About us

Crédit Agricole Private Equity is the Crédit Agricole group's private equity arm. Its team of fifty professionals supports companies at all stages of their growth and expansion, from start-up right through to sale, in a long-term relationship of mutual trust and proximity.

As an active shareholder in over 250 companies, we aim at becoming a leading multi-specialist player in the private equity market. Our underlying goal is to provide investors with top tier quality management and investment returns while respecting the fundamental rules governing our business.

Our expertise

Our teams specialise in a range of segments and business areas:

   - LBO&Expansion: Crédit Agricole Private Equity seeks growth projects and acquisition financing opportunities and is involved in all types of buy-out/buyin deals.
   - Venture Capital: Crédit Agricole Private Equity supports the development of young high-potential
companies in the technology and life sciences sectors. Crédit Agricole Private Equity is one of France's three largest companies in this market. 
   - Mezzanine: Mezzanis provides mezzanine and quasi-equity financing. Its team supports investee companies in their growth plans.
   - Renewable energy: first institutional FCPR fund dedicated to renewable energies.  
   - PPP Infrastructure: investment fund for infrastructures funded through public-private partnership contracts or operated under concessions.
  - Co-investment: Created in 2008, this business takes minority stakes in buyouts alongside European and American funds.

  - Special situations: this activity covers all possible difficulties that might be encountered by a company, including liquidity problems, conflicts between shareholders, financial or trading difficulties (underperformance). 

Corporate governance and organisation

Crédit Agricole Private Equity has developed an effective, rigorous and operational framework that meets the most demanding industry standards. Investment decisions are taken on a consensus basis with a strong focus on risk management.

Collegial decision-making at all levels is the best guarantee of independent management. It is exercised in complete independence and transparency, in keeping in line with the core principles of loyalty, confidentiality and fairness to investors, with their best interests always in mind. Collegiality is also the watchword throughout the private equity process.

Decisions taken by the investment teams are implemented and controlled on a day-to-day basis by support teams which have separate reporting lines: business support, finance, legal affairs, permanent and periodical controls. These teams are responsible for ensuring that investments, internal organisation and internal procedures are secure and comply with legal and regulatory requirements and industry practices.

 

Internal processes are based on the AFIC's code of ethics and professional code of best practice for private equity companies. Crédit Agricole Private Equity has appointed a Compliance Officer to ensure respect for these principles and for other procedures, such as investment/exit, valuation, and prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing. The Compliance Officer also attends valuation committee meetings to ensure that appropriate methods are used. He is advised of all investment projects in order to identify any potential conflicts of interest. 

 

Crédit Agricole Private Equity has opted for the legal status of société anonyme (S.A.) with a Supervisory Board and a Management Board.