KPS CAPITAL PARTNERS TO ACQUIRE CONTROLLING STAKE IN NOVACEL FROM COMPAGNIE CHARGEURS INVEST SA
MWN-AI** Summary
KPS Capital Partners, LP has announced its acquisition of a controlling stake in Chargeurs Films de Protection SAS, known as Novacel, from Compagnie Chargeurs Invest SA. The deal, which is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, allows Chargeurs to retain a 25% interest in Novacel, reflecting its confidence in the company’s future earnings potential alongside KPS. The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
Novacel is a prominent global producer of surface protection solutions, catering to various markets including construction, industrial, and transportation. Headquartered in Deville, France, Novacel operates six manufacturing facilities and three research and development centers across Europe and the U.S., employing around 700 personnel.
KPS intends to leverage its strategic and operational expertise to enhance Novacel's market position and foster growth. Pierre de Villeméjane, a partner at KPS, emphasized their excitement about Novacel’s strong brand, diverse product offerings, and extensive R&D capabilities. Similarly, Philippe Denoix, CEO of Novacel, expressed optimism about KPS's commitment to operational improvement and innovation, laying the groundwork for future advancements in product quality and customer partnerships.
Michaël Fribourg, the CEO of Chargeurs, highlighted KPS's proven track record in global manufacturing as a critical factor in the decision to invest alongside them. With this acquisition, KPS aims to enhance Novacel’s capabilities and strategic positioning in the ever-evolving surface protection market. The acquisition reflects KPS's broader investment strategy focused on driving long-term value through operational excellence and innovation in manufacturing businesses.
MWN-AI** Analysis
KPS Capital Partners' recent move to acquire a controlling stake in Novacel from Compagnie Chargeurs Invest SA represents a significant development in the surface protection solutions market. This acquisition positions KPS to leverage Novacel's established market presence and innovative capabilities to drive growth and operational efficiencies.
Investors should take note of several key factors. First, Novacel is recognized for its comprehensive product offerings across various sectors, including industrial and transportation, supported by robust R&D facilities in key regions such as France, Italy, and the USA. This geographical and operational footprint not only diversifies revenue streams but provides a significant competitive advantage, particularly as demand for sustainable and protective packaging solutions grows globally.
Secondly, KPS's strategic vision emphasizes enhancing Novacel’s operational excellence and expanding its market share through potential mergers and acquisitions. This aligns well with trends in the manufacturing sector that favor consolidation to achieve economies of scale and increased market presence. Investors should consider the potential for earnings growth as KPS implements its operational improvements and expands Novacel’s reach through strategic investments.
Moreover, KPS's ability to fine-tune Novacel’s financial structure—drawing on its extensive experience in optimizing industrial firms—could lead to improved profit margins and operational efficiencies. Chargeurs retaining a 25% stake indicates confidence in Novacel's long-term prospects, which should be viewed positively by current and prospective investors.
In conclusion, the acquisition is expected to create value not just for KPS and Novacel but also for stakeholders looking to benefit from a revitalized company positioned for growth. As Novacel embarks on this new chapter, close attention should be paid to operational metrics and strategic developments that may drive future profitability. Investors could view this as an opportune time to evaluate positions, given the likely forthcoming innovations and expansions in Novacel’s business model.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
Canada NewsWire
NEW COMPANY WILL BE A LEADING MANUFACTURER OF SURFACE PROTECTION SOLUTIONS
COMPAGNIE CHARGEURS INVEST SA TO RETAIN 25% OWNERSHIP INTEREST
NEW YORK, Jan. 26, 2026 /CNW/ -- KPS Capital Partners, LP ("KPS") announced today that, through a newly formed affiliate, it has entered into a definitive agreement under which KPS will acquire a controlling stake in Chargeurs Films de Protection SAS ("Novacel" or the "Company"). The selling shareholder, Compagnie Chargeurs Invest SA ("Chargeurs") (ENXTPA:CRI) will invest alongside KPS and retain a 25% ownership interest in the Company. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Completion of the transaction is expected in the second quarter of 2026 and is subject to customary closing conditions and approvals.
Novacel is a leading global manufacturer of surface protection solutions across building exterior, building interior & equipment, industrial, appliances and transportation end-markets. The Company offers a full suite of solutions, including process and protection films, tapes, papers and specialty machines. Novacel is headquartered in Deville, France, has approximately 700 employees and operates six manufacturing facilities and three R&D centers across France, Italy and the United States.
