BNP Paribas Developpement backs Cinto

Following the deal, CEO Philippe Plessis will increase its stake and become the majority shareholder.

French lenders CEPAC and Banque Populaire Méditerranée deployed a debt package to support the deal.

BNP Paribas Developpement invests between €1-20m in French businesses with the aim of supporting their growth and expansion plans.

This deal ends a seven-year holding period for Rhône-Alpes PME, which backed the company – at the time known as Finsud – via its Rhône-Alpes PME 2010 vehicle. Three business angels also invested in the company alongside the fund.

The GP targets small and medium-sized businesses primarily based across the French region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and neighbouring Switzerland, and deploys up to €4m per deal.

Under Rhône-Alpes PME's ownership and Plessis's management, the group consolidated its market position in the retail and distribution segment, expanded its client base and increased its revenues from €7.5m in 2013 to €9m in 2019.

Company
Established in 2007 and headquartered in Sorgues, Cinto specialises in store layout design and planning for pharmacies, supermarkets and various retailers.

It operates under two brands: Proexpace, which focuses on furniture, displays and fixtures for pharmacies, and Sudexpo, which is dedicated to a wide range of retailers, including grocery shops, large supermarkets and organic stores.

People
BNP Paribas Developpement – Eléonore Marchat, Luc Pascal (investment directors).
Rhône-Alpes PME – Cyril Fromager (managing partner).
Groupe Cinto – Philippe Plessis (CEO).

Advisers
Vendors – Mazars Corporate Finance (corporate finance); Facchin Avocats (legal).

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