What led you to found GDI?
My grandfather and father had their own business in the construction industry, so I was born and bred with an entrepreneurial mindset. I started my first company in the field of building insulation together with my twin brother Fréderic in 1987. We then developed our own businesses in adjacent markets with rather parallel growth trajectories. Today, GDI is the French leader in passive fire protection with a comprehensive range of solutions.
What drives the passive fire protection market?
Stricter legislation driven by safety concerns is a constant trend benefitting players such as GDI. Recent tragic events, including major fires such as Notre Dame, Grenfell Tower, Mont Blanc Tunnel and several skyscrapers in Dubai, are pushing authorities to tighten legislation even further.
Why did you choose MML as a financial partner in 2021?
MML offers the great combination of flexibility and international presence which is a key facilitator for GDI's international expansion. It is also a question of fit and we built a confident relationship with Henry-Louis during the investment process, confirming our desire to partner with MML.
How has the journey been so far?
Busy! We are further structuring the group and developing our commercial proposition, while continuing to grow, so there is a lot going on. Henry-Louis and the team provide the right level of strategic support and challenge to ensure we stay focused on our strategic goals.