A new acquisition for Finalease Group Security

Finalease Group Security completes the acquisition of Visualys with the support of its historical partners Andera Partners and NextStage AM

Paris, December 17, 2021

Andera Partners - via its Andera Acto team specializing in sponsorless mezzanine transactions - and NextStage AM have announced that they are reinvesting alongside Patrick Lascar and Mikaël Choucroun, entrepreneurs, co-founders and majority shareholders of Finalease Group Security, to accelerate the development of the Group, a leader in anti-shoplifting solutions and the rental and sale of video surveillance systems.

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Marseille, Finalease Group Security (formerly Groupe Lease Protect) specializes in security and anti-shrinkage solutions, including the rental, installation and maintenance of video surveillance systems, security gates and customer counting systems. The group has developed an extensive range of flexible and innovative solutions (rental, remote maintenance, personalized remote video auditing, etc.) aimed at small and medium-sized businesses, major retail accounts and town halls.

Following the acquisition of Adamis in 2016, Finalease Group Security took a new step in its development in 2020 with the acquisitions of Aximéa based in the Nord region and VigiFrance based in Lyon. This consolidation enables the group to operate nationwide through its 13 agencies, and over 25,000 sites installed in France. It now employs over 190 people.

Today's acquisition of Visualys, a competitor of Lease Protect France which has been present in the PACA region for over 15 years and has a significant security subscriber base, marks the start of a new development cycle in which Patrick Lascar and Mikaël Choucroun are renewing their confidence in their long-standing partners. In a new sponsorless operation led by the Andera Acto team via its ActoMezz IV Fund, the entrepreneurs remain largely in the majority and have the resources to enable Finalease Group Security to take a new step forward after years of sustained growth which have enabled it to increase its sales by 50% - now close to €30M - and double its profitability in 3 years.

The group intends to pursue its development, both organically and through new acquisitions, in a growing market that still offers significant consolidation potential. Finalease Group Security will also be able to count on its banks (CIC, BNP Paribas) led by Caisse d'Epargne CEPAC, arranger and agent for the senior debt.

"We're delighted with the progress we've made with NextStage AM since 2014, and with their renewed confidence in us as we embark on this new stage in our development, which also marks the arrival of a new investor - Andera Acto. In this period of market consolidation, this will enable us to further accentuate the group's development and consolidate its leading position in the French market.It was also vital for Mikaël and me to give new perspectives to our employees, some of whom have been with us since the beginning, and also to those who are joining us. In this way, we keep our commitments to them, and there's nothing more rewarding than to see them flourish with us. " explains Patrick LascarChairman of Finalease Group Security.

" After a successful three-year joint venture, we are delighted to once again place our trust in Patrick Lascar and Mikaël Choucroun, and to seize the opportunity to strengthen our position within Finalease Group Security. With its resilient business model and strong prospects for internal and external growth, this project fits in perfectly with the Andera Acto philosophy. " explains Stéphane BergezManaging Partner Andera Acto.

" Having worked alongside Patrick Lascar and Mikaël Choucroun since 2014, we are delighted to be involved in this new phase of the Finalease Group adventure. Indeed, this partnership is a perfect illustration of the virtues of long-term, equity-based support, of which NextStage AM is a long-standing promoter. In seven years, Finalease Group has become a leading company in its sector, with a presence in all territories, thanks to a solid industrial vision, the integration of accretive external growth, and an unrivalled quality of execution made possible by patient capital. We are convinced that Patrick and Mikaël will once again seize excellent opportunities in this buoyant market, and continue to grow their group as a leader in its segment. " explains Aloys de Fontainesa partner at NextStage AM.

Recognized for the quality of its installation and maintenance services, Finalease Group Security continues to expand its territorial coverage to support its customers...