD strategic: LEK (Remy Ossman, Jason Duval)

DD tax: 8Advisory (Guillaume Rembry)