Oaklins KBC Securities supports the shareholders of Scaldis, the Belgian leader in maintenance of professional clothing, in the sale to French group Elis

We are happy to announce that Oaklins KBC Securities acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to the shareholders of Scaldis in selling 100% of the shares to French-listed group Elis.

The case

Scaldis is the Belgian market leader in the rental, sale and maintenance of professional clothing. It operates through three dedicated divisions: industrial clothing, cleanroom & high-care and anti-dust carpets. From locations in Péruwelz and Lyon, a variety of clients is served, amongst which global pharmaceutical and industrial corporates. Scaldis serves as a one-stop-shop and its products and services covers the full scope of its clients’ needs, allowing clients to focus on their core business. Over the last 50 years, supported by two generations of the Vanneste family, the company evolved from a local industrial laundry to a leading specialist service provider. In 2020, Scaldis was nominated as Trends Gazelle, a recognition of its track record of growth.

Elis is an international multi-service provider of textile, hygiene and facilities solutions, generating over EUR 3 billion of sales in 2019, listed on Euronext Paris. The group operates in Europe and Latin America, and is the market leader in most of the 28 countries in which its services are offered. The group has 440 production and service sites, employing a total of 45,000 professionals and works for public authorities and commercial organizations of small to international size and in all sectors.

This acquisition enables Elis to expand its reach in the Belgian market and strengthen its position in the profitable and fast-growing Ultra Clean market (workwear for customers with specific needs: pharmaceutical-medical, microelectronics and aerospace).

Vincent Vanneste, shareholder and Managing Director of the company commented: “Oaklins KBC Securities has proven to be a trusted partner, offering an excellent service, tailored to our needs. They were fully committed to support us as entrepreneurs in obtaining the best outcome on all aspects of this deal. During difficult times and in a complex setting, they were able to leverage their expertise and demonstrated a goal-oriented approach towards a successful closing and were willing to go the extra mile.”


A testimony that resilient businesses with the right story are still able to transact at premium pricing during these uncertain Covid-19 times

“Supported by our Oaklins and CBC colleagues, we were able to effectively convert market intelligence and position Scaldis as a prime target in the highly attractive and consolidating cleanroom sector. This deal shows that being persistent in turbulent times, tailoring the process to our clients need and adapting swiftly in rapidly changing circumstances, is key to obtaining a favorable outcome. We are happy to have been able to support a compelling Walloon story, with Scaldis having been a Trends Gazelle nominee in 2020.”

Dominique Deschamps, Co-Head of M&A at Oaklins KBC Securities

Deal team

Dominique Deschamps
Co-head M&A

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Alexander Gryson
Associate Director

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Nicolas Ockier
Associate