Riverside backs EPCO

The Riverside Company has made an undisclosed investment in European Panel Company SA, a maker of panels for overhead doors. CBC Banque and Belfius provided the financing while Allen & Overy, Advocatenkantoor Parmentier, Deloitte and Munich Strategy Group advised Riverside on the transaction.

PRESS RELEASE

The Riverside Company has invested in European Panel Company S.A. (EPCO), the European leader in panels for overhead doors. EPCO makes sandwich panels for residential, commercial and industrial sectional overhead doors.

EPCO’s product suite includes traditional panels for industrial doors and finger-safe panels for residential garage doors sold across Europe. The company boasts a highly automated modern manufacturing plant in Wallonia near the French border.

“We are very impressed with EPCO’s production processes and operations, and we see compelling avenues to scale the business based on its exceptional quality and innovative approach,” said Riverside Partner Karsten Langer.

EPCO meets customer needs faster and offers more product variations due to its automated, high-quality production and strong focus on customer service. EPCO has been outperforming its competitors in terms of growth and quality for a number of years.

Riverside intends to provide support and expertise to allow EPCO to strengthen its position as the leading player in the market, in particular through boosting manufacturing and expanding its sales force and organization. The company has a solid presence in Benelux and France with ample opportunity to grow in both those established markets and throughout Europe.

“We’re delighted to partner with Riverside,” said EPCO Founder and CEO Pierre Meulders. “Their experience in growing companies like ours across Europe and their operational expertise made them an ideal partner for fostering the next chapter in EPCO’s proud history.”

Working with Langer on the deal for Riverside were Vice President Damien Gaudin and Vice President Jeroen Lenssen. Lenssen also sourced the deal for Riverside.

Financing for the transaction was provided by CBC Banque and Belfius. Allen & Overy, Advocatenkantoor Parmentier, Deloitte and Munich Strategy Group advised Riverside on the investment. Abundanza Corporate Finance and NautaDutilh advised sellers and the company.

About The Riverside Company
The Riverside Company is a global private equity firm focused on acquiring and investing in growing businesses valued at up to $400 million. Since its founding in 1988, Riverside has invested in more than 430 transactions. The firm’s international portfolio includes more than 80 companies.