Soflog

In October 2005 3i invested €23 million in Soflog, the French industrial logistics specialist. 3i initiated the opportunity through a direct marketing approach to Nicolas Nonon, Soflog's Managing Director, two years beforehand.

This 50-year old family company has expertise in industrial logistics for international equipment manufacturers and operates a network of 27 sites in France.

As an active minority shareholder, 3i has utilised its in-depth knowledge of the European logistics sector to add value to Soflog in a number of areas, including the recruitment of a chairman and chief financial officer.

3i also supported Soflog in its acquisition in March 2006 of Télis, enabling Soflog to double its size immediately with a combined global turnover of €140 million per annum from 50 local sites.