Wise merges KBC and Guarisco to create Imprima

Amedeo Goria
02 February 2017

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Italian buyout house Wise has fully acquired and merged German textile printing provider KBC and Italian textile producer Guarisco into a new business called Imprima.

As part of the deal, Wise fully acquired the two companies through its Wisequity IV fund and subsequently merged them into a new company called Imprima, where the GP holds a majority stake.

According to a source familiar with the situation, institutional investors backing Wisequity IV co-invested with the GP in the merged group and will retain a minority stake. Wise partner Valentina Franceschini will join the company's board as chairperson as part of the deal.

Following the merger, the GP aims to boost the company's international expansion through additional bolt-on acquisitions and by increasing production capacity. According to a statement, the company's shareholders will provide follow-on capital of €30m within the private equity ownership period.

Companies
Founded in 1753 and headquartered in Lörrach, KBC provides textile printing services and employs a staff of 450.

Guarisco was founded in 1964 and is headquartered in Como. The company produces textile for the fashion industry.

People
Wise – Valentina Franceschini (partner).
Imprima – Valentina Franceschini (chair); Gianluca Boni (vice-chair); Paolo Gramaglia, Chiaretto Calò (co-CEOs).