Business & Tech-enabled Services, M&A

Bryan, Garnier & Co acts as Sole Financial Advisor to Groupe Technic Assistance on the contemplated sale of the Company to NEO2, supported by CAPZA and Turenne Groupe

Groupe Technic Assistance, a well-regarded specialist in industrial engineering, has been acquired by NEO2, a prominent multi-specialist engineering and consulting group dedicated to the process industry and infrastructure sectors.

This marks NEO2’s second acquisition since February 2023, aligning with the group’s strategy to expand its range of capabilities for its industrial clients and increase its geographical footprint. NEO2 has established itself as a key player in process engineering consulting by providing technical assistance through fixed-price contracts, both in service centres and in recruitment. With a focus on the energy, environment and life sciences industries, NEO2 teams are involved in the design, construction and commissioning of new industrial units. 

This acquisition reflects NEO2’s commitment to diversifying its expertise. With Groupe Technic Assistance locations in Reims, Amiens, Metz, Lyon, Lille, and Rouen, NEO2 enhances its nationwide network, thereby strengthening its national presence and proximity to clients. 

The robust economic growth of Groupe Technic Assistance will allow NEO2 to achieve its ambitious objectives more rapidly, driven by an ambitious management team composed of Fabrice Lidy, Victor Coen and Benjamin Jeffroy, in collaboration with CAPZA, and Bpifrance who acquired a minority stake in July 2023 and Turenne Groupe, a shareholder since 2020. Groupe Technic Assistance will contribute approximately 120 employees. 

Finally, by integrating Groupe Technic Assistance’s capabilities, NEO2 gains advanced expertise in engineering and unique knowledge in the high value-added technician segment, a field the company has not yet explored.

Bryan, Garnier & Co acts as Sole Financial Advisor to Groupe Technic Assistance and its founder, Régis Huart.

Bryan, Garnier & Co conducted a competitive process involving Tier-1 French and international engineering groups. 

This marks another landmark transaction for Bryan, Garnier & Co’s Business & Tech-Enabled Services practice and is a further demonstration of its expertise in the consulting and engineering sectors. Other notable transactions include the acquisition of iPlan by Vulcain Engineering.

Founded in 1996 by Régis Huart, Groupe Technic Assistance has established itself as an expert in multi-sector industrial engineering, offering its clients tailor-made support for their technological development and energy management, through technical assistance and its engineering research department.

Groupe Technic Assistance operates across a diverse range of sectors, including agri-food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries, as well as infrastructure and construction. Its strong reputation in northeastern France and personalised approach have enabled it to develop a diversified portfolio of loyal clients.

Headquartered in Reims, the group has steadily enhanced its national presence by opening new offices. Today, it employs approximately 120 people, including 107 consultants, across its 6 locations in Reims, Amiens, Lyon, Metz, Lille, and Rouen.

Founded in 2008, NEO2 specialises in the design, development, maintenance, and optimisation of industrial sites. 

The group assists its clients at every stage of their projects, from initial studies to construction and dismantling. Its multi-specialist approach enables it to support a diverse range of industries, including energy, environment, health and cosmetics, agri-food, infrastructure, and manufacturing. 

Headquartered in Levallois-Perret, the group employs over 600 consultants across 11 offices in France and 1 office in Belgium. NEO2 is supported by the CAPZA 5 Flex Equity fund as a minority shareholder. 

Since 2004, CAPZA has been a leading European player in private equity and private debt for SMEs. With more than €9B assets under management, CAPZA leverages its expertise and passion for business development to serve institutional investors in Europe and around the world through a platform that encompasses six complementary areas of expertise: Growth Tech, Flex Equity, Flex Equity Mid-Market, Transition, Private Debt, and Artemid. 

CAPZA offers SMEs flexible financing solutions adapted to the different stages of their development. Thanks to its unique platform, CAPZA can support companies over the long term, offering them scalable financing solutions and assistance with sustainable development issues. As a generalist investment fund, CAPZA provides support to companies in the technology, health, and business services sectors. 

Through its Flex Equity fund, CAPZA provides flexible financing solutions that combine majority or minority equity, convertible bonds, and mezzanine financing to support the development projects of SMEs with EBITDA typically ranging from €5M to €20M. 

Since 2004, the CAPZA Flex Equity team has successfully completed 91 transactions involving equity and mezzanine financing. They provide flexible equity solutions tailored to each company’s project, establishing the fund as a trusted partner known for its close relationship with entrepreneurs.