Created in 2014 by Cédric Robert and Koen Wille, the PF INVEST holding company continues its development by acquiring FSM, specialized since 1972 in subcontracting in machining, mechanical welding, and assembly of parts and heavy equipment.
This operation is part of the sale, under the M&A advice of MBA Capital, one of our French Partners, of this industrial SME by Nathalie Pareyt, who, with Jean-Luc Pareyt, has supported its development since the exit of the Fives Group, historic shareholder of FSM. OCÉAN PARTICIPATIONS, already a partner of PF INVEST in its other investments, is also part of the funding round.
Located in the Meuse region in Bar-le-Duc, FSM works with all types of steel or stainless alloys. Its expertise covers welding, mechanical welding, machining, and assembly of medium and large equipment. Around 75 employees work on the Bar-le-Duc site, operating an efficient machine park.
A subsidiary of the Fives Group until 2019, FSM has expanded its positioning in recent years in sectors with high added value, such as nuclear or cryogenics, which require great know-how and the recruitment of specific skills.
A new team is joining FSM's capital, made up of Cédric Robert and Koen Wille, two entrepreneurs active in the French industrial fabric. It is also supported by OCÉAN PARTICIPATIONS, a subsidiary of Crédit Mutuel Océan.
Cédric Robert and Koen Wille are part of the continuity of the strategy implemented for 5 years by Jean-Luc and Nathalie Pareyt.
We were very impressed with FSM’s expertise. Its employees have technical expertise recognized by the biggest players in the industry, which has enabled the company to become a strategic subcontractor for its clients, declared the new shareholders.
OCÉAN PARTICIPATIONS, a strong supporter of regional SMEs, has already supported more than 260 companies, mainly SMEs/SMIs from Charente-Maritime, Deux-Sèvres, and Vendée.
We knew the world of industry well and were keen to once again work alongside Cédric Robert and Koen Wille to continue the development of FSM. Their know-how and ability to respond to their clients' challenges won us over. In addition, the history of this sale takes on a particular character that is truly meaningful for us. It thus allows the preservation of this historic company in its territory by strengthening our links with its two managers who will continue the dynamic initiated by Mr. and Mrs. Pareyt, adds Vincent Bouraud, Investment Manager at OCÉAN PARTICIPATIONS.
The know-how of the FSM teams, in professions under pressure, did not have to be demonstrated to the Purchaser; alongside Madame Pareyt, we have been very vigilant about the sustainability of an entrepreneurial culture within FSM, conclude Bertrand Dufay and Noémie Knipper of MBA Capital Strasbourg.