Translink Corporate Finance acted as financial advisor to Sotrinbois-GTSWood Group to its management team through a sponsorless MBO

Translink Corporate Finance in France acted as financial advisor to Sotrinbois-GTSWood Group, specialising in finishing and decorative products, to its management team through a sponsorless MBO.

Sotrinbois-GTSWood, a French market leader manufacture, processing and distribution of finishing and decorative products

Founded in 1985 and based in Charente-Maritime in France, the Sotrinbois-GTSWood Group specialises in the manufacture, processing and distribution of finishing and decorative products. As industry leaders, they have continuously expanded their product ranges, developed their sourcing of raw materials, and strengthened their industrial capabilities and logistics in order to meet customer expectations. Today, Sotrinbois-GTSWood is one of the leaders in finishing and decorative products.

The Group comprises two entities: Sotrinbois and GTS Wood, each specialising in a particular product category and/or complementary distribution channels (DIY superstores, trade distribution, e-commerce, etc).

Following on from the transaction completed in 2022 to bring the management team into the share capital, this new transaction enables them collectively to hold a majority stake in the Group. The founder and Chief Executive becomes Chairman of the Supervisory Board and retains a significant shareholding. He will continue to pass on his experience in relation to the Group’s industrial operations and logistics organisation, which remain key differentiating factors compared with its competitors.

Strong ambitions set out by the Group

Following completion of this transaction, the Group intends to continue pursuing its growth strategy by strengthening its commercial positions, expanding into new markets, increasing its product portfolio and diversifying its distribution channels.

Comments from Sotrinbois-GTSWood

Jérémy Roussarie, the newly appointed Chairman of the Group, commented:

“This is very clearly a handover built on continuity. We want to preserve the DNA of our Group and continue to develop it through organic growth and, where appropriate, external growth. We are the only major French distributor in our sector who are both a manufacturer and distributor, and to have integrated our logistics right through to our customers’ points of sale. We will continue to build on our expertise to ensure the highest quality of service for our customers and to keep meeting their needs.”