UI Investissement has divested its stake in Metalu Plast, the leading French sports equipment manufacturer, following a successful management transition and a strategic capital reorganization aimed at boosting international growth.

Information on the Target

Metalu Plast, founded in 1980 in Soliers, Calvados, is recognized as the leading manufacturer of sports equipment in France. The company specializes in the design, production, and sale of sports equipment, fences, and multi-sport fields made from steel and aluminum. In 2014, Metalu Plast expanded its portfolio to include playgrounds and recreational equipment for children following its acquisition of Synchronicity. Today, the company boasts nearly 2,500 certified products, including certifications like Origine France Garantie, ISO 9001, and FIFA Quality, which are sold to professional clients in over 50 countries, including specialized distributors, installers, direct sales companies, fence makers, and landscapers.

With a commitment to local production, Metalu Plast sources 80% of its components from France and manufactures an extensive range of sports equipment. Each year, it produces over 3,000 football goals, 1,100 handball goals, and 150 multi-sports fields, using approximately 700 tons of steel and aluminum. Over the years, UI Investissement has played a significant role in Metalu Plast's growth, initially investing in 2008 when the company faced a change in ownership and revenue stood at under €10 million.

Industry Overview in France

The sports equipment industry in France has demonstrated significant growth, driven by increasing interest in sports and physical fitness among the population. With a push for healthier lifestyles, the demand for quality sports equ