H.I.G. WhiteHorse Provides Financing to CCE Group to Propel Growth
H.I.G. WhiteHorse, a credit subsidiary of the global investment firm H.I.G. Capital, has recently announced the provision of a new first lien senior secured credit facility for CCE Group, a portfolio company of Hivest Capital Partners. Founded in Paris, France, in 2023, CCE Group was established following the spin-off of Driessen and AviusULD from Safran. The company is positioned strategically to develop businesses that lead in niche markets focused on cabin and cargo equipment, highlighting its commitment to innovation and market leadership.
Driessen is recognized globally as the market leader in galley equipment solutions, providing crucial products such as trolleys, containers, skids, and drawers, alongside cooling and connectivity systems. Similarly, AviusULD has established itself as a leading manufacturer of unit load devices, offering a diverse array of products including containers for both lower and upper decks, pallets, and spare parts. This particular expertise enables CCE Group to offer comprehensive solutions tailored for the aviation sector, further cementing its status as a key player in the industry.
In a statement, Klaus Hofmann, CEO of CCE, expressed his enthusiasm for the new financing, stating that it represents a significant milestone in the company's trajectory, allowing for enhanced strategic flexibility to accelerate their ambitions. Since the spin-off from Safran, CCE has laid down a robust and independent foundation. Hofmann emphasized that the trust placed in their capabilities positions them well to advance their vision of becoming an integrated leader in cabin and cargo equipment.
Pierre Mazières, CFO and Corporate Secretary of CCE, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that this funding will be instrumental in driving their future growth initiatives and expanding their market reach. Both Mazières and Hofmann are thrilled about the prospects the new capital infusion brings, reinforcing their commitment to innovation and sector leadership.
Barthélemy Grave, a directorat Hivest, expressed excitement about the partnership with H.I.G. WhiteHorse, noting that it opens up new avenues for CCE’s development and external growth strategy. Grave conveyed confidence that H.I.G. would be a perfect match for CCE and would actively support their growth journey. This partnership is anticipated to leverage H.I.G.'s expertise in fostering mid-market companies, thus facilitating further advancements for CCE in a competitive landscape.
Pascal Meysson, head of H.I.G. WhiteHorse Europe, recognized the impressive standing of CCE within its industry. He reflected on the firm’s commitment to supporting market leaders and stressed that CCE is poised to excel as an undisputed global leader in its field. Meysson reassured stakeholders of H.I.G.'s commitment to supporting CCE's continuous success and operational effectiveness.
Charles Bourgeois, General Director at H.I.G. WhiteHorse Europe, commended the significant efforts made by Hivest and CCE’s management team to ensure a successful split from Safran, which has resulted in tangible value creation. He expressed optimism regarding the future growth prospects of the group, bolstered by structural tailwinds in the aviation equipment market.
CCE (Cabin and Cargo Equipment Group), headquartered in Paris, is dedicated to developing companies that hold leading positions in niche markets related to cabin and cargo equipment. Additionally, Hivest Capital manages approximately €900 million and focuses on investing in mid-cap businesses across Europe and the US, aiming to maximize their potential through ambitious growth and operational performance strategies.
H.I.G. Capital is a leading global alternative investment firm with around $67 billion of capital under management, featuring a diverse portfolio of investments across various sectors. The firm specializes in providing both debt and equity investments, targeting mid-market companies while emphasizing operational support and strategic guidance all the way through its involvement with portfolio companies.
For more information about CCE Group, visit cc-equipment.com, and for information about Hivest Capital, visit hivestcapital.com. To learn more about H.I.G. Capital, check out their website at hig.com.