Equistone-backed Ligentia to combine with VGL Solid Group

• Equistone invested in Ligentia in February 2021
• The deal will propel Ligentia Group’s revenues to over £1 billion
• Partners Group and Santander are providing financing for the deal

Equistone-backed Ligentia has agreed to combine with Polish supply chain, logistics solutions and freight provider VGL Solid Group. Equistone first invested in UK-based Ligentia in February 2021 to back its growth plans. Ligentia is a supply chain technology and services provider that specialises in manufacturing, consumer brands, pharmaceuticals and the retail sector.

London-based Equistone operates across the Benelux, France, Germany, Switzerland and the UK. It looks for strong middle-market companies with growth potential. Its target enterprise value range is between €50 million and €500 million and it looks to invest equity of between €25 million and €200 million from its €2.8 billion fund, Equistone Partners Europe Fund VI.

“We have been hugely impressed by Ligentia’s clear ambition to scale and build a diverse, customer-focused and responsive global supply chain management solutions business,” said Sebastien Leusch and Chris Candfield, investment directors at Equistone. “The team have delivered exceptional growth over the last two years, including the launch of its US business.”

The newly formed company will create an end-to-end service offering that combines Ligentia’s international network, proprietary technology and upstream services with VGL’s expertise and logistics, European road freight and ocean services.

“We have enjoyed a fantastic relationship with VGL for many years and this is a very exciting milestone in our journey together,” said Nick Jones, group CEO. “Both businesses thrive because of our aligned values and commitment to centre customers at the heart of our organisations which means we invest, develop and commit resources to make sure we achieve a great experience for our customers. The forward-looking business will be even better placed to enhance our combined technology offering, provide new services and connect a diverse team ready to deliver our next phase of growth.”

The transaction is set to complete in the third quarter of 2022.