Pierre de Villeméjane, Partner and Co-Head of KPS Mid-Cap Investments, said, "We are excited to acquire a controlling stake in Novacel, a differentiated surface protection solutions manufacturer with a diverse product portfolio, broad geographic footprint, best-in-class R&D capabilities and an attractive customer base. The Company's solutions are essential to its customers' manufacturing processes across a wide range of applications. We look forward to working with Novacel's talented management team to build upon this great platform. Novacel's strong brand, renowned R&D capabilities and commitment to quality, combined with KPS' strategic, operational and financial resources, provide an ideal foundation for future growth."
Philippe Denoix, Chief Executive Officer of Novacel, said, "KPS, with its demonstrated track record of manufacturing excellence is the ideal next owner of Novacel as it enters this next phase of growth as an independent company. We look forward to working closely together with KPS and our talented team to expand our technical leadership and continue delivering new, innovative high-quality products that provide significant value for our customers. KPS' commitment to manufacturing excellence, operational improvement and innovation will enable us to build on Novacel's strong market position and deepen our partnerships with customers globally."
Michaël Fribourg, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Chargeurs, said, "We have been compelled by KPS' strategic vision for Novacel and its proven track record in managing global manufacturing and industrial businesses. Chargeurs' investment alongside KPS highlights our belief in the Company's earnings growth and value creation potential under KPS' direction, and we look forward to partnering with KPS in driving Novacel's next phase of growth, with a focus on M&A build up in the surface protection market."
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP served as legal counsel and Rothschild & Co served as financial advisor to KPS.
About Novacel
Novacel is a leading global manufacturer of surface protection solutions across building exterior, building interior & equipment, industrial, appliances and transportation end-markets. The Company offers a full suite of solutions, including process and protection films, tapes, papers and specialty machines. Novacel is headquartered in Deville, France, has approximately 700 employees and operates six manufacturing facilities and three R&D centers across France, Italy and the United States. For more information about Novacel, visit www.novacel-solutions.com.
About Compagnie Chargeurs Invest
Compagnie Chargeurs Invest (ENXTPA:CRI) is a mixed industrial and financial company with a role as an operator and developer of global champions in industry and services, and as an investor with a culture of active portfolio management of high value-added businesses. Active in nearly 100 countries with around 2,600 employees, Compagnie Chargeurs Invest relies on the long-term commitment of Groupe Familial Fribourg, a committed controlling shareholder, and on its portfolio of assets, to meet the major challenges of its markets. Compagnie Chargeurs Invest achieved revenues of €729.6 million in 2024. For more information about Chargeurs, visit www.chargeurs.com.
About KPS Capital Partners
KPS, through its affiliated management entities, is the manager of the KPS Special Situations Funds, a family of investment funds with $19.5 billion of assets under management (as of September 30, 2025). For over three decades, the Partners of KPS have worked exclusively to realize significant capital appreciation by making controlling equity investments in manufacturing and industrial companies across a diverse array of industries, including basic materials, branded consumer, healthcare and luxury products, automotive parts, capital equipment and general manufacturing. KPS creates value for its investors by working constructively with talented management teams to make businesses better, and generates investment returns by structurally improving the strategic position, competitiveness and profitability of its portfolio companies, rather than primarily relying on financial leverage. The KPS Funds' portfolio companies have aggregate annual revenues of approximately $21.2 billion, operate 202 manufacturing facilities in 21 countries, and have approximately 55,000 employees, directly and through joint ventures worldwide (as of September 30, 2025). The KPS investment strategy and portfolio companies are described in detail at www.kpsfund.com.
KPS Mid-Cap focuses on investments in the lower end of the middle market. KPS Mid-Cap targets the same type of investment opportunities and utilizes the same investment strategy that KPS' flagship funds have for over three decades. KPS Mid-Cap leverages and benefits from KPS' global platform, reputation, track record, infrastructure, best practices, knowledge and experience. The KPS Mid-Cap investment team is managed by Partners Pierre de Villeméjane and Ryan Harrison, who lead a team of experienced and talented professionals.
SOURCE KPS Capital Partners, LP
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FAQ**
How does KPS Capital Partners plan to leverage its investment in Novacel to enhance the company's market position in surface protection solutions compared to competitors, such as Carter's Inc. CRI?
What specific growth strategies will KPS Capital Partners implement for Novacel post-acquisition to maximize value creation, and how does that relate to Carter's Inc. CRI?
Given KPS's history in manufacturing investments, how might their operational improvement initiatives for Novacel differ from those historically employed by Carter's Inc. CRI?
In which ways does Chargeurs' retained 25% interest impact KPS Capital Partners' strategic plans for Novacel, particularly in relation to potential synergies with Carter's Inc. CRI?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Carter's Inc. (NYSE: CRI).
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