Ardian invests in Sicer

The investment fund is supporting the buyout by Sicer’s entrepreneurs and managers, who aim to consolidate the group’s position in Europe and expand in North America and Asia.

The Ardian investment fund has acquired a minority stake in Sicer, a long-established player operating globally in the production of premium glazes and inks for high-end ceramic tiles. Through this investment, Ardian will support Sicer’s ambitious development plans in partnership with entrepreneurs Gianfranco Padovani (Executive Chairman), Giuliano Ferrari (CEO) and Marco Eumenidi (Sales Director), who will reinvest significantly in the group with the acquisition of a majority stake. This majority shareholding is being sold by the private equity fund Demos 1, managed by Azimut Libera Impresa SGR (Azimut Group), which invested in the company in November 2020.

Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Fiorano Modenese, Sicer specialises in the development and production of innovative, high-performance glazes, inks, frits and grits for ceramic tiles. These products are essential for the surface treatment of high-end ceramic tiles, enhancing their durability, resistance and aesthetics. Over the years, the company has built a strong reputation with a customer-oriented approach based on its commitment to quality and sustainability, exceptional service and innovation capabilities.

“Sicer is a company with strong growth potential, blending tradition and innovation with technical expertise and customer focus,” notes Francois Jerphagnon of Ardian. “We believe in its potential and the vast experience of its management team, with whom we share values and entrepreneurial vision.”

Sicer has a widespread presence in the main global ceramic districts, with production sites in Italy, Spain, the United States, Mexico, India and Indonesia, and expects to close 2024 with revenues of approximately €130 million.

Ardian’s investment will help Sicer further consolidate its position in the European market, particularly in Italy and Spain, key regions for high-end ceramics. Additionally, Sicer plans to expand in the United States and India, leveraging its innovative products and strong international customer relationships. The company’s growth strategy focuses on enhancing its production capabilities, developing new products and pursuing potential acquisitions to strengthen its global position.

“We are excited to partner with Ardian, whose support will be crucial to achieve our growth plans. This investment will further strengthen our international presence, particularly in North America and Asia,” said Gianfranco Padovani, who also thanked Azimut Libera Impresa: “Their support and collaboration over the past four years have been crucial for our international growth journey, not just through targeted industrial investments but also thanks to acquisitions in strategic countries that will enable our Group to further solidify its global leadership.”