With an investment of €45 million, mostly though a capital increase, Cleon has provided the financial resources for the next growth stage of ABK Group and has partnered with the company’s founders.
Modena, 17 October, 2023. ABK Industrie Ceramiche S.p.A. (ABK Group) has partnered with Cleon Capital Advisors (Cleon), who enters the company’s capital as a minority shareholder. Cleon has invested €45 million, mostly through a capital increase, with the aim of supporting ABK Group’s upcoming development and expansion stage.
Founded in 1992 in Finale Emilia (Modena), ABK Group is the industry leader in the production of ‘Made in Italy’ porcelain stoneware coverings. For the past 7 years, the group has invested over €100 million in the development of cutting-edge production technologies and in strengthening its international presence through the acquisition of the French company Desvres and through commercial agreements in the United States. ABK Group has also distinguished itself for the quality and design of its products, which include an exclusive license with Versace, and for numerous innovative architectural solutions, such as the patented invisible induction system for kitchen countertops, Cooking Surface Prime.
The partnership with Cleon will allow ABK Group to capitalize on the investments made by accelerating and expanding growth opportunities with speed and flexibility.
The founding partners of ABK Group, Roberto Fabbri, Michelangelo Fortuna, and Andrea Guidorzi, commented: “the deal with Cleon represents an important milestone in a growth journey that began over 30 years ago. After careful consideration, we believe we have found in Cleon a partner who can bring not only financial resources but also a network of skills and essential relationships to seize the opportunities the group has prepared for in recent years through significant industrial investments. Cleon has a truly flexible and unique business model, different from private equity funds and, in our opinion, suitable for an entrepreneurial context that characterizes many medium-sized companies like ours. Together with Cleon, we share the goals of a new and challenging growth phase that will be led by the second generation, who have been with the company for a long time, with the support of a qualified management team.“
Lorenzo and Nicola Zambon, partners at Cleon, stated: “We are excited to join ABK Group’s founders and management and contribute to their future development goals. The vision, skills, and capabilities of the founders have guided the company along a path of continuous growth and development, positioning it as a leader in the industry in recent years. We will provide ABK Group with access to the extensive knowledge and valuable relationships within our international network of entrepreneurs who, like us, have recognized the potential of ABK Group and the significant development opportunities driven by recent technological advancements.“
ABK Group:
Founded in 1992 in Finale Emilia (Modena), ABK Group Industrie Ceramiche S.p.A. is one of the leading companies in the production and marketing of porcelain stoneware coverings for interior design and furnishings. Since its foundation, ABK Group has been dedicated to technological innovation and continuous product performance, striving for excellence in quality, functionality, and ease of application to meet the ever-growing demands of the market. Through ongoing investments in research and development, and the added value of Italian know-how, ABK Group has developed innovative ceramic materials over the years, including the Auto-Leveling™ system, large-format WIDE slabs, the patented invisible induction system for kitchen countertops, Cooking Surface Prime, state-of-the-art products with three-dimensional effects using System Ceramics’ Genesis technology and the exclusive range of refined products for Maison Versace.
ABK Group’s products and production processes are a clear demonstration of the renowned ‘Made in Italy’ quality and align with the increasingly rigorous sustainability standards set by green building principles. With a certified use of 40% recycled materials in roughly 80% of its product range, ABK Group can meet international LEED standards for its various collections right from the design phase. ABK Group’s products are distributed in more than 80 countries, and the company has over 600 employees. In 2022, the consolidated revenues reached €233 million.
For more information: www.abkgroup.it
Cleon:
Cleon Capital Advisors is an independent investment and consulting firm based in Spain that partners with entrepreneurs, managers, and investors to help them build successful companies by providing flexible capital solutions combined with first class corporate development services.
Cleon is backed by over 50 family offices, successful entrepreneurs, and managers mainly from Spain, Italy, and the rest of Europe, who provide capital, industrial expertise, and access to a unique and valuable international network of contacts.
Currently, Cleon holds positions in the capital of four companies: two in Spain (Hevo Group and Cocoon Bioscience) and two in Italy (Gias and Labomar), now adding ABK Group to Cleon’s portfolio. These companies have a combined revenue exceeding €550 million and employ approximately 1,500 individuals. In all these projects, Cleon actively collaborates with the founders and management to accelerate the development of their companies, with a particular focus on international expansion and growth through acquisitions.
