“We are delighted to partner with Henry-Louis, Louis and Anne-Claire - it is a great opportunity for us to build a new chapter in Gravotech’s development, focused on innovation and international growth.”

Gérard Guyard, CEO, Gravotech

Gravotech

gravotech.com
Partnership to deliver international growth.

The business

Gravotech is the leader in engraving, marking and cutting solutions, serving clients in 100+ countries with its three industrial platforms in the US, France and China.

The deal

MML backed Gérard and his team’s vision for Gravotech’s growth. The roadmap of the company is to further develop its presence in key geographies (such as the US and China), with development of innovative products including laser technology, the improvement of industrial effectiveness and targeted commercial efforts.

Fund
Partnership Capital
Region
Europe
Deal Status
Current
Sector
Industrials

Catch up with Chairman, Gérard Guyard, three years post investment.

When did Gravotech start its internationalisation outside France?

Gravotech's parent company, Gravograph, created the compact Pantograph machine that disrupted engraving in the USA in 1938. It has always been an international company. It is now present in 77 countries worldwide and has manufacturing facilities in France, the USA and China.

How is Gravotech present in everyday life?

Gravotech products have multiple applications and without knowing it you are very likely to have various objects around you engraved by Gravotech equipment, laser or mechanical. Your watch might be personalized with a Gravotech machine. Several parts of your cars are engraved by Gravotech machines for traceability purpose. Signage of all kinds around you is also created with Gravotech solutions.

What was the context of MML’s investment in 2018?

In 2018, we were looking for a partner to help us grow internationally. MML stood out as an obvious choice with a similar international culture and presence, both in Europe and the US. In addition, the partnership approach Henry-Louis and his team took resonated strongly with my team and I.

How has the journey been so far?

A lot has happened! The Group previously operated under a range of brands and companies; we have now consolidated all our operations under the Gravotech brand and simplified our corporate structure to enable us to operate a seamless customer experience, globally. In parallel we have continued to develop innovative new solutions including introducing new user-friendly software and interfaces. For these strategic projects MML  has been an important sparring partner.

Related news

MML has received an offer to purchase Gravotech
MML has received an offer to purchase (referred to as the "Put Option Letter") from the French company Braton Europe S.A.R.L., a wholly owned subsidiary of Brady Corporation, the parent company of the Brady Group ("Brady"), directed to all shareholders of Gravotech Holding, the parent company of the Gravotech Group (“Gravotech”).
MML backs Gravotech, leader in marking solutions
MML has backed Gravotech, a leader in engraving, marking and cutting solutions. MML has invested as a majority partner alongside Bpifrance – a French institutional investment bank – and management. Debt is provided by a pool of senior banks and Idinvest.

Associated deal team

Henry-Louis Merieux

Managing Partner (France)
Europe

Louis De Montille

Partner
Europe

Anne-Claire Lainé

Investment Director
Europe

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