Caryle acquires Light Force

The founders will retain a minority stake in the company and continue the management of the firm.

Carlyle completed the acquisition through Carlyle Europe Partners III, a €5.3bn fund targeting large-cap investments.

The transaction will support the further development of the company on a national and international level.

Previous funding
DGPA reportedly injected €10m in exchange for a 31.56% stake in the firm in 2008.

Company
Founded in 1990 and based in Carpi, Modena, Light Force produces and distributes knitwear and high-end women's clothing under the Twin-Set Simona Barbieri brand. The company has 16 branded stores and also sells its products through authorised retailers and an online channel.

The company reported a turnover in excess of €103m in 2011, an increase of almost 400% on 2007 figures. Light Force employs around 300 members of staff.

People
Jean-Pierre Millet is chief investment officer of Carlyle Europe Partners III. Roberta Benaglia is founder and managing director of DGPA. Light Force founders Tiziano Sgarbi and Simona Barbieri are the company's CEO and creative director respectively.

Advisers
Equity – Latham & Watkins (Legal); Euromobiliare (Corporate finance).
Vendor – Calandra Buonaura & Andreoli (Legal); Studio Rinaldi e Russo (Legal); De Rosa Bolletta & Associati (Legal); N+1 Syz (Corporate finance).

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