About the deal

Since Stéphane Tripot took over PORT Europe in 2003, the group became a leader in IT mobility. Its PORT Designs brand was initially positioned on the “carry & protect” luggage market (bags and cases for mobile devices). In 2015 the group diversified its activities by creating PORT Connect, a brand dedicated to technological mobility accessories such as docking stations, charging boxes for tablets and laptops etc. PORT Group distributes its products to large corporates (BtoB) as well as to major retailers (BtoBtoC) and registers sales of €28M, both in France and abroad, where it generates 40% of its business.

The group focuses on technological innovation and design. Its in-house team of experienced and passionate designers develop all of the brands’ products, together with the best design schools.

The equity investment of Dzeta into PORT Designs, alongside the management, will enable the group to accelerate its growth through key accounts development, international expansion, digitization of the business model and targeted build up.

Founded in 2009 by former operational managers, Dzeta is a French investment company that supports and advises managers on their development strategies and on the improvement of their operational and financial performance. Dzeta invests into European companies in the retail, IT, Business services and industrial sectors.

What we did

Capitalmind Investec has advised PORT Designs’ shareholders throughout the sale process: we assisted the CEO’s reflection on the exit conditions of the minority shareholder and contributed in structuring the company’s growth. We defined the deal tactics and qualified the most relevant investors. We then conducted a competitive process between the investors and negotiated the audits of this majority stake deal as well as the structuring of the LBO debt.