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.’
