PAI Partners and Ardian Acquire Audiotonix

PAI Partners is a European private equity firm that makes controlling equity investments in buyout transactions valued in excess of €300 million. PAI is particularly interested in 'investing in consolidating sectors and in markets where growth can be sustained through economic and financial market cycles.' Sectors of interest include consumer retail, professional distribution, building materials, infrastructure and utilities, media, IT, communications, food, consumer goods, healthcare, chemicals, automotive, aeronautics, paper & packaging, electrical appliances, and household equipment (heating, air-conditioning, security). The firms invest in the range of €100 - €300 million transaction. PAI was formed in 1998 and is based in Paris with additional offices in Madrid, Milan, Munich, Luxembourg, Copenhagen, and London.

Ardian is a mega-sized diversified investment group focused on opportunities worldwide. Ardian invests across and manages funds focused on small and mid-sized buyouts, growth capital financings, mezzanine, infrastructure, real estate, and co-investment opportunities. Ardian's small-buyouts group targets controlling interests in French, German, and Italian businesses valued up to €100 million. It's mid-sized buyout group seeks businesses valued up €1.5 billion and does not have any geographic limitations. The Infrastructure team looks for European opportunities and can commit up to €150 million per transaction. The Mezzanine group supports junior capital commitments of €5 to €80 million. In addition to direct investing, Ardian also manages various private equity fund-of-funds. Ardian was founded in 1996 and is based in Paris.

Ardian is a mega-sized diversified investment group focused on opportunities worldwide. Ardian invests across and manages funds focused on small and mid-sized buyouts, growth capital financings, mezzanine, infrastructure, real estate, and co-investment opportunities. Ardian's small-buyouts group targets controlling interests in French, German, and Italian businesses valued up to €100 million. It's mid-sized buyout group seeks businesses valued up €1.5 billion and does not have any geographic limitations. The Infrastructure team looks for European opportunities and can commit up to €150 million per transaction. The Mezzanine group supports junior capital commitments of €5 to €80 million. In addition to direct investing, Ardian also manages various private equity fund-of-funds. Ardian was founded in 1996 and is based in Paris.

Astorg Partners is a private equity firm that targets small to midcap company investments primarily in France and to a limited extent, Western Europe. Astorg Partners looks for companies valued between €400 million and €2 billion, requiring at least €15 million in equity. Areas of interest include healthcare, retail, distribution, hospitality, and professional services. Prospective transaction situations include leverage build-ups, divestitures, family transitions, and secondary buyouts. Astorg Partners was formed in 1998 and is based in Paris and has additional offices in London and Luxembourg.