Charles-Antoine joined Capital Export in 2013, after two years with XAnge Private Equity and Amundi Private Equity.
He has been involved in more than 10 transactions (LBO and Expansion Capital). He is a graduate of ESSCA Paris.
HPS
Production of high-tech hydraulic cylinders
Founded in 1990, HPS International designs, produces, and sells high-tech hydraulic cylinders. More than 90% of the company’s sales are in international markets.
HPS is present in 8 countries, with 5 production sites: 2 in France (Ennery and Saint-Chamon with its subsidiary ACIM), 1 in China (Shenzhen), 1 in Brazil (Sao Paulo), and 1 in Germany with its subsidiary Hydropneu. This international coverage allows the company to supply dynamic markets in Germany, North America, and Asia (particularly China).
In 2017, Capital Export led an MBI transaction with Grégory Poitrasson, who took over as CEO of the company.
Grégory Poitrasson and Capital Export have founded HPS International’s growth on 3 key areas: (i) international expansion in North American, German, and Asian markets; (ii) launch of new innovative products (completing the test phase before pre-marketing); and (iii) improvement of manufacturing processes.
The company has pursued this development strategy thanks to Capital Export’s support and guidance during the main phases: identification of build-up targets in Europe (Germany and France in particular), leading to the acquisition of ACIM in France, Hydropneu in Germany, and Iron Jaw in Portugal; recruitment of international executives; opening of a production unit in the United States; obtaining financing and subsidies to support this ambitious industrial project.
“Capital Export was the ideal partner to lead this transaction, thanks to its understanding of manufacturing sectors, expertise, international networks, and pragmatic approach, which allowed me to embark on this entrepreneurial adventure. The HPS Group has a solid manufacturing and commercial foundation that will pave the way for the company’s ambitious industrial project supported by Capital Export.”
“We are proud of the new energy Grégory Poitrasson has brought to the company since 2017 and the achievement of the strategic objectives we set together. The HPS Group has doubled in size and now has all the resources it needs (industrial, commercial, technical, and human) to seize the opportunities that will emerge once the market has recovered.”
