RSM, the 6th largest global network of consulting and audit firms, conducted the buy-side financial, tax, and payroll due diligence for the ACO Group, an international leader in surface water drainage systems, during the acquisition of Limatec, France's leading manufacturer of stainless steel wastewater drainage systems.
The ACO Group was supported by a multidisciplinary team led by Eric Fougedoire and Cécile Guyot, RSM partners, for the execution of this cross-border deal.
Through this operation, RSM’s Corporate Finance division demonstrates its ability to support mid-cap companies in the specialized B2B distribution sector with their buy-and-build strategy.
Press Release from the ACO Group
The ACO Group, a global leader in water management and drainage systems, announces the acquisition of Limatec, a leading player in the field of stainless steel wastewater drainage systems in France. This strategic union marks a key milestone for both companies and paves the way for a promising collaboration based on shared values and common ambitions.
“This acquisition represents much more than just a union of companies. It’s a meeting of values, expertise, and ambitions. Together, we will be able to offer our clients an unmatched range of products and services while continuing to innovate to address the challenges of tomorrow,” said Mr. Ahlmann, Managing Partner of the ACO Group.
Since its founding in 1978, Limatec has established itself as a recognized expert in stainless steel drainage, with exceptional mastery of the French market and high-quality products. On the other hand, ACO benefits from a strong international presence and proven technological expertise in sustainable water management.
By joining forces, ACO and Limatec combine their expertise to offer a complete and innovative range of building water management solutions. This complementarity will enable them to more effectively meet market needs by providing increasingly high-performance, sustainable solutions that address current and future environmental challenges.
Thanks to this alliance, customers will not only benefit from an expanded offer covering complete water management in buildings, but also from enhanced service and high-level technical expertise.
The two companies share a common heritage: that of family-owned businesses, grounded in values of trust, commitment, and long-term vision. This shared DNA will facilitate a smooth integration and ensure continuity in the quality of products and services offered.
After leading Limatec, Isabelle Figueras, daughter of the company’s founder, will pass the torch to Frédéric Vincke. Frédéric will assume the role of CEO of Limatec while continuing to lead the Building Drainage division at ACO France. In his new role, he is committed to preserving Limatec’s legacy while strengthening the collaboration between the two organizations. Isabelle will assist Frédéric during this transition.
This alliance perfectly aligns with ACO’s vision, summed up by its slogan “ACO. We care for water.” By placing the water cycle (collect, clean, hold, reuse) at the heart of its innovations, ACO reaffirms its commitment to developing sustainable solutions for optimal and responsible water resource management.
The RSM team
The RSM team involved was composed of:
- Financial due diligence: Eric Fougedoire, Baptiste Petitgenet, Alpha Ba
- Tax and payroll due diligence: Cécile Guyot, Déborah Kocher, Giovanni Terrana