March 2018
Equiteq, the knowledge economy M&A specialist, is pleased to announce that it has advised Business Integration Partners (Bip), a leading European consulting firm headquartered in Italy, and its majority investor, middle-market private equity firm Argos Soditic, in connection with their agreement to sell a majority stake in Bip to Apax Partners, one of the pre-eminent global private equity investors. Apax represents the perfect partner to support Bip’s long-term growth, which includes pursuing both organic and inorganic growth globally.
Founded in 2003, Bip provides management consulting and business integration services to support companies in the research and adoption of disruptive technological innovation. The company has over 1,800 professionals in 11 countries, and works with a range of international clients across financial services, life sciences, technology & media, manufacturing, energy, and the public sector. Gilles Rigal and Damien de Bettignies, partners at Apax Partners, said “We are extremely pleased to share with all the equity partners and their team, the ambition to establish Bip as an undisputed global leading consulting company. We have the expertise, resources and experience to accompany Bip during the next phase of its development, and particularly to help accelerate its international growth both organically and through build-ups.” Nino Lo Bianco, Carlo Capé and Fabio Troiani, founders of Bip, added “This new partnership would allow Bip to enter into a very exciting new stage. Apax Partners shares with us the same objective which is to accelerate growth and develop innovative services. With the implication of all our talented employees across the globe and Apax Partners’ significant experience and resources we are confident in our ability to achieve this objective.” Nicodemo Esposito, Managing Director of Equiteq’s North America practice, commented, “Nino, Carlo, Fabio, and the Bip team built an impressive global business by focusing on their clients’ needs and developing world-class talent within their team. As a result of Equiteq’s sector focus and global reach, Bip approached us seeking strategic advice on how to best position the company to achieve its goal of being an undisputed global player. We are very pleased to have helped them begin that journey via this new partnership with Apax Partners.” To see all of our deals, please click here. ©Equiteq 2018