FCDE announced the first and final closing of its third local specialist strategy buyout fund, FCDE Fund III, at €400 million. The fund was oversubscribed and represents an increase of approximately 45 percent from the prior fund, FCDE Fund II, which closed in 2023 at €277 million. The fundraising was completed in slightly more than six months despite a competitive fundraising environment.
FCDE focuses on the development and transformation of French SMEs and mid-cap companies with strong growth potential. The firm continues to pursue its strategy of working closely with management teams to accelerate value creation and operational transformation. The new fund received significant support from existing and new institutional investors in France and internationally, reflecting sustained confidence in the firm’s track record.
The firm’s approach is based on helping companies with solid fundamentals move into their next stage of development. This includes operational improvement, scaling initiatives, and strategic evolution. FCDE has backed over 30 entrepreneurial development projects and aims to continue supporting companies in driving long-term, responsible value creation.
UBS Private Funds Group served as the exclusive global private placement agent for FCDE Fund III. Clifford Chance advised FCDE on legal matters related to the formation of both FCDE Fund III and the prior FCDE Fund II.
KEY QUOTES:
“The success of FCDE III reaffirms the trust LPs have in our investment approach. It reflects our ability to deliver attractive investment opportunities, drive value creation through active management and ultimately deliver strong and consistent outcomes across market cycles. We want to thank our growing LP base in showing their support and confidence in the Team.”
Benoît Sellam, CEO of FCDE
