Groupe JVS has completed an LBO with CAPZA and Bpifrance

October 2024 — The shareholders of Groupe JVS have completed an LBO with CAPZA and Bpifrance. Parquest sold their shares after partnering with the organization for three years. Groupe JVS’s management team will increase its ownership and remain as the majority shareholder of the group, alongside CAPZA and Bpifrance.

Founded in 1983, Groupe JVS develops software for the French public administration. The group provides more than 15,000 municipalities and local authorities with SaaS solutions for all areas: finance, HR, civic life, childhood care, public facilities and municipal elections. Groupe JVS has emerged as a consolidator by successfully completing acquisitions, including Better Company, Start ABI, Sistec and Be Attractive, as well as having several targets under negotiation.

Created in 2004, CAPZA is an established European private investment platform focused on small and mid-cap companies. CAPZA serves investors around the world and provides expertise in six complementary areas: growth tech, flex equity, flex equity mid-market, private debt, transition and Artemid tailored financing solutions.

The second buyer is Bpifrance, a French public investment bank dedicated to financing and developing businesses. It was created at the end of 2012 following the merger between Oséo, CDC Entreprises, Fonds Stratégique d'Investissement (FSI) and FSI Régions. The organization supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), midsize companies and innovative businesses.

Parquest Capital invests in French midsize companies and focuses on long-term growth projects, both in France and abroad. The company’s strategy is to build effective, strong and trustworthy partnerships, and its portfolio companies focus on three sectors: consumer goods and retail, B2B services and healthcare.

Our role in the transaction

Oaklins’ team in France supported Groupe JVS and its shareholders throughout this highly competitive sales process, structuring the most attractive transaction. The team had previously advised Groupe JVS’s shareholders in 2016 and 2020.