Charterhouse, now primarily an Anglo French firm, has been investing in Continental Europe for over 30 years. During that time we have invested in France, Spain, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and Sweden.
In May 2007 we completed the €2.4bn acquisition of ista, a global sub-metering business with revenues of €600m. In July 2006 we completed the €2.5bn acquisition of Elior, a leading European catering company with revenues of €3bn, and in December 2006 we agreed to buy Vivarte in a €3.5bn transaction. Vivarte is a French retailing group, with leading market shares in footwear and clothing, and revenues of €2.6bn. In addition to these, in the last few years we have been active in Spain and Germany as well as in the UK and France.
Over the years, Charterhouse has acquired a great deal of experience in acquiring major divisions of listed multinational groups and in dealing with the often complex separation issues and transitional services arrangements that may arise in these carve-out transactions.
Wherever the transaction our approach remains the same - we commit experienced team members to lead and progress the transaction and critically to remain with the company throughout our ownership.