Since its arrival in the Spanish market in 2016, Ardian, one of the most important international investment firms, has shown a strong commitment to the growth and development of local companies. With over €2.000 million invested in the last eight years, the manager has managed to consolidate a privileged position in the private equity sector in Spain, supporting both family companies and founders and entrepreneurs.
Ardian has maintained an industrial approach with a clear goal: to identify projects with high transformative potential. This strategy has materialized in the investment in leading companies within their market niche, with expansion capacity and international vocation. Among its most notable operations in recent years is the acquisition and subsequent divestment of Grupo Monbake, valued at almost €1.000 million and sold to CVC Capital Partners in 2024, in one of the major transactions of the year.
Gonzalo Fernández-Albiñana, Ardian’s Managing Director in Spain and Portugal, highlighted the importance of the Monbake operation, describing it as a “very artisan deal,” a result of the integration of two large companies, Berlys and Bellsolà. These companies, which competed in the baking sector, were unified under the same group, creating an entity with critical size capable of leading the consolidation process in its sector. “The COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine presented great challenges for Monbake, but the company continued to grow exponentially,” Fernández-Albiñana added.
In 2022, Ardian expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of Aire Networks, an operation that stands out in the telecommunications sector. Aire Networks, acquired from Magnum Capital, is another example of Ardian’s interest in sectors with high potential for digitization and transformation. The strategic plan for Aire Networks (Grupo Aire) includes the migration of the company towards cloud and digitalization services, a process in which Ardian has been working closely with the company’s founder, Raúl Aledo. “Aire Networks is a key piece in our transformational strategy within the technology sector,” Fernández-Albiñana explained.
The manager has made it clear that its vocation in Spain is long-term. Through its seventh buyout fund, valued at €7.500 million, Ardian continues to actively analyze new investment opportunities in sectors such as food, technology, health, and services. In addition, Ardian has shown interest in organic and inorganic growth operations, being very selective in the search for companies that can benefit from its experience and capital.
Fernández-Albiñana concluded by emphasizing the importance of Spain within Ardian’s global strategy: “This country is key for us. We have proven to be a trusted partner, committed to the growth of local companies and the creation of long-term value.”
In the coming years, Ardian will continue its expansion in the Spanish market, with a clear commitment to transformative projects and companies with international vocation, reaffirming its commitment to the local economy and business sector.
Source: Revista Capital & Corporate