CLS
Country: France
Region: Midi-Pyrénées
Investors: Sofinetti, IRDI, Epicea
Set up in 1986, CLS, a satellite surveillance company, was supported by risk capital from its earliest days. The company benefitted from private equity investment and guidance at every stage of its development from start-up to well established mid-cap company.
In just 25 years, staff numbers grew from 25 to almost 400 and turnover rose from € 20 to € 61 million (in 2011). The business has truly internationalised; it now boasts 15 subsidiaries and offices throughout the world and 60 percent of turnover is generated by exports.
Phillipe Sentous
Financial Manager - CLS
The company has grown consistently since the year 2000.
400
employees
61m
turnover
What did the business need?
Expert shepherding of the company at every stage of its development
To make an innovative idea into a profitable company
To diversify its lines of business
How did private equity backing create lasting value?
Business diversified
Staff numbers increased
New products
Improved marketing of services
What outcomes did private equity investment achieve?
Key player in environmental surveillance, sustainable development of sea resources and sea security
Turnover more than tripled
From 25 to nearly 400 employees in 25 years
Regularly recording double digit growth IRDI and Sofinetti still hold stakes, Epicea sold in 2008
Investors
