The Italian subsidiary of LBO France, Gioconda, has taken a stake in Bluclad, Italian specialist in developing chemical solutions for the galvanisation of metal used in the luxury goods sector, mainly for clothing, footwear and luggage. Founded in 2008 and based in Prato near Florence, Bluclad has created a unique service for the luxury goods sector in the development of galvanic processes for all metal accessories. The Tuscan company, leader on the Italian market, works closely with both Italian and foreign luxury companies to create tailor-made solutions, which it then markets to the galvanisers. The latter use these solutions in galvanic baths to obtain the required finishing touches.

“Bluclad, which already enjoys a major market share in Italy, will gain the full support of Gioconda (a subsidiary of LBO France) to develop (i) in the French market, which is the second largest European market behind Italy, and (ii) in certain fashion-related sectors. This transaction marks the end of the first stage of the company’s restructuring which, with our support, joined the Italian stockmarket’s Elite programme, allowing it to reinforce its expertise. In light of this work, we believe that LBO France, via its subsidiary Gioconda, is the perfect partner to launch this new stage of Bluclad’s development,” say Bluclad’s founders Marco Eruli and Leandro Luconi.

Source: Private Equity Wire