Gillet Tools has finalized a secondary leveraged buyout involving Bpifrance, UI Investissement, and Sopromec Participations, enhancing its financial structure and international expansion potential.

Target Information

Gillet Tools, established in 1977 in Nogent, Haute-Marne, is a prominent manufacturer specializing in the design and production of bespoke tools aimed at maintenance and repair services. The firm primarily caters to major industrial clients while also providing its proprietary product range for direct sale or under white label agreements. With a dedicated workforce of 70 employees, Gillet Tools is known for its robust expertise in various domains, including research and development, prototyping, and multiple technical capabilities such as milling, cold forging, laser cutting, surface treatment, thermal treatment, thermoforming, and plastic injection.

The company has successfully carved out a niche in the automotive sector and is expanding its footprint within the broader industrial mobility market. Among its innovative offerings is the Move-It product designed for the railway sector, which allows maintenance operators to securely maneuver heavy train carriages weighing several tons. Approximately 50% of Gillet Tools' revenue comes from international markets, supported by a catalog of over 5,000 product references servicing 1,900 clients.

Industry Overview

The manufacturing sector in France has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in recent years, particularly within specialized niches like bespoke tool manufacturing. This segment is marked by the prevalence of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) such as