Cleon Capital Advisors (Cleon) has announced the entry into the capital of Italian company ABK Industrie Ceramiche S.p.A. (ABK). Cleon has invested 45 million euros, mostly through a capital increase, with the aim of supporting ABK’s upcoming development and expansion stage.
Founded in 1992 in Finale Emilia (Modena), ABK is Italy's leading manufacturer of sintered stone for state-of-the-art contemporary architectural coatings. For the past 7 years, the group has invested over €100 million in the development of cutting-edge production technologies and in strengthening its international presence through the acquisition of the French company Desvres and through commercial agreements in the United States. ABK has also distinguished itself for the quality and design of its products, which include an exclusive license with Versace, and for numerous innovative architectural solutions, such as the patented invisible induction system for kitchen countertops, “Cooking Surface Prime”.
The partnership with Cleon will allow ABK to capitalize on the investments made by accelerating and expanding growth opportunities with speed and flexibility.
Nicola Zambon, founding partner of Cleon, has stated, "We are very pleased with our partnership with the founders and executives of ABK, a company that combines technological innovation with 'Made in Italy' design and has significant development potential. Alongside our partners and the entrepreneurs who support us, we have achieved significant milestones in the past 12 months, solidifying our track record in both Spain and Italy."
At the end of 2022, Cleon successfully sold the Spanish biotech company Algenex and in March 2023, closed a funding round of 15 million euros to support the growth of Cocoon Bioscience, a Spanish company dedicated to the production of high-value enzymes and proteins. Furthermore, in April 2023, Cleon announced the creation of Hevo Group, a leading Spanish egg producer, which, in just 4 years, has managed to triple its size, reaching 150 million euros in revenues. In Italy, Cleon has participated, alongside the British fund Charterhouse, in the delisting operation of the Italian nutraceutical company Labomar, in which Cleon invested in 2020.
Cleon:
Cleon Capital Advisors is an independent investment and consulting firm based in Spain that partners with entrepreneurs, managers, and investors to help them build successful companies by providing flexible capital solutions combined with first class corporate development services.
Cleon is backed by over 50 family offices, successful entrepreneurs, and managers mainly from Spain, Italy, and the rest of Europe, who provide capital, industrial expertise, and access to a unique and valuable international network of contacts.
Currently, Cleon holds positions in the capital of four companies: two in Spain (Hevo Group and Cocoon Bioscience) and two in Italy (Gias and Labomar), now adding ABK to Cleon’s portfolio. These companies have a combined revenue exceeding €550 million and employ approximately 1,500 individuals. In all these projects, Cleon actively collaborates with the founders and management to accelerate the development of their companies, with a particular focus on international expansion and growth through acquisitions.
For more information: www.cleoncapital.com
ABK:
Founded in 1992 in Finale Emilia (Modena), ABK Group Industrie Ceramiche S.p.A. is one of the leading companies in the production and marketing of porcelain stoneware coverings for interior design and furnishings. Since its foundation, ABK has been dedicated to technological innovation and continuous product performance, striving for excellence in quality, functionality, and ease of application to meet the ever-growing demands of the market. Through ongoing investments in research and development, and the added value of Italian know-how, ABK has developed innovative ceramic materials over the years, including the Auto-Leveling™ system, large-format WIDE slabs, the patented invisible induction system for kitchen countertops, Cooking Surface Prime, state-of-the-art products with three-dimensional effects using System Ceramics’ Genesis technology and the exclusive range of refined products for Maison Versace.
ABK's products and production processes are a clear demonstration of the renowned 'Made in Italy' quality and align with the increasingly rigorous sustainability standards set by green building principles. With a certified use of 40% recycled materials in roughly 80% of its product range, ABK can meet international LEED standards for its various collections right from the design phase. ABK's products are distributed in more than 80 countries, and the company has over 600 employees. In 2022, the consolidated revenues surpassed 200 million euros.
For more information: www.abkgrouparchitecturalsurfaces.com
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