KPS Capital Partners Announces Majority Acquisition of Novacel from Compagnie Chargeurs Invest SA

KPS Capital Partners Acquires Majority Stake in Novacel

On January 27, 2026, KPS Capital Partners, LP (KPS) announced an important step in its corporate growth strategy by finalizing an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Chargeurs Films de Protection SAS, commonly known as Novacel. This strategic move not only solidifies KPS's foothold in the market but also promises significant innovations in surface protection solutions across various industries.

Strategic Details of the Acquisition

KPS plans to execute this acquisition through a new subsidiary, with Compagnie Chargeurs Invest SA retaining a 25% stake in Novacel. While the financial details surrounding this acquisition remain undisclosed, the closing of the transaction is anticipated in the second quarter of 2026, pending standard closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Novacel: A Leader in Surface Protection

Hailing from Deville, France, Novacel is renowned for its advanced surface protection solutions catering to sectors such as building exteriors, interior furnishings, industry, household appliances, and transportation. The company boasts a comprehensive product range that includes protective films, tapes, papers, and special machines. Currently employing around 700 personnel, Novacel operates six manufacturing facilities and three R&D centers located in France, Italy, and the United States, positioning itself as a global leader in the industry.

Comments from Key Stakeholders

Pierre de Villeméjane, Partner and Co-Head of KPS Mid-Cap Investments, expressed enthusiasm regarding the acquisition, highlighting Novacel's diverse product portfolio and geographical presence. He emphasized the importance of Novacel's solutions in customer manufacturing processes across diverse applications. He stated, "We are excited about the acquisition of a majority stake in Novacel, a manufacturer of differentiated surface protection solutions. We look forward to collaborating with Novacel's talented management team to build upon this robust platform."

Philippe Denoix, CEO of Novacel, affirmed KPS’s suitability as the next owner of Novacel, highlighting its proven track record in manufacturing. Denoix anticipates a close collaboration with KPS to enhance the firm's technical leadership and continue delivering innovative, high-quality products that provide significant value to their customers. He added, “KPS’s commitment to excellence in operational performance and innovation will allow us to strengthen Novacel's market position further.”

Michaël Fribourg, Chairman and CEO of Chargeurs, noted that KPS's strategic vision for Novacel and its impressive record in guiding global manufacturing entities gave Chargeurs confidence in this partnership. He emphasized the collaborative potential of KPS and Chargeurs to propel Novacel into its next growth phase, particularly focusing on mergers and acquisitions within the surface protection market.

The Vision Moving Forward

With this acquisition, KPS is positioned to catalyze Novacel's growth trajectory. The company’s robust operational capabilities combined with KPS’s substantial strategic and financial resources lay the groundwork for future enhancements and developments in surface protection technology. KPS Capital Partners, established over three decades ago, manages around $19.5 billion in assets and has a long history of successful investments across various sectors. Their specific focus on operational enhancements rather than simple financial engineering underscores their commitment to sustainable growth.

For additional details about Novacel, visit www.novacel-solutions.com. More information regarding KPS Capital Partners can be found at www.kpsfund.com. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for both companies as they strive to push boundaries in the surface protection industry.