Paris, France, June 1st, 2023 – Hivest Capital – an independent French private equity firm – has, with the support of co-investors, acquired 100% of Safran’s Cargo and Catering activities.
A new aerospace equipment company, Cabin & Cargo Equipment Group (‘CCE Group’), was founded to oversee these two activities and has named Klaus Hofmann as its CEO.
Klaus Hofmann, previously the Vice President of Safran Cabin Cargo, will also be the new CEO of the Cargo activity, now operating under the name ‘AviusULD.’
“Our clients can rest assured that they will get the same level of quality service that they have come to expect from Safran,” said Hofmann. “Plus, we will now have increased freedom to create even more cutting-edge products.”
AviusULD manufactures and distributes Unit Load Devices or ‘ULDs’ (lower-deck/main-deck containers and pallets), which are used to transport air freight. With more than 700,000 ULDs sold since its original inception, AviusULD immediately establishes itself as a main global player in this market.
Jerry van Vive, who was previously the CEO of Safran Cabin Aircatering Equipment, has been appointed as the CEO of Driessen.
“This is an exciting time for our company,” said Jerry van Vive. “Our goal is to continue providing cutting-edge catering equipment that enables our customers and their staff to deliver the best possible experience to their passengers. At the same time, we will keep innovating our solutions to meet the changing passenger demands of tomorrow.”
The Catering activity, which will now operate under the name ‘Driessen’, manufactures and supplies trolleys, containers, and other catering equipment for airlines and rail companies. With more than 650,000 units in service, Driessen is the undisputed global leader in the supply of trolleys as of Day 1 of its existence.
The Cargo & Cabin activities of CCE Group are renowned for their innovative products such as the Class-D fire-resistant container and the connected trolley. Headquartered in Europe, CCE Group employs approximately 1,500 people.
“CCE Group has both a global reach and an extensive local presence in the main geographies of the aerospace market,” added Klaus Hofmann. “This presence and our unrivalled R&D capability enable us to offer the most innovative and agile solutions to meet the unique needs of all our existing clients and future clients alike.”
Hivest Capital, in partnership with the current management team, aims to transform CCE Group into a global leading supplier of niche cabin and cargo equipment solutions for the aerospace industry. This strategy will be supported by in-house product development and a targeted external growth strategy.
About Hivest Capital
With c. €500m under management, Hivest Capital is an independent French private equity firm approved by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Hivest Capital invests in SMEs or mid-cap companies with a turnover between €50m and €500m, in the context of buyout or capital expansion projects. Hivest Capital’s objective is to help companies reach their full potential by implementing ambitious growth strategies and improving operational performance.
About CCE Group
With c. €130m revenues in 2022, CCE Group is an aerospace platform focusing on the development of companies with leadership positions in niche markets of the Cabin & Cargo equipment space. Headquartered in France, CCE Group employs more than 1,500 people globally. CCE Group was created in 2023 with the acquisition of AviusULD & Driessen.
About AviusULD
A leading manufacturer of Unit Load Devices (“ULDs”). ULDs are containers or pallets used to efficiently load luggage and freight into passenger and cargo aircraft, enabling forecasting and planning of the aircraft’s weight and balance. Founded in 1972 and headquartered in the Netherlands, Cargo activity has more than 350 employees globally. The company develops a comprehensive range of high-quality and innovative products for airlines and shipping companies.
About Driessen
The global leading supplier of catering equipment offering a complete range of trolleys and containers for the catering activities of airlines and rail companies. Founded in 1986 and headquartered in the Netherlands, Catering activity has more than 1,150 employees globally. The company’s leadership stems from its complete range of high-quality products, a global network and long-lasting, trusting relationships with more than 200 airlines.
Contacts
Hivest Capital Partners
Barthélemy GRAVE, [email protected]
CCE Group
Klaus Hofmann, [email protected]
AviusULD
Klaus Hofmann, [email protected]
Driessen
Jerry VAN VIVE, [email protected]
