Paris, Sept. 8th, 2025
DDA & Company advised Groupe Clesse, a company supported by InnovaFonds since the LBO completed in 2022, in connection with a new external growth transaction. The group, headquartered in Cournon d’Auvergne near Clermont-Ferrand, specializes in the manufacturing of gas equipment, including regulators, hoses, valves, and fittings. Through the acquisition of Polish player Grupa Weba, Groupe Clesse is further consolidating its technical expertise while broadening and strengthening its product portfolio.
By integrating Weba, Groupe Clesse is acquiring a specialist in connection products for natural gas and LPG. Grupa Weba has developed a complementary range of technical products that has enabled it to establish a leading position in the Polish market while also strengthening its footprint in other geographies such as Belgium, Lithuania, ….
This acquisition enables Groupe Clesse to take over a company generating €13 million in revenues, while integrating nearly 70 additional employees and a new manufacturing facility, thereby complementing its existing production capabilities in France, Italy, and Brazil.
Through this strategic acquisition, Groupe Clesse is significantly strengthening its international presence, particularly in Eastern Europe. The strong industrial and commercial synergies stemming from the complementarity of product ranges and teams are expected to drive a substantial acceleration in the Group’s growth trajectory over the coming years.
Led by Ralph Willi, the newly formed group now brings together more than 230 employees worldwide and generates nearly €50 million in consolidated revenues, with 80% of its sales derived from international markets.
“This international external growth transaction, which is highly transformative for Groupe Clesse, represents a concrete example of the value InnovaFonds brings through its active portfolio support strategy,” commented Anthony Dubut, President, Olivier Richard, Managing Partner, and Damien Demers, Investment Director at InnovaFonds.
“Thanks to InnovaFonds’ experience, network, and strong commitment, this acquisition allows us to deliver on one of the key objectives of our initial strategy — combining organic growth with a targeted build-up approach,” emphasized Ralph Willi, President of Groupe Clesse.
Anthony Wimbush, Managing Director at DDA & Company, concluded: “We are delighted and proud to have advised Groupe Clesse and its shareholders on this cross-border build-up transaction. This deal highlights DDA & Company’s ability, through its international network www.aica.com, to source external growth opportunities for French companies seeking to expand internationally.”
The DDA & Company team, composed of Anthony Wimbush and Charles-Antoine Cayez, advised Groupe Clesse in connection with the acquisition of Weba.
