After working in R&D at Groupe Renault for 3 years, Michel spent 7 years at Entrepreneur Invest, where he helped originate, structure, and support more than 20 expansion capital and LBO transactions, with a focus on innovative companies with distinctive expertise.
Michel joined Capital Export in 2017, after a rewarding experience as the General Manager of an export-based industrial SME. He offers both his investment experience and extensive knowledge of distinctive French companies that are key to Capital Export’s mission.
Michel is a graduate of ESSEC and ESTACA.
Proconect
Manufacturer and supplier of electronic and electrical equipment for complex and difficult environments
Founded in 1981, Proconect designs, assembles, and distributes power connectors for complex industrial applications in critical environments. The company has proven expertise in the rail, port, airport, and mining sectors, as well as with heavy vehicle equipment manufacturers. Proconect’s products are sold through distributors around the world (Europe, Asia, South America, and Oceania). The company generates 70% of its sales through exports.
In July 2021, the group acquired Minilampe, a manufacturer of industrial lighting solutions. Minilampe is an SME with extensive experience in the production of incandescent bulbs for railway signaling, the only company able to produce these filaments and glasswork. In recent years, it has extended its offer to include LED lighting. It now supplies not only the railway sector, but the aeronautics, defense, and navy industries as well.
In July 2020, Béatrice Barokhel took over from the company’s founder, Bertrand Courtaigne. She became CEO after working for the company for 29 years. At that time, Capital Export also became a majority shareholder and strategic partner.
Proconect and Capital Export are working together on a development strategy to achieve €25 million in sales within five years and become a leading supplier of electrical equipment in complex and critical environments. This strategy is based on strong organic growth as well as active and selective acquisitions of companies with similar products in related markets. The company has an ambitious development plan in France and abroad, supported by Capital Export’s many tools, networks, and value creation levers.
Shortly after its investment in July 2021, Capital Export helped Proconect acquire Minilampe, an established creator of lighting solutions in complex environments. In less than 2 years, the company has doubled its sales. It has also launched several projects to boost growth both in France and abroad.
“After developing Proconect for many years, I’m now eager to create new momentum through my leadership. I believe that Capital Export will effectively support our growth ambitions, particularly in the export market, and help us identify and carry out relevant acquisitions, both in France and abroad.”
“We are thrilled to work on this project with Béatrice Barokhel. The company has strong growth and build-up potential in a sector that remains fragmented. By capitalizing on Proconect’s extensive experience and the talent of its employees, we believe the company will be able to expand to new sectors and new geographic areas. Its acquisition of Minilampe in July 2021 is a key step in this direction.”